THE House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on third and final reading a bill aimed at modernizing the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and giving the government greater flexibility to transform strategic state-owned properties into catalysts for national development.
Voting 271-9, with two abstentions, lawmakers passed House Bill No. 9257, a priority measure under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) principally authored by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” G. Marcos.
Speaker Dy said the measure reflects a broader effort to ensure that valuable public assets are not left underutilized but are instead harnessed to address the country’s evolving development needs.
“Land is one of the government’s most valuable assets. When put to productive use, it can create opportunities, attract investments, and fuel long-term growth. This measure ensures that these assets work for the Filipino people,” Dy said.
The bill amends Republic Act No. 7227, or the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, to provide a framework for the possible reclassification of limited portions of selected BCDA properties for development purposes, subject to strict government oversight and presidential approval.
Dy stressed that the proposal does not weaken existing safeguards over public lands and military reservations.
“This is not a measure for indiscriminate land disposal. It is a carefully structured policy that preserves government control while providing the flexibility needed to respond to future housing, institutional and economic requirements,” the Speaker from Isabela said.
Under the measure, portions of BCDA-administered properties, including areas within Clark, New Clark City, Poro Point, Camp John Hay and the Bataan Technology Park, may be considered for reclassification as alienable and disposable lands.
The bill limits the area that may be reclassified and earmarks portions for residential, institutional, industrial and mixed-use developments consistent with national priorities and approved development plans.
Any reclassification or disposition of covered properties would require presidential approval and compliance with planning and regulatory requirements.
Dy said the proposal recognizes that development must be both strategic and sustainable.
“Our responsibility is not only to protect public assets but to make them productive. Untapped potential benefits no one. When properly planned and responsibly managed, these properties can help support economic activity, generate opportunities and improve the quality of life of our people,” he said.
The measure also requires periodic reporting to the Office of the President and directs that proceeds generated from authorized land dispositions be remitted to the national government.
The bill further provides that military camps, bases and reservations under the jurisdiction of the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines shall remain protected and unaffected by the proposed reforms.
Dy said the House approval demonstrates its commitment to pursuing reforms that combine economic growth with responsible governance.
“This measure is ultimately about stewardship. We owe it to the Filipino people to ensure that every government asset is managed responsibly, transparently and in a manner that creates lasting value for the nation. That is the principle that guides this reform.”
