SENATOR Richard J. Gordon has sponsored a measure seeking to amend the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) Law to pave the way for the expansion of the Subic Special Economic Zone and the Clark Special Economic Zone, increase their powers and revise the allocation of income.
“With this bill, we revitalize and spread the blessings of the Subic experience to neighboring communities who are willing to share the same culture of hard work, the same vision of prosperity and development, and the same willingness to work hard to make it happen. We also hope to further strengthen Subic’s equally successful neighbor, Clark Special Economic Zone by expanding its scope and fine-tuning policies that will further its growth,” he said in sponsoring Senate Bill No. 2207.
SBN 2207 is entitled, An Act Revitalizing The Bases Conversion Development, Amending For The Purpose Republic Act No. 7227, Otherwise Known As The "Bases Conversion And Development Act Of 1992," As Amended.
Under the measure, Subic Special Economic Zone will be developed into a self-sustaining industrial, commercial, financial and investment center to generate employment opportunities in and around the zone and to attract and promote not only productive foreign investments, but domestic investments as well
The measure also seeks to expand the Subic Special Economic Zone by extending its territory to include the whole or part of San Antonio town in Zambales and the municipalities of Morong, Hermosa and Dinalupihan in Bataan, upon resolution of their respective Sanggunian, for a period of not less than 50 years.
Meanwhile, Clark Special Economic Zone’s Freeport zone will be increased to 35,400 hectares from 4,400 hectares.
It also mandates the SBMA Board of Directors to provide a Master Plan for the phased expansion of the freeport zone every two years in Olongapo, Zambales, and in the municipalities of Dinalupihan, Hermosa and Morong, Bataan. (PR)