The House of Representatives has approved on second reading House Bill No. 9257, a Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority measure that seeks to strengthen the development framework of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) by allowing carefully regulated residential freehold arrangements within economic zones.
During the sponsorship of the measure, Representative Ricardo Cruz, Jr., Vice Chairperson of the Special Committee on Bases Conversion, said the proposal is ultimately about creating more opportunities for Filipinos through jobs, housing, stronger communities, and economic growth.
“It is about jobs.”
“The bill is about creating more opportunities for Filipinos. It is about jobs. It is about decent and comfortable housing. It is about stronger communities and greater economic growth,” Cruz said in his sponsorship speech.
According to the legislator, the measure builds on the success of BCDA developments such as Bonifacio Global City, Newport City, Clark Freeport Zone, Camp John Hay, and New Clark City, which transformed former military camps into major economic and investment centers.
However, the lawmaker noted that under the current framework, development in BCDA areas remains limited by leasehold arrangements, resulting in many workers living far from their places of employment because affordable and permanent housing options remain scarce.
“And this is exactly what Bill seeks to improve. The bill allows a limited and carefully planned freehold arrangement for residential areas in BCDA zones. In simple terms, this means more opportunities for Filipinos to own homes closer to where they work,” he explained.
“Ang gusto natin ay sariling bahay. This bill supports that dream.”
“Because let us be honest, ang gusto ng Pilipino ay hindi habang buhay na umuupa. Ang gusto natin ay sariling bahay. This bill supports that dream,” Cruz added.
He said the measure would help create communities where workers can live near jobs, schools, transportation hubs, and business centers, reducing travel time and improving quality of life for Filipino families.
“Imagine a worker spending less time commuting and more time with family. Imagine communities where people can live near jobs, schools, transport, and business. Imagine stronger local economies because people are not only working in these areas, but truly building lives there,” Cruz said.
He also emphasized that concerns raised during the veto of a previous version of the measure in the 19th Congress have already been addressed in the substitute bill.
Cruz said the revised measure now clearly recognizes the role of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in land surveys, validation, and titling processes, while also ensuring compliance with the government’s one-fund policy by directing revenues to the National Treasury. Provisions that previously raised concerns, such as the increase in authorized capital, were likewise removed.
“In short, pinakinggan natin ang veto, inayos natin ang bill,” he said.
Cruz stressed that the proposal is not merely about land disposition, but about building sustainable communities and expanding economic opportunities for ordinary Filipinos.
“This is about building communities. This is about giving workers and families a better chance and stability. This is about creating growth that people actually feel,” he said.
“Kapag mas malapit ang tahanan sa trabaho, mas magaan ang buhay. When families are stronger, communities become stronger. And when communities become stronger, our economy becomes stronger,” Cruz concluded.
