House Oks Bulacan airport ecozone

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a bill creating an economic zone adjacent to the planned airport in Bulacan.

The proposed Bulacan Airport City Special Economic Zone and Freeport Zone covers the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) that diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) will build and operate, Airport City to be developed adjacent to the airport and other areas near the Airport City.

The bill also seeks the creation of the Bulacan Airport City Special Economic Zone and Freeport Authority that will manage and operate the Bulacan ecozone.

Under the bill, registered enterprises operating within the Bulacan ecozone may be entitled to existing fiscal incentives under the Omnibus Investments Code and other incentives that may be provided by law.

The House had earlier approved the franchise of SMC for the construction of a P735.6-billion international airport in Bulacan.

The House economic team said the NMIA and Bulacan ecozone would boost the economy and help the country recover from recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

”This project will not only decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport but will also support growth and development in Central Luzon,” deputy speaker and 1-Pacman party-list Rep. Mikee Romero said.

Romero said the NMIA project is an “exceptional investment” despite the tax exemptions granted to SMC.