President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has rejected a proposed bill seeking to amend key sections of the revised Baguio City charter, citing legal inconsistencies that could weaken the mandate of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).
In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro relayed the President’s remarks on House Bill 7406, saying, “I am constrained to veto the bill as it is inconsistent with law and jurisprudence and it may endanger or prejudice the authority previously granted to the BCDA.”
“The President recognizes the right and authority of the BCDA regarding this, which is why the bill was vetoed,” Castro added.
The vetoed measure had sought to revise portions of Republic Act 11689, the updated Baguio City charter that lapsed into law in 2022. Among the proposed changes were the removal of the requirement for Baguio ordinances to be approved by the Benguet Provincial Board—an arrangement city officials say undermines Baguio’s status as a highly urbanized city.
Another contentious provision would have excluded Camp John Hay Management from the city’s Special Land Use Committee, and repealed Section 55 of the charter, which expanded BCDA’s authority over land from 570 to 625 hectares.
The move has sparked criticism from local officials and civic leaders. “I expected the veto because the president is pro-BCDA,” said Baguio City Councilor Jose Molintas, who chairs the committees on public protection, peace and order, and human rights.
Camp John Hay, once a military base, is one of several properties handed to the BCDA under Republic Act 7227 for civilian redevelopment, including use as economic zones and tourism hubs.
