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Advocates Philippines
House Approves BCDA Expansion Bill To Boost Jobs, Housing, And Regional Growth
Photo credit: Congress PH
The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a measure that seeks to strengthen the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), aiming to unlock more housing opportunities, generate jobs, and accelerate economic development in key government-owned development zones.
House Bill No. 9257 proposes amendments to Republic Act No. 7227 by allowing portions of selected BCDA lands to be classified as alienable and disposable, subject to strict planning rules and presidential approval.
The measure is part of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council Common Legislative Agenda and was approved under the leadership of Speaker of the House Faustino Dy III and House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos.
More housing, jobs, and development opportunities
During plenary discussions, Taguig City–Pateros Rep. Ricardo Cruz Jr. said the bill is ultimately about improving everyday lives through economic opportunities and inclusive growth.
“This bill is about creating more opportunities for Filipinos. It is about jobs, decent housing, stronger communities, and greater economic growth,” Cruz said.
Under the proposal, up to 10 percent of the total land area in major BCDA-managed zones will be opened for development. These include Clark Special Economic Zone (including New Clark City and Clark Freeport Zone), Poro Point Freeport Zone, John Hay Reservation, and the Bataan Technology Park.
Lawmakers said the measure also seeks to address long-standing concerns under the current leasehold system, where workers in these economic zones often live far from their workplaces due to limited affordable housing.
The bill introduces a carefully controlled freehold arrangement for residential areas within BCDA zones, allowing more Filipinos the chance to own homes closer to employment centers.
“Ang gusto ng Pilipino ay hindi habang-buhay na umuupa—ang gusto natin ay sariling bahay,” Cruz added.
Planned land use and safeguards
Under the measure, 5 percent of designated areas will be allocated for residential and mixed-use developments, while another 5 percent will be set aside for institutional and industrial use. The President may also authorize an additional allocation of up to 5 percent depending on economic conditions and demand.
The bill also strengthens coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in land classification, surveying, and titling, while ensuring revenues are properly remitted to the National Treasury in line with government fiscal policies.
Cruz noted that concerns raised during a previous presidential veto have already been addressed in the revised version, with lawmakers refining provisions to ensure stronger safeguards and clearer implementation rules.
Balancing development and public benefit
Supporters of the measure said the proposed BCDA reforms are designed to balance large-scale economic development with social benefits, particularly in housing access and job creation.
If enacted, the bill is expected to reshape how major government development zones are utilized, opening more space for residential communities, business activity, and long-term regional growth.
House Bill No. 9257 proposes amendments to Republic Act No. 7227 by allowing portions of selected BCDA lands to be classified as alienable and disposable, subject to strict planning rules and presidential approval.
The measure is part of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council Common Legislative Agenda and was approved under the leadership of Speaker of the House Faustino Dy III and House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos.
More housing, jobs, and development opportunities
During plenary discussions, Taguig City–Pateros Rep. Ricardo Cruz Jr. said the bill is ultimately about improving everyday lives through economic opportunities and inclusive growth.
“This bill is about creating more opportunities for Filipinos. It is about jobs, decent housing, stronger communities, and greater economic growth,” Cruz said.
Under the proposal, up to 10 percent of the total land area in major BCDA-managed zones will be opened for development. These include Clark Special Economic Zone (including New Clark City and Clark Freeport Zone), Poro Point Freeport Zone, John Hay Reservation, and the Bataan Technology Park.
Lawmakers said the measure also seeks to address long-standing concerns under the current leasehold system, where workers in these economic zones often live far from their workplaces due to limited affordable housing.
The bill introduces a carefully controlled freehold arrangement for residential areas within BCDA zones, allowing more Filipinos the chance to own homes closer to employment centers.
“Ang gusto ng Pilipino ay hindi habang-buhay na umuupa—ang gusto natin ay sariling bahay,” Cruz added.
Planned land use and safeguards
Under the measure, 5 percent of designated areas will be allocated for residential and mixed-use developments, while another 5 percent will be set aside for institutional and industrial use. The President may also authorize an additional allocation of up to 5 percent depending on economic conditions and demand.
The bill also strengthens coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in land classification, surveying, and titling, while ensuring revenues are properly remitted to the National Treasury in line with government fiscal policies.
Cruz noted that concerns raised during a previous presidential veto have already been addressed in the revised version, with lawmakers refining provisions to ensure stronger safeguards and clearer implementation rules.
Balancing development and public benefit
Supporters of the measure said the proposed BCDA reforms are designed to balance large-scale economic development with social benefits, particularly in housing access and job creation.
If enacted, the bill is expected to reshape how major government development zones are utilized, opening more space for residential communities, business activity, and long-term regional growth.
May 27, 2026
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