[ Manila Bulletin Online ] June 15, 2008
MARIVELES, Bataan -- The Bataan chapter of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL Bataan) headed by its president, Emmanuel Roman, has expressed its support for the conversion of the Bataan Economic Zone (BEZ) into Bataan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (BSEZF).
Roman, who is an ex-officio member of the provincial board, said the councilors in Bataan have decided to support the conversion plan "the best interest not only of the Bataan but also of the whole country" in terms of economic benefits, and employment.
Earlier, Mariveles Mayor Jesse L. Concepcion reported the approval of the conversion bid on the committee level of Congress smooth after the congressmen realized the economic benefits not only for the host town and province but the entire country as well.
"Alam naman natin na walang pagbabago ang kasalukuyang Bataan Economic Zone (BEZ) at mukhang tila napabayaan dahil kitang kita ang mga dilapidated and obsolete buildings sa loob ng zone," Mayor Concepcion said.
Recently, the Senate committee on economic affairs headed by Senators Loren Legarda and Richard Gordon conducted a hearing on Bill No. 1425 that was principally sponsored by Bataan Rep. Abet S. Garcia.
Garcia’s House Bill No. 1425 which he filed on July 26, 2007 had also been approved by the members of the House committee on economic affairs who also conducted here a public hearing on the proposed conversion of BEZ into BSEZF.
During the Senate hearing, a group in the province expressed the belief that Congressman Garcia’s action is the best way to "rescue" BEZ from its lamentable situation, noting that it is already lagging behind in terms of development, and number of investors and employees compared with other economic zones in the country.
Some observers and investors here described BEZ as "in disarray and total neglect" brought about by the lack of adequate attention by Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) which is apparently giving priority to other economic zones in the country.
If the Garcia’s proposal is pushed through, PEZA might end up one day as just a "skeletal government agency" because other towns hosting economic zones would follow the steps taken by the Bataan lawmaker.
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