Written by Aileen Lor
Monday, 13 August 2012 00:00
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said recently
they will continue on the proposed development plans for the Joint United
States Military Assistance Group (Jusmag) Area at the Bonifacio Global City
(BGC).
Clearing of the former Jusmag area will not only complement the BGC
central business district but will also raise revenues for the military
modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“We are bound by our mandate to generate funds for the Armed Forces of
the Philippines Modernization Program,” Arnel Casanova said.
“The AFP is in dire need for modernization funds to ensure that our
country is safe and protected from both internal and external threats,” he
added.
Meanwhile, Casanova disclosed that there are still informal settlers
staying at the area and that structures still need to be lawfully dismantled so
the project can proceed.
“We have been transparent and lawful in the process,” he said.
It noted that last July 18,2012, the City of Taguig issued a
Certificate of Compliance (CoC) on Demolition.
However, Casanova explained that a court order is not needed to
lawfully dismantle illegal structures citing the situations under Section 28 of
Republic Act 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992 (UDHA).
BCDA chairman Felicito Payumo
supports the action of BCDA management in clearing the former Jusmag property,
including the areas occupied by informal settlers who are memberss of the
Consular Area Residents Association Inc. as it is within government property.
Casanova also warned those land
grabbers — persons involved in the spurious titles and holders of such over
BCDA properties — that they may file a case against them.
“We are studying the possibility of filing criminal cases against
them,” he said.
BCDA is a prime mover of national development that helps sustain urban
communities to uplift the lives of Filipinos.
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