Quezon city: Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. announced his opposition to any proposals aimed at extending the corporate life of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). Teodoro expressed concerns that such extensions have led to the removal of strategic military assets.

According to Philippines News Agency, Teodoro reflected on the impact of the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, noting that while the act has generated PHP45 billion over 26 years, it has also resulted in the loss of valuable military assets. He emphasized that these assets were strategically chosen and their removal has not only hindered modernization efforts but also proved costly to replicate due to their strategic locations.

Teodoro further argued that some military assets are irreplaceable and cannot be found elsewhere in the Philippines. He criticized the bases conversion model as a failure, stating that it is an injustice to both the Armed Forces and the Filipino people. He stressed the importance of maintaining the country's deterrent posture rather than prioritizing financial gains.

Under Republic Act 7227, the BCDA was established to convert military reservations into civilian use, generate funds through land sales, and develop Special Economic Zones. The agency was created on March 13, 1992, and its current mandate is set to expire in 2042. However, a proposed bill to strengthen the BCDA and extend its corporate life by another 30 years passed the Senate on February 3.

The DND chief's comments indicate a strong stance against extending the BCDA's corporate life, reflecting broader concerns about the balance between economic development and national security.