SC pays 11.04 B for 2.1-hectare land in Taguig City for its new complex

The Supreme Court (SC) paid on Tuesday 11.04 billion to the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) for the 2.1-hectare land in Taguig City where it will construct its new complex.

The deed of absolute sale on the property was signed by Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin for the SC and Vicencio B. Dizon for BCDA as its president and chief executive officer in ceremonies held at the SC

division hearing room on Padre Faura Street, Ermita, Manila.

After the signing of the deed, Bersamin turned over to Dizon a check for 11.04 billion as full payment for the property located at the former Philippine Army Security Escort Group Area in Fort Bonifacio.

The land where the SC complex stands on Faura Street is owned by the University of the Philippines.

Bersamin and Dizon also signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark A. Villar for the construction of the access road going to C5, and another MOA with Megaworld Senior Vice President Kevin Andrew L. Tan on the access road from the SC’s new property to Campus Avenue in the McKinley area.

Court Administrator and SC spokesman Jose Midas P. Marquez said the SC has approved the design for the building complex in Taguig after a competition. What remains to be done is the bidding for the final design and the contractor of the complex, he said.

In a statement, Bersamin said: “Today’s signing marks the culmination of the negotiations and signifies the beginning of the new phase of the project that is the construction of the complex.

“We are a step closer to finally realizing our common dream to have a place we can call our own. This milestone is made possible by the sustained collaboration and consultation among the parties present today.”

The Chief Justice stressed that the signing of the documents on the purchase of the property and related agreements “are very momentous events for the Supreme Court because these will signal now the final move to another place where [the SC] will be considered the owners.”

He acknowledged the efforts of Associate Justice Estela M. PerlasBernabe, chair of the Committee on the New Supreme Court Complex. He said: “I personally would like to commend the leadership of my colleague, Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe, who spearheads the Committee on this New Supreme Court Complex as its Working Chairperson.”

Addressing the SC justices present and other SC officials and employees, Bersamin said: “We understand that there are still so many things to be done and a lot of challenges to be hurdled. Nevertheless, with your continued cooperation and unwavering support, we will one day soon see all the hard work come to fruition.

“I am certain that I will no longer be the Chief Justice when this day finally arrives. But I assure you that I will be among the first to feel the most proud and excited to have our beloved Supreme Court finally have a home.”

Also present during the ceremonies were Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio and Associate Justices Noel Gimenez Tijam, Alexander G. Gesmundo, and Rosmari D. Carandang; Court Administrator Marquez, Assistant Court Administrator Maria Regina Adoracion Filomena M. Ignacio, En Banc Clerk of Court Atty. Edgar O. Aricheta, Chief Administrative Officer Maria Carina M. Cunanan.