CDC, BCDA to consider rental reprieve at Clark Freeport Zone

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga — The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) have received the request of the Clark Investors and Locators Association (CILA) for a reprieve in rental payments and other government fees during the two-month enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

In an official statement released on Friday, June 5, CDC said it has “taken into cognizance the plight of locators inside the Clark Freeport Zone, particularly the request for rental reprieve – coursed through Clark Investors and Locators Association – to cushion the impact of the lockdowns in Pampanga since March 16 to May 31 , 2020 on their businesses.”

According to CILA Chairman Ireneo Alvaro the investors and locators were asking CDC and BCDA for “some breathing space,” given the extent of damage caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis.

“Remember the three months (March, April and May) and until now, no income. All expenses to all locators.” said Alvaro.

Alvarro disclosed that thousands of workers may even lose their jobs because firms will be forced to retrench laborers to offset heavy losses incurred in the lockdown period.

“The CDC and BCDA are making representations with the department of Trade and Industry in seeking ways to address this concern,” the CDC statement said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly affected the operations of many industries operations of many industries inside the Clark Freeport Zone and elsewhere in the country. CDC and BCDA acknowledge this concern vis-à-vis employment and the need to also help generate funds for the government undertakings that will help shore up the economy amidst the pandemic,” it added.