Group to BCDA: 'Be true to parallel development thrust'

FREEPORT --The Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM), an advocacy group consisting of various sectors, has asked the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to be true to its commitment for parallel development.

PGKM leader Ruperto Cruz said that the agency should implement programs that will spur economic development in areas around the Clark Fr eepor t .

Cruz, owner of the Royale Garden Golf and Country Club, issued the statement as he reiterates his concerns against the realignment of the Subic Clark Railway Pr oject .

"Where is the parallel development? At least three provinces (Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales) are affected by the SCRP realignment," the businessman sai d.

According to Cruz, the Republic Act 7227, the law creating the BCDA should be reviewed.

"RA 7227 seems to have lost its spirit. It's time to review the law to determine if it is still beneficial to the people or has become detrimental to progress," the PGKM chair said.

Cruz cited the case of the Porac town which, he said, is not receiving its share from the 5% gross income earned (GIE) from Clark Freepor locat or s.

The businessman disclosed that the PGKM has been asking the BCDA why the SCRP was realigned but the government agency gave no r esponse.

Cruz said several business, residential, and industrial properties will be affected by the new alignment of the railway.

He claimed that the indifference of the BCDA has affected the rural development plans of LGUs, businessmen, land owners and developers and farmers.

"They are pushing for a multi-million railway project that is not acceptable to the people. They should instead build a railroad from Laoag, Ilocos Norte to

Clark to help the flower and vegetable farmers there," Cruz said.

"A railway project from Clark to Subic which is realigned is redundant and waste of money," he added.

Cruz said Section 4(b) of RA 7227 states "to adopt, prepare, and implement a comprehensive and detailed

development plan embodying a list of projects including but

not limited to those provided in the Legislative-Executive Based Council (LEBC) framework plan for th sound and balanced conversion of the Clark and Subic military reservations and their extensions consistent with ecological and environmental standards, in other productive uses to promote the economic and social development of Central Luzon in particular and the country in general."