In aid of the legislation sponsored by Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez, the Special Committee on Bases Conversion convened last May 25 to conduct an inquiry regarding the proposed conversion, re-zoning, sale and development of lands used as military camps located in densely populated and highly urbanized areas.
House Bill No 4172 was filed to prohibit the sale and disposition of Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame, in opposition to the ongoing talks between the government and prospective investors interested in buying portions of lands in highly urbanized areas that are currently used as military camps and police headquarters. This is on the basis of preserving the patrimony and history of the country imbued specifically in these camps.
According to Committee Chairperson Manuel S. Agyao, this bill may be ensued from House Bill No 3938, which is currently being sponsored in the plenary, declaring the two camps historical and national cultural treasures; thereby, stipulating that such sites cannot be subjected to the “commerce of man.”
For this reason, it was asked whether the I ntroduction of alterations to the original design of a police headquarters, particularly the leasing of certain areas, be permissible. Police Director George Piano of the Philippine National Police (PNP) informed the body that they are already in the process of setting-up a medical plaza, to be provided for by a private organization, in exchange to the establishment of commercial enterprises. A portion of Camp Panopio, situated 200 meters away from Camp Crame, was rented out to support the medical as well as financial requirements of the police force.
It was elucidated by Rep. Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr. that the bill simply prohibits the sale and disposition of these assets and does not mean that such alterations necessitate the permission of the National Historical Institute, provided that the services that will be introduced are related to purpose of the camp. The committee then concurred that the leasing of certain portions of the camp may be permitted, so long as this project is for the advantage of our policemen and in pertinence with the fundamental objectives of PNP.
Prior to the adjournment of the meeting, the committee approved the passing of the bill on the condition that PNP will forward documents pertinent to the establishment of the medical plaza and for the Armed Forces to be convened to discuss the same issue.
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