Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 26) — The Senate has approved on the third and final reading a measure seeking the creation of the Bulacan Airport City Economic Zone and Freeport.
All 21 senators present passed Senate Bill No 7575 during a plenary session on Thursday.
The proposed measure covers the domestic and international airport, the airport city to be developed adjacent to the massive gateway, as well as lands adjacent to the airport city.
The establishment of the special economic zone is seen to create jobs and support the Philippine economic recovery as such areas attract foreign investments.
Under the bill, a Bulacan ecozone authority with a corporate life of 50 years should also be created to manage the ecozone. It will be operated as a separate customs territory to ensure the free flow of goods and capital.
The Bulacan air hub, designed to accommodate up to 100 million flyers annually, is being eyed to decongest the country’s main gateway Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
In January 2021, conglomerate San Miguel Corporation secured a 50-year franchise to build, operate, and maintain the 2,500-hectare international airport in Bulacan.
CNN Philippines’ Eimor Santos contributed to this report.
