Clark, Pampanga (CNN Philippines) — Clark will remain a freeport zone, and not a military base— the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) pointed out on Wednesday (January 20).
This after the move of the government to offer Clark to US forces under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
BCDA president and CEO Arnel Cassanova said R.A. 7227, or the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, states Clark is classified as a freeport and can no longer be considered a military reservation — despite the presence of the Philippine Air Force city in the area.
Clark was a former US Air Force base before the Senate rejected a new military bases agreement in 1991.
Cassanova explained that the Air Force City at Clark is temporary and is subject to renewal every five years.
The BCDA official also said that the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces still have to consult with their office regarding the possible uses of Clark under EDCA.
He explained that US military exercises will be limited to the 300-hectare camp of the Philippine Air Force — and will not interrupt the operations of the Clark International Airport.
Cassanova said that civilian flights will be prioritized in the use of two 3.2 kilometers runways, except during emergencies.
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