President Ferdinand Marcos has vetoed House Bill 7406, which aimed to amend the revised Baguio City charter, citing concerns over inconsistencies with the law and its potential impact on the authority of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro quoted the President’s veto message, emphasizing that the bill could undermine the BCDA’s authority.
The veto has drawn criticism from Baguio City officials, who argue that the proposed amendments, including changes to the city’s autonomy and the exclusion of Camp John Hay from the city’s Special Land Use Committee, were necessary.
The revisions in HB 7406 also included repealing a provision expanding the BCDA’s land area from 570 to 625 hectares.
The Baguio Charter, originally enacted in 1909, was updated in 2022 under Republic Act 7227, which transferred former military bases like Camp John Hay to the BCDA for civilian use.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 15, 2025
