House OKs on 2nd reading bill granting franchise to construct Bulacan airport
NEW GATEWAY The artists’ rendition of the P734-billion New Manila International Airport that will rise in Bulakan. /Contributed
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives approved on second reading the bill granting San Miguel Aerocity Inc. a franchise to construct, develop, establish, operate, and maintain a domestic and international airport in Bulacan.
Via voice voting, the lower chamber approved on second reading House Bill No. 7507 proposed by a number of lawmakers.
Aside from the construction of the airport, the franchise also allows San Miguel Aerocity to construct, develop, establish, operate, and maintain an adjacent airport city.
San Miguel Corporation (SMC) will invest P735 billion for the construction of the proposed “New Manila International Airport,” which will be built in the coastal areas of Bulakan town in Bulacan, or around 30 kilometers north of Metro Manila.
The airport is expected to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and support growth and development in Central Luzon.
However, before the measure was approved on second reading, Bulacan Rep. Jonathan Sy-Alvarado, who serves as one of the principal authors of the measure, was interpolated mainly by the lower chamber’s Makabayan bloc who raised various concerns regarding the construction of the airport.
The bill was brought to the plenary floor after it was approved by both the House committees on legislative franchises and the committee on ways and means.
