Legarda to BuCor: Refrain from any construction in Masungi

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, co-sponsor Senate PRIB file photo / Bibo Nueva España

MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda on Wednesday issued a singular appeal to the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor): Refrain from constructing establishments in Masungi Georeserve in Tanay, Rizal.

In an interview over ANC’s Headstart, Legarda said BuCor “legally owns” a land in Masungi. This, pursuant to Proclamation No. 1158 signed in 2006 by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

READ: BuCor HQ at Masungi Georeserve: What’s really at stake?

“I understand that they are no longer planning to move there. I think it will be foolish for them to move there. Let the title remain if they own it,” said Legarda, a known staunch environment advocate.

“Please, huwag kayong maglagay ng kulungan dyan. Huwag kayong maglagay ng mga headquarters o mga opisina dyan. Just leave it for conservation, please,” she added.

(Please do not build jails there. Do not put up headquarters or offices there. Just leave it for conservation, please.)

BuCor earlier confirmed it has a plan to build a new headquarters within the Masungi Georeserve.

The agency, however, postponed this plan in 2023. This was disclosed by BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. who said the plan to construct a New Bilibid Prison and BuCor headquarters in Masungi, “will no longer push through.”

“The 270-hectare property awarded to the BuCor pursuant to Presidential Proclamation [No.] 1158 as the site of the New Bilibid Prison including the plan to relocate its national headquarters to this site will be held in abeyance pending further studies,” Catapang said then.