Lorenzana steps down as BCDA chair

MANILA, Philippines — Delfin Lorenzana, who served as Defense chief under then President Rodrigo Duterte, has stepped down as the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) chair.

“As I step down as BCDA Chairman, I thank President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for the trust and confidence in me,” Lorenzana said in a statement on Tuesday.

Lorenzana, a retired Army general, was appointed BCDA chair just a week before his retirement.

One of the sources of funding for the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) modernization program, the BCDA is mandated to help strengthen the military to develop its former bases and properties into economic centers and communities.

During his time as BCDA chief, Lorenzana vowed to earmark 36 percent of the agency’s earnings to the AFP modernization.

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead this vital agency and to contribute to the AFP modernization efforts to the best of my official and personal capacity,” Lorenzana said.

“I am proud of what we have achieved together,” he added, addressing the BCDA Board of Directors, the Management, and the entire staff.

Lorenzana also congratulated retired Police General Thompson Lantion, a fellow cavalier of the Philippine Military Academy Class ’69.

“With decades of government experience and tested leadership, I am confident that Chairman Lantion will be able to sustain – if not surpass – the progress that we have made in BCDA,” Lorenzana said.

“As I transition to a private life, I will continue to help the government in any way I can,” he added.