Palace: Baguio City charter vetoed as it may ‘endanger’ BCDA authority

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vetoed the amendments to the revised Baguio City charter as they were “inconsistent” with the law and could potentially “endanger” the authority previously granted to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

In a briefing on Monday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro was asked to explain the president’s veto decision last Friday. She instead read parts of Marcos’ veto message:

“I am constrained to veto the bill as it is inconsistent with law and jurisprudence and it may endanger or prejudice the authority previously granted to the BCDA,” she read.

READ: ‘Corrected’ Baguio Charter set for Marcos signature

The proposed bill seeks to amend three sections: The requirement that Baguio City transmit all its ordinances, policies, and programs to the Benguet Provincial Board is removed; Camp John Hay Management is excluded from the city’s special land committee; and Section 55, which expands the BCDA’s land area, is repealed.