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The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) sealed a partnership agreement that will boost the attractiveness of investment opportunities in the Philippines, such as those at New Clark City. 

 

The agreement formalizes the understanding of the two agencies to better coordinate their efforts, reinforce their cooperation, and facilitate the review of projects and other transactions—guided by the Philippine Competition Act (R.A. No. 10667), particularly for “Covered Transactions,” or for transactions with a value greater than Php4 million. The agreement also aims to efficiently promote the National Government’s development initiatives and policies to potential private entities which can partner with government to help achieve development objectives.

 

The signing ceremonies was led by PCC Chairperson Arsenio M. Balisacan and BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Vivencio B. Dizon.  It was witnessed by BCDA Executive Vice President Aileen An. R. Zosa and PCC Commissioner Atty. Johannes B. Bernabe. Also present during the signing were other PCC Commissioners Macario C. De Claro Jr. and Amabelle C. Asuncion, and PCC Executive Director Kenneth V. Tanate.

 

“The agreement paves the way for harmonized transactions between BCDA and PCC, and will facilitate more efficient processes,” said PCC Chairperson Balisacan. “It is also our way of contributing to BCDA in attracting businesses.” 

 

In the agreement, key points on coordination and cooperation were stipulated. These included the referral of BCDA of competition concerns to PCC regarding PPP projects; the facilitation of PCC’s review of Covered Transactions through the proper coordination and cooperation of BCDA in terms of timelines and requirements; consultative meetings; the organization of capacity-building activities such as workshops, seminars and conferences; and the continuous review of the agreement through amendments.

 

It also meant conformity with the prescribed rules on the free access and use of information and documents, in confidentiality rules, in public communication, and other limitations in usage. 

 

As an independent quasi-judicial body that ensures fair competition in the market for the benefit of consumers and businesses, PCC held a vital role in the public tender for New Clark City’s water and power utilities. New Clark City, BCDA’s most ambitious project to date, is envisioned to be the first smart and disaster-resilient city in the Philippines.

 

“New Clark City is an example of what we can do if the government and private corporations collaborate to build projects that we need,” BCDA President Dizon said. “We can do fantastic things for the welfare of everyone, and we are excited to show you what is possible and what we have done.”

 

After the MOA signing, the 60-member PCC delegation toured Phase 1A of New Clark City—site of the National Government Administrative Center and the world-class sports facilities where the 30th South East Asian (SEA) Games will be held. 

  

Built by the BCDA and its joint venture partner, MTD Clark, Inc., New Clark City Phase 1A is now 98% complete.  Just recently, international governing bodies  International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA) recognized the newly finished 20,000-seater Athletics Stadium, and the 2,000-seater Aquatics Center, citing how fast they were finished which is within only 18 months.  The IAAF and FINA recognition, and the satisfaction of visiting athletes who tested the facilities prove that Clark is SEA-games ready.