House approves bill putting up economic zone next to Bulacan airport

The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading the measure seeking to establish an economic zone adjacent to the proposed New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in Bulacan.

In a vote of ayes and nays, the chamber approved House Bill 7575 which establishes the Bulacan Airport City Special Economic Zone and Freeport, principally authored by Bulacan Representative Jonathan Sy-Alvarado.

According to him, the economic zone and freeport is expected to provide alternative areas for investment outside Metro Manila.

"It has the potential to boost economic activity in the area, provide more job opportunities to Bulakeños and the surrounding provinces, and improve the economic condition in the province," he added.

Once enacted into law, the Bulacan Ecozone will cover the NMIA, the Airport City to be established adjacent to the airport, and lands adjacent to Airport City as may be later determined.

The approval of the bill came after the House also approved on third reading House Bill 7507, which grants San Miguel Aerocity Inc., a subsidiary of San Miguel Holdings Corp., a franchise for the construction of the NMIA, amounting P735 billion.

The planned NMIA is expected to help to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which has now reached overcapacity.

The project involves the construction, operation, and maintenance of a 2,500-hectare airport in Bulacan. The development includes a passenger terminal building with airside and landside facilities, an airport toll road, and four runways.

It includes an 8.4-kilometer tollway connecting the airport to the North Luzon Expressway in Marilao, Bulacan. -NB, GMA News