Lorenzana out, Lantion in as BCDA chair

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed retired general Thompson Lantion as the new chairman of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

In a phone interview with GMA News Online, Lantion said Marcos wants him to improve corporations under the BCDA.

“It’s a new challenge but for the job, it will be an opportunity to increase my knowledge, incorporate issues like that because this is investment eh,” Lantion, who served as secretary general of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, said.

He mentioned that there is also this proposal that the BCDA’s revenue contributions would be given to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ retirees and pensioners instead of allotting it to the AFP Modernization Project.

Lantion replaced former Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, adding that the latter decided to “go to private life.” 

Lantion said he took his oath before Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Monday, September 9.

Asked who will replace him as PFP secretary general, Lantion said the matter has yet to be discussed. 

“Of course, we have to reorganize the political party and I have to relinquish and declare the position of secretary general vacant. We will reorganize the party this September 16,” Lantion said. 

In a separate post, Lorenzana thanked Marcos for the trust and confidence given to him in leading BCDA.

“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,” Marcos said.

“I am also immensely grateful for the unwavering dedication, hard work, and support of the BCDA Board of Directors, the Management, and the entire staff throughout my tenure,” he added. —RF, GMA Integrated News