Subic Bay Freeport—The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Subic Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (SubicWater) have extended their franchise agreement (FA) for another 20 years. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño welcomed this development as the SBMA’s partnership with SubicWater has been harmonious since the latter’s start of operations here in 1997. The 3rd Amendment to the franchise agreement and the 4th Amendment to the SBMA-SubicWater Lease Agreement were signed yesterday at the SBMA Corporate Boardroom at Building 229, extending their FA term until March 31, 2047. The agreements were signed by Chairman Aliño, SubicWater Chairman Engr. Apollo C. Tiglao, and witnessed by Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr. and SubicWater CEO and General Manager Benjamin Antonio III. Chairman Tiglao said that under the amendment, “SubicWater shall undertake measures to achieve 100 percent wastewater coverage including combined sewerages and sanitation services for Subic Bay Freeport and Olongapo City.” He also said that this project would be more beneficial to SubicWater’s customers as Olongapo City will now have wastewater services and sewer lines. Additionally, SubicWater can now expand its services to far-flung areas of Subic Freeport such as Redondo Peninsula and Tipo area as a result of the amendment. Meanwhile, Mayor Paulino also expressed his gratitude to the SBMA and SubicWater for the continued services of the water company. “We had really hoped SubicWater would expand their services. We have been clamoring for the wastewater coverage in Olongapo City,” he added. “We really appreciate that we were involved in the process. Special thanks to SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Atty. Ramon Agregado for advocating this for the benefit of Olongapo City and all other constituents,” he added.          

Subic Bay Freeport – A joint enforcement operation between the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), and the Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) was conducted against Chinese nationals at the Grande Island here on March 19, 2025. Led by NBI Director Judge Jaime Santiago, the operation resulted to the arrest of six foreign nationals and two Filipino nationals, including Chinese national Qiu Feng, whose real name is Ye Tianwu (also known as Qing Feng). Ye Tianwu was arrested for violations under Republic Act 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code, and RA 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. Aside from Ye Tianwu, Philippine authorities also apprehended Xu Xining; Ye Xiaocan; Su Anlong; and He Peng; along with Cambodian Ang Deck/Dick; and Filipinos Melvin Mañosa Aguillon, Jr. and Jeffrey Espiridion, who are employees of Ang Deck/Dick. The authorities recovered multiple cellphones and laptops, one caliber 9mm firearm, and 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño lauded the efforts of the inter-agency group led by Director Santiago to apprehend suspects and assured that the “Subic Bay Freeport is NOT a safe haven for lawbreakers.” The arrest exposes the unlawful nature, including suspected espionage and kidnapping activities related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO), for which some foreign nationals are using Grande Island under the guise of private enterprises. Such activities, which may be part of larger criminal network operations, pose a serious threat to our national security. The Department of National Defense (DND) confirmed the report, citing that the DENR looks forward to working with the concerned agencies, including the SBMA, in exploring the possibility of declaring Grande Island, along with nearby Chiquita Island, as military reservations. “This will ultimately help secure the operations of the Subic Special Economic Zone including the Riviera Wharf and the Subic Bay International Airport, in consonance with the ongoing development of the naval operating base of the Philippine Navy to strengthen and maintain our strategic presence along our western seaboard.”

The right-of-way (ROW) acquisition for the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) Railway Project continues to make headway as the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) distributed another 36 Transfer Certificate of Titles (TCTs) to landowners affected by the project in Pampanga. In a ceremony held on March 4, BCDA Vice President and Subic-Clark Railway Project Director Jocelyn L. Caniones turned over the certificates to 17 lot owners from Porac and Floridablanca. She was joined by Pampanga Board Member Fritzie David-Dizon and Provincial Assessor of Pampanga Manuel N. Mendoza Jr., who represented Pampanga Governor Dennis G. Pineda and Vice Governor Lilia G. Pineda. Citing their contribution to the smooth implementation of the SCMB Railway Project, Caniones lauded the landowners for their cooperation, and for acknowledging the importance of this endeavor in the development of Central Luzon and the country. “Ang SCMB Railway Project ay hindi magtatagumpay kung hindi dahil sa suporta ng mga may-ari ng lupa na nagbigay daan sa mga pangangailangan ng railway na ito. Dahil dito, ang mga landowners ay may mahalagang bahagi sa katuparan ng adhikain ng Luzon Economic Corridor,” Caniones said. “(The SCMB Railway Project would not succeed without the support of the landowners who yielded to the railway’s requirements. This development emphasizes affected landowners’ important role in the realization of the Luzon Economic Corridor vision.)” This is the second batch of TCTs turned over by the BCDA for the SCMB Railway Project following the initial distribution of 68 certificates in November last year. Under Republic Act 10752 or the Right-of-Way Act, the owner of properties affected by a project and the implementing agency shall execute a deed of absolute sale, with the implementing agency facilitating the annotation of the deed of absolute sale on the TCTs. TCTs are legal documents that serve as evidence of ownership of registered land. The SCMB has a railway alignment of 26.9 kilometers in Porac and Floridablanca, affecting 519 lots in these municipalities. The BCDA has successfully completed the negotiations with 212 lot owners, 163 of which have already received either partial or full compensation. “Ang lalawigan ng Pampanga ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa bawat may-ari ng lote na apektado ng proyektong ito–sa inyong pasensya, kooperasyon at pang-unawa sa buong proseso. Ang inyong kahandaang makipatulungan ay naging mahalaga sa pagsasakatuparan ng proyektong ito,” said Gov. Pineda in a message delivered by Engr. Mendoza. “(The province of Pampanga sincerely thanks every lot owner affected by this project–for your patience, cooperation, and understanding during the whole process. Your readiness to help has been crucial in implementing this project.)” As an integral part of the Luzon Economic Corridor, the 250-kilometer SCMB will provide essential connectivity and freight transport services between four major economic points in Luzon, namely the Port of Subic, Clark International Airport, Port of Manila, and Port of Batangas. This will revolutionize the country’s transport and logistics sector, as these four ports facilitate about 80 percent of the entire country’s port traffic. The BCDA continues to facilitate the ROW acquisition for the project, as the national government remains optimistic about the project’s implementation. The feasibility study for the project will be jointly undertaken by the United States, Sweden, and the Asian Development Bank.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said a total of P200,000 cash reward will be given to anyone who can provide information that could lead to the arrest of a suspect who killed two police operatives in an anti-illegal drug operations in Bulacan on March 8. In a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City, PNP spokesperson and Police Regional Office-Central Luzon (PRO-3) chief Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the force mourns the death of Staff Sergeants Dennis Cudiamat and Gian George Dela Cruz, both of Bocaue Municipal Police Station. Fajardo said the PRO-3 cops are conducting a manhunt to locate alias Xander. The other suspect, his brother Dado, was arrested in a follow-up operation. “Naglabas kami (PRO-3) ng reward na P100,000 at nagbigay din ng P100,000 reward ang LGU [local government unit] ng Bocaue as per PD [Provincial Director] of Bulacan sa sinuman makakapagbigay ng information sa posibleng kinaroroonan nitong si alias Xander na maaari makapagturo sa atin at maaresto natin ito sa lalong madaling panahon Fajardo urged the public to cooperate for the immediate arrest of the remaining suspect. On March 8,  a police operation in relation to R.A. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) resulted in an armed encounter that led to the tragic death of two police operatives in Sitio Tugatog, NIA Road, Brgy. Tambubong, Bocaue, Bulacan. At around 12:00 p.m., Cudiamat and Dela Cruz were conducting a buy bust operation against illegal firearms when they were suddenly attacked by unidentified gunmen. Cudiamat sustained a gunshot wound to the head and did not survive, while Dela Cruz, who suffered critical injuries, was rushed to the hospital. Despite medical intervention, he succumbed to his injuries at approximately 3:00 p.m. the same day. The perpetrators fled toward Pandi, Bulacan, taking the officers’ firearms. In response, the Bulacan Provincial Police Office launched an aggressive follow-up operation, leading to the apprehension of one suspect with alias “Dado,” a 38-year-old resident of Brgy. Bunsuran, Pandi, Bulacan. However, his cohort, alias “Athan,” remains at large after engaging the police officers in a shootout and fleeing with the police officers’ service firearms. Confiscated from the arrested suspect were one caliber .38 revolver without a serial number, one hand grenade, one Rusi 125 motorcycle with a sidecar, one  genuine one-thousand-peso bill used in the buy-bust money, and four boodle money bills. Further investigation led to the discovery of a Honda Beat motorcycle in Brgy. Bunsuran 2nd, Pandi, Bulacan, believed to have been used by the fleeing suspect. Authorities are actively tracking him using surveillance footage and intelligence reports. Criminal charges for violations of R.A. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) in relation to the Omnibus Election Code, R.A. 9516 (Illegal Possession of Explosives), and double murder are now being prepared against both the arrested and at-large suspects. Fajardo, strongly condemned the attack and assured that justice will be served. “The Philippine National Police will relentlessly pursue all those responsible for this heinous attack. We will not rest until justice is served. This act of violence against our personnel will not go unpunished, and we will ensure that the full force of the law is brought down upon the perpetrators.” She also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the two officers. “We mourn the tragic deaths of our brave police operatives who dedicated their lives to serving and protecting the public. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, and we assure them of our support during this difficult time. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.” PRO 3 remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice and urges anyone with relevant information to report to the nearest police station. Intensified operations are ongoing to locate and apprehend the remaining suspect.            

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is seeking to partner with a consortium of South Korean and local companies to develop a 6.1-hectare affordable housing complex in New Clark City, aiming to address the country’s housing shortage and foster sustainable urban growth. The consortium includes Sta. Clara International Corporation (SCIC), Saekyung Realty Corporation, and Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corporation (KIND), which is expected to invest approximately Php4.8 billion in the project. The development aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11), which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. This also forms part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, which seeks to provide affordable housing for low-income families. The project will feature 12 high-density residential buildings, with a total of 3,320 units. Of these, 2,600 units across nine buildings will be allocated for the open market, while the remaining 720 units in three buildings will be part of the 4PH Program. “Beyond addressing housing needs, this project, if realized, will generate jobs, attract investment, and drive economic growth in Central Luzon, ” BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said in a statement. Aside from residential units, the project will also include modern infrastructure and essential amenities, such as green spaces and parks for recreation and wellness, road networks and stormwater drainage systems to enhance resilience, fire protection measures and disaster-ready structures, retail and commercial spaces, sports and leisure facilities to promote community engagement. Engr. Bingcang emphasized that these features will contribute to New Clark City’s goal of becoming a smart, sustainable, and disaster-resilient metropolis, designed to withstand climate challenges while enhancing the quality of life for its residents. In 2023, BCDA entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the project’s implementing agency, to develop the initial housing units under the 4PH Program inside New Clark City.              

Subic Bay Freeport – This premier Freeport was able to rack up major awards at the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Central Luzon Tourism Recognition for Enterprises and Stakeholders (TRES) Awards 2024 held at the Quest Plus Conference Center, Clark Freeport Zone on February 26, 2025. “Winning four prestigious awards is a testament that the agency’s collaborative efforts with tourism stakeholders, as well as the tourists themselves, are paying off,” quips Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño. Proof of these collaborative efforts is when the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) emerged victorious in one of the major awards, the “Most Outstanding Community-Based Tourism Program (Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit 2024).” The SBFZ also bagged 1st Runner-Up awards in the “Most Outstanding Tourism Month Celebration,” the “Most Creative Printed Marketing Collateral (Ecotourism Brochure)”, and the “Top Tourist Destination in the Province/ Freeport Zone category.” During the awarding ceremony, DOT Region 3 Regional Director, Dr. Richard Daenos handed the award to SBMA Chief of Staff Atty. Von Rodriguez and Tourism Department Manager Mary Jamelle Camba, who represented the agency on behalf of Chairman Aliño. The chairman cited that the agency aims to boost the tourism industry in this part of the region, adding that it is currently working on several infrastructure projects and facilities that hope to entice more tourists to visit the Freeport. In 2024, during its Tourism Summit that was held as part of the Tourism Month celebration, the SBMA launched the Race to Carbon Neutrality, a project which aims to reduce carbon emissions in the SBFZ by 30 percent by 2030, and eventually to net zero by 2040. This will boost the SBFZ’s competitiveness through resource efficiency, improve its brand image by positioning Subic Freeport in the global market, and attract more green foreign direct investments. “This will also bring the SBMA at the forefront of introducing carbon-neutral development strategies into the economic, industrial, and trade policies of our country.” he added. Director Daenos stated that the recognition is a great way to give back to DOT3’s stakeholders. He said, “DOT3 doesn’t undermine the efforts of our industry partners, quite the opposite, we shine a spotlight on their outstanding contributions to the tourism sector for the past year through this award-giving event.” DOT3’s Tourism Development Division and Tourism Regulations Division took on the rigorous task of narrowing down the list of this year’s TRES Awards. “The TRES Awards is aimed at inspiring and challenging its stakeholders to remain committed, driven, and empowered to enhance and elevate the overall tourism experience in the region through their significant contributions,” Daenos said. Aside from the SBFZ, two of its stakeholders also received accolades. Acea Subic Beach Resort and Ayala Malls Harbor Point bagged awards for showing that stakeholders can greatly boost the tourism sector of this premier Freeport. Acea Subic Beach Resort received the grand award for the Most Gender-Sensitive Accommodation Facility,” winner in the “Tourism Quality Citation: MICE Event Venue (Outdoor),” and second runner-up for the “Green Champion.” The resort is also the “Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) Advocate awardee.” Meanwhile, Ayala Malls Harbor Point was awarded the Mabuhay Citation: Public Toilet for having the cleanest and PWD-friendly toilets in Central Luzon.”” The mall management cited that maintenance, training of employees, cleanliness and odor, amenities inside the restroom, air circulation and ventilation system have been factors in achieving this award.    

Subic Bay Freeport – Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is now looking forward to more global investments after the bill on Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) was signed into law. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that with CREATE MORE, also known as Republic Act 12066, Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) will become a prime area for global investments. Aliño made this statement after the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the CREATE MORE Act was signed by Finance Secretary and Fiscal and Incentives Review Board (FIRB) chair Ralph Recto and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary and FIRB co-chair Ma Cristina Roque at the Department of Finance on February 17, 2025. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and FIRB Board Member Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go, and National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan witnessed the signing. “Now that the IRR for the CREATE MORE Act is signed, it’s back to work for us here in Subic Bay Freeport as we can now expect more foreign companies to invest here. This is certainly monumental since the IRR clarifies and refines the law’s smooth implementation provisions,” Aliño added. The official cited that the CREATE MORE Act includes provisions for investors, giving them the option to choose either the Special Corporate Income Tax of 5% or Enhanced Deductions. He said that more incentives will also be given to high-value investments with capitalization of more than P15 billion and in sectors that are considered import-substituting or export sales. He added that the CREATE MORE Act also provides additional relief to Registered Business Enterprises (RBEs) by reducing the Corporate Income Tax or CIT rate to 20% from 25%, with the law increasing the additional deduction on electricity from 50% to 100%. “Tourism-related investments in the SBF will also benefit from the CREATE MORE Act, with the SBMA providing an additional 50% deduction for expenses related to trade fairs and tourism reinvestments until 2034,” Aliño said.          

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) welcomes the Court of Appeals’ decision to nullify a Tarlac court’s order that previously prohibited the BCDA and Clark Development Corporation (CDC) from recovering the 100-hectare Kalangitan Sanitary Landfill in Capas, Tarlac. The decision supports the BCDA and CDC’s position that the landfill can no longer operate in New Clark City, for its contract has already expired and cannot be renewed or extended. “The BCDA lauds the Court of Appeals for standing by what is right and for upholding the rule of law. This decision brings the government a step closer towards pursuing more high-impact projects in New Clark City that will provide more jobs and economic opportunities for surrounding communities in Tarlac, Pampanga, and nearby provinces,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said. In a 55-page decision issued on 13 February 2025, the Court of Appeals granted the BCDA’s and CDC’s petition to quash the Writ of Preliminary Injunction (WPI) issued by Presiding Judge Ronald Leo T. Haban of the Tarlac Regional Trial Court Branch 66 to prevent the government from regaining possession of the property.   The court decision stated that the injunction should not have been granted by Judge Haban given that Metro Clark Waste Management Corporation (MCWMC) committed forum shopping in filing for the injunction. Moreover, the court said the Contract for Services between the CDC and MCWMC is a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) contract and a national government project. Hence, the presiding judge had no jurisdiction to issue any temporary restraining order (TRO) and WPI. Pursuant to Republic Act 8975, only the Supreme Court has the authority to issue any order to restrain or prohibit the implementation of national government projects, including those under the BOT scheme. The Court of Appeals also found that the requisites for the issuance of WPI in favor of MCWMC were not met, as the Contract for Services had no provision that expressly states that it was also a “lease agreement” as claimed by MCWMC, and only had a term of 25 years. “Hence, the questioned Orders issuing the TRO and WPI are void and of no force and effect,” the Court said. The BCDA reiterates that the contract involving the Kalangitan landfill is only effective for 25 years or until its expiration on October 5, 2024, and cannot be renewed or extended. The company’s Authority to Operate or business permit has also expired. Hence, allowing the landfill to continue its operations would be against the law.        

Subic Bay Freeport—With its vision to transform this premier Freeport into a smart port city, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is considering a partnership with the Port of San Diego. During their visit here on February 6, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and Port of San Diego officials agreed to discover and identify areas of collaboration between both ports.   “We offered to the Port of San Diego to explore areas in Artificial Intelligence, Automation, Break Bulk Cargo Handling and Management, Shore Power Connection, Cruise Ship Terminal and Market Development and Ship Repair,” SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao said. He added that the officials of the San Diego Port extended the invitation to Chairman Aliño to visit the Port of San Diego and explore other port-related initiatives since both ports proclaimed a partnership as sister ports in 2018. “We see the potential of Subic Bay Freeport in developing trade and commerce between our two ports,” Port of San Diego Commissioner Gil Anthony Ungab said expressing his desire to further explore opportunities that will benefit both ports.   Also, Port of San Diego Director for Maritime Joel Valenzuela said that there are many similarities between the Ports of San Diego and Subic Bay; and that they are excited to strengthen and continue to develop our partnership in maritime and other related industries. Meanwhile, Chairman Aliño said that the SBMA welcomes the partnership between the two ports as the vision to develop concrete projects will be mutually beneficial to both ports. The Port of San Diego, according to the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics, is one of America’s top 30 US containership ports, bringing in nearly 3 million metric tons (3,000,000 long tons; 3,300,000 short tons) of cargo per year through the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal and the National City Marine Terminal. Aliño said that the proposed partnership is in line with the SBMA’s vision of becoming a port city, and that the partnership with the Port of San Diego is a vital step In advancing Subic Bay Freeport’s interests in maritime project development, automation, cruise terminal development and operations, artificial intelligence and trade development. SDA Yambao said, “This is a positive step in expanding the global reach and trade network of the Port of Subic Bay in the United States.” He added that aside from the Port of San Diego, the SBMA has also entered into a partnership with the Virginia Port Authority in 2015 to develop trade and exchange best practices in break bulk and cruise ship logistics management and operations.