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.                      

  Subic Bay Freeport – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) teamed up with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in seizing counterfeit television units worth ₱9-million, during an operation at a certain company here on Thursday, February 6. According to CIDG Police Capt Jan Michael Jardin, the operation is part of Oplan Megashopper as the authorities served a search warrant to Enjoy Electronics Subic International at the Corregidor Highway, Ilanin West District, Subic Bay Freeport. The operation yielded the confiscation of the following subject items specified in the search warrant, which consisted of 40 boxes containing 1,286 pcs TV Panel Boards; 50 boxes containing 830 pcs TV Back Covers; 25 boxes containing 2,000 pcs TV Mother boards; and 41 counterfeit TV sets. The authorities also confiscated 313 TV front covers; 100 TV speakers; 310 TV power cords; 4,000 TV power boards; 24 bundles TV Packaging/ boxes; five bundles TV Packaging/ boxes bearing certified product safety license number Q-2892; one box containing stickers with brand names; and several delivery receipts of TV sets. All confiscated items were valued at around ₱9,000,000.00. Jardin said that they have yet to locate the officials from Enjoy Electronics Subic International, namely, Treasurer Zuhai Huang, Shareholder Wang Teng Teng, Shareholder Huang Xiaoping, and Shareholder Huang Wufa, who are all  residents of Ilanin West District, Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The operation was a joint effort by the CIDG Pampanga PFU (lead unit), with the representative of Ecom Electronics Reconditioning Services, CIDG Bataan PFU, RSOT-RFU3, CIDG-MCIU, SBMA Law Enforcement Department, SBMA Intelligence and Investigation Office, PNP-IMEG3, Morong MPS, and Bataan PPO. Jardin assured that the search warrant was served legally, peacefully, and in an orderly manner in the presence of the company representative Ms. Anna May Robles, OIC, Import/Export, as well as summoned witnesses from the SBMA Intelligence and Investigation Office, and the SBMA Law Enforcement Department. The operation stemmed from a search warrant issued by Hon. Sheryll Dolendo Tulabing, Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 28, Manila for Violation of Section 155 in relation to Section 170 of R.A. 8293 or Trademark Infringement against the company. The pieces of evidence were brought to CIDG Pampanga PFU under the custody of Pat. Carlo Espanol and Pcpl. Jericson Carbonel for documentation and proper disposition while pertinent documents will be prepared for filing of appropriate charges before the proper Prosecutors Office.

Subic Bay Freeport – This premier Freeport is set to be the staging area for the United States Marine Corps humanitarian aid and disaster relief as it opens a warehouse facility at the Naval Supply Depot here on Tuesday. US Marine Corps Col. Luke Watson and officials from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) led the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the warehouse that will be used by the US Marine Corps for storage. Watson, commanding officer of Blount Island Command, said that the site will enable them to preposition equipment for humanitarian aid and disaster relief that will be utilized for its Indo-Pacific region operations. “This is one of our ashore sites for humanitarian aid and disaster relief. As part of the Marine Corps’ global prepositioning network, there will be no ammunition, just motor transportation, communication, and engineering,” Watson explained. Blount Island Command plans to stage humanitarian aid and disaster relief equipment for the Indo-Pacific region. Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño expressed his full support for the ingress of the equipment to Subic Bay Freeport. “This is a great stride for the Subic Bay Freeport in assisting foreign allies in their thrust to provide humanitarian aid and relief assistance in the Indo-Pacific Region.” He added that Subic Bay Freeport is one of the most strategic areas to deploy aid to other areas around the Indo-Pacific Region, as the area has become the logistics hub for maritime and aviation industry in the country. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Blount Island Command is the hub for US Marine Corps prepositioning programs, including afloat squadrons and ashore sites.

Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga – In a decisive blow against illegal firearms and contraband, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) successfully carried out a high-impact operation leading to the arrest of a notorious suspect and the seizure of deadly weapons, ammunition, and illegal drugs in Barangay Sumandig, San Ildefonso, Bulacan, on February 3. Joint operatives from the Bulacan Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), San Ildefonso Municipal Police Station, 1st and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Companies, and the Bulacan Provincial Explosives and Canine Unit executed a search warrant that resulted in the capture of a suspect identified only as alias “Ed,” a 47-year-old resident of the area. Authorities discovered an arsenal of illegal weapons inside the suspect’s residence, including a pistol equipped with a laser sight, two suspected converted rifles with scopes, magazines, and a stockpile of ammunition. The operatives also found a fragmentation grenade, further highlighting the potential threat posed by the suspect. In addition to the illegal firearms, police confiscated a quantity of dried marijuana leaves, a weighing scale, and drug paraphernalia, reinforcing suspicions of the suspect’s involvement in illicit drug activities. PRO3 Regional Director Brig.Gen. Jean Fajardo commended the operatives for their dedication, stating, “This operation sends a clear and strong message—there is no place for lawlessness in Central Luzon. We will continue to hunt down those who possess illegal firearms and peddle dangerous substances. Our duty is to protect our communities, and we will not waver in this mission.” The suspect is now in police custody and faces multiple charges related to illegal possession of firearms, explosives, and illegal drugs. PRO3 remains steadfast in its mission to rid the region of criminal elements and calls on the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities.                    

Generating 30,000 new jobs, spurring inclusive growth   The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), partnered with Science Park of the Philippines, Inc. (SPPI), to embark on a transformative project developing a 100-hectare industrial park in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, which is seen to create 30,000 new jobs and generate more revenue for the national government. BCDA on Thursday, 23 January 2025 signed a 50-year lease agreement with SPPI to develop the industrial park within the rising metropolis, with a total investment commitment of P30 billion from the industrial estate leader and its locators. SPPI is renowned for its innovative and sustainable industrial parks, with six premier sites across Central Luzon and Southern Luzon and Central Visayas that serve both local and multinational enterprises. “At the heart of this partnership is a common goal: to create jobs and empower the local economy. By developing this industrial park, the project is set to open up thousands of job opportunities, not just in construction and manufacturing but across a variety of industries,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang. This ambitious project is expected to create approximately 30,000 new jobs, spanning various sectors such as food production, textiles, automotive parts, electric vehicles, semiconductors, and data centers, contributing significantly to the area’s sustained economic development. The project is also poised to generate an estimated P1.9 billion in income tax revenues for the national government, contributing substantially to the national economy by supporting public funds for nation-building projects. SPPI Chairperson Guillermo D. Luchangco expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence placed in SPPI by the BCDA in awarding the project. With a clear commitment to surpassing expectations, Luchangco reaffirmed his firm’s goal of delivering a development that would not only meet, but ideally exceed, the standards set forth. “We feel that in our own modest way, we have been able to contribute to the economic growth of the Philippines by putting up world-class industrial estates which enable us to attract manufacturing and technology companies to set up shop in our country,” Luchangco said. The signing event was also graced by SPPI President and CEO Richard Albert I. Osmond, SPPI executive Vice President Noel Neric, BCDA Officer-in-Charge for Conversion and Development Group Mark P. Torres, BCDA Vice President for Business Development Mary Grace C. Perez, and BCDA Vice President for Investment Promotions and Marketing Department Erwin Kenneth R. Peralta.      

Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga – The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) has intensified its crackdown on illegal firearms in a relentless push for a safe and peaceful May midterm elections. From January 12 to January 28, PRO3 seized 101 firearms—including revolvers, caliber .45, and caliber 9mm pistols—and arrested 103 individuals for violating the nationwide gun ban imposed by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). Regional Director BGen/. Jean S. Fajardo reaffirmed PRO3’s unwavering commitment to security, stating “This is more than just enforcement—this is about protecting lives and ensuring that every voter feels safe. Every illegal firearm we confiscate is one less threat to public safety. We will not relent in our efforts to keep Central Luzon secure during this critical election period.” Of the 101 firearms seized, 38 were confiscated at checkpoints, 21 recovered through police responses, 39 seized in buy-bust operations, and three from other law enforcement actions. Among the 103 arrested, 98 were civilians, four were security guards, and one was a member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Fajardo stressed that public cooperation is a game-changer in ensuring peaceful elections: “We are calling on everyone—follow the rules, report violations, and work with us. A single tip-off could prevent violence and save lives. This is our shared responsibility.” Under COMELEC Resolution No. 10918, carrying firearms and deadly weapons in public is strictly prohibited unless covered by a COMELEC-issued Certificate of Authority. Even licensed gun holders, including law enforcement personnel, must comply with this regulation. As election day approaches, Fajardo assured that PRO3 will further intensify security measures, ramping up operations and checkpoints across the region: “We are stepping up. Expect more checkpoints, more police visibility, and swift action against those who defy the law. The safety of our people is non-negotiable.” PRO3 urges the public to report any violations of the gun ban or suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through official hotlines. Your vigilance and cooperation are key to keeping Central Luzon safe.