Bulacan special EcoZone bill lapses into law

MANILA, Philippines — A bill establishing the Bulacan Special Economic Zone and Freeport, and creating the Bulacan Special Economic Zone and Freeport Authority lapsed into law on June 13, 2024, Malacañang said Friday.

Republic Act (RA) 11999, or the «Bulacan Special Economic Zone and Freeport Act» lapsed into law without the signature of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after being passed by both houses of Congress on March 18, 2024.

Legislative measures lapse into law when the President fails to take action — approve or veto — within 30 days from the receipt of the proposals.

Under the law, the Bulacan Special Economic Zone and Freeport will be known as the «Bulacan EcoZone,» or (BuZ), which shall cover the airport project and the airport city project while the Bulacan Special Economic Zone and Freeport Authority, or the BEZA will manage the BuZ.

The BEZA shall be organized within 180 days upon the effectivity of the law, which will take effect 15 days following the completion of its publication in the Official Gazette, or in a newspaper of general circulation.

In consultation with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the BEZA shall establish the general framework for land use, planning and development for the area covered by BuZ, consistent with the Philippine Development Plan of the government.