The House Committee on Economic Affairs and the House Committee on Trade and Industry on Thursday approved seven bills creating special economic zones in several areas across the country.
In a meeting, the two committees, chaired by Aklan Rep. Teodorico Haresco Jr., and Navotas Rep. John Reynald Tiangco, endorsed for plenary approval the committee reports of the seven bills, which all seek to provide incentives and funds for the creation of the proposed special economic zones.
Iloilo Rep. Julienne Baronda said her HB 5794 proposes to create special economic and free port in City of Iloilo to be known as Metro Iloilo Special Economic Zone (Miloecozone) and the Miloecozone Authority.
“Western Visayas certainly needs the Miloecozone and its corresponding authority in order to attract more investments and continue its present economic boom,” said Baronda.
“The Miloecozone is conceived to be a critical and vital economic hub that will bring in positive change for the City of Iloilo and for the entire Western Visayas through jobs generation and investments,” she added.
Also, Cavite Rep. Francis Geral Abaya said his HB 655 establishing the Sangley Point special economic zone in the City of Cavite, Province of Cavite, creating for this purpose the Sangley Point Development Authority.
Abaya said the bill mandates the establishment of a special zone in Sangley Point and hasten the industrial, economic and social development in the area.
The committee also approved substitute bill to House Bill (HB) 263, or an act establishing the special economic zone and free port in the Municipalities of San Jose and Magsaysay, Province of Occidental Mindoro, creating for this purpose the Occidental Mindoro Special Economic Zone Authority.
It endorsed for plenary approval HB 264 establishing the special economic zone and free port in the Municipality of Paluan, Province of Occidental Mindoro, creating for this purpose the Paluan Special Economic Zone Authority.
The panel also approved substitute bills to HB 3239, HB 5440, and HB 5538 establishing the special economic zone in the 4th district, Province of Cebu, in the City of Bacolod, Province of Negros Occidental, and in the Municipalities of Ubay, Buenavista, Talibon, and Getafe, Province of Bohol, respectively. The measures also create their corresponding authorities.