Marcos vetoes Baguio charter amendments to protect BCDA authority

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vetoed proposed amendments to the Revised Charter of Baguio City, citing legal inconsistencies and potential risks to the authority of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

House Bill 7406 sought to amend three key sections of the city charter, including repealing Section 55 which grants BCDA jurisdiction over Camp John Hay, a former American military base.

Baguio Councilor Jose Molintas expressed disappointment over the veto, arguing that the amendments were intended to address flaws in the current charter and protect local governance.

The bill also proposed granting the Sangguniang Panlungsod secretary a rank and salary equal to that of a department official, as well as excluding Camp John Hay Management Corporation from the city's Special Land Use Committee.

President Marcos cited legal inconsistencies and potential risks to BCDA authority in his veto message, emphasizing the need to protect the interests of the City and its long-term occupants.

Baguio Tourism Council chairperson Gladys Vergara lamented the veto, describing it as 'deeply disappointing' for residents who support a charter reflecting the city's autonomy and historical identity.