Investors back SBMA policy on visitors

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT -- The Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) has expressed full support to the "open gate" policy implemented by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Felicito Payumo for its positive effect on their businesses.

"We are very much in favor of this new policy. Access is very much important for business to survive," SBFCC Vice president Mike Renfrew said.

Renfrew recalled that the Chamber demanded this "open-gate" policy during the time of the former SBMA administration but was allegedly rejected due to political differences with neighboring communities in Bataan and Zambales.

The statement of support came after supporters of former SBMA chairman Richard Gordon, criticized the new SBMA policy, claiming it has attracted robbers and thieves.

"That policy was implemented because investors demanded it. We should all be realistic that crimes are happening around the country but as far as the Freeport is concerned, it is at a very low level compared to other areas", the SBFCC statement said.

A number of the locators here particularly those engaged in tourism-related businesses have already expanded their operations since the new policy was imposed as the Freeport posted a remarkable increase in visitors which reached a staggering 3.5 million tourists last year.

A new twin cinema was inaugurated last November at the Times Square complex as part of its long-term expansion which offers a variety of affordable leisure and entertainment facilities including a state-of-the-art bowling center, Japanese restaurant, convenience store, fun-house, video arcade, aerobic gym and saloon.

The new policy also attracted Dr. Mariano Ridon, an Olongapo based entrepreneur to operate a classy but low-priced Filipino restaurant, Pista sa Barrio, located along the seafront area here while local trader Frankie Barretto opened last week a gas refilling station near the Kalaklan gate.

These new establishments were among the 98 local and foreign entities engaged in various businesses registered last year as new investors of the Freeport zone with total committed investments of P9.85 billion.

American businessman Mike Sellers, also a member of the Chamber and owner of Hollywood Steak House, retorted that even a resident of the posh Dasmariñas Village in Makati who leaves his house unoccupied for two months or so will certainly be victimized by bad elements."