What can you say about the planned privatization of Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo to further pump prime the economy?

DINO MONZON, CALOOCAN CITY: Privatizing Camps Aguinaldo and Crame and centralizing the AFP command in one headquarters like the US Pentagon is overdue and sensible. The funds can boost the economy.

JUN MONTEBON, PARAÑAQUE CITY: Hmmm, one camp down, two more to go. Recall that Ft. McKinley was sold also under the guise of AFP modernization. So where did the proceeds go, gentlemen?

Yes, if it’s for the greater good

Dennis Montealto, Mandaluyong City: If it’s good for the country, then let’s do it. Let’s just make sure that the proceeds go to the country’s coffers, and not to anyone’s pockets.

Elizabeth Oximer, Negros Occidental: I trust that the finance people of the administration know what they’re doing. As long as it’s for the greater good, then by all means.

Pat Cuilan, Benguet: Yes to the privatization of the two camps to pump prime the economy.

Manny Cordeta, Marikina City: If I heard it right, this is an initiative of the Department of Finance, maybe with the blessings of the Defense department and other concerned agencies. It would most likely get the approval of President Noynoy with the prime objective of boosting the economy. I see it as a worthy undertaking that rightfully deserves uncompromising support from every well-meaning Filipino, particularly prospective investors.

The deal must be transparent

Ric Vergara, Calamba: No problem, as long as nobody will illegally benefit from the transaction.

Renato Taylan, Ilocos Norte: Not bad, as long as transactions are transparent with part of the proceeds poured into the countryside to spur economic development.

Germi Sison Cabanatuan City: So long as the transaction will be transparent, I believe the planned privatization of the two camps will improve national security and promote economic growth.

Jim Veneracion, Naga City: The plan seems practical, but the privatization must be above-board. The camp’s relocation site must also be near Metro Manila.

Ishmael Calata, Parañaque City: May I ask, “What happened to the money derived from the conversion of part of Fort Bonifacio in the Makati-Taguig areas? Have we benefited from it? Or was it just used to lessen the government’s budget deficit? If rumors are true, some pockets were lined after the transaction. We ask our President to make the transaction regarding this plan to privatize Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo transparent this time, please.

Not another Fort Bonifacio transaction

Cris Rivera, Rizal: I support the idea of selling both camps provided its purpose would be realized. I hope it won’t be another Fort Bonifacio transaction.

Ignacio Anacta, Metro Manila: I think it’s high time to convert these police and military camps into private assets and help raise funds for our economic upliftment. However, I hope nobody forgets about the conversion of Fort Bonifacio. I wonder if it helped modernize our military and increase the benefits of our soldiers? But certainly, it made some lucky and shameless individuals instant multi-millionaires.

It’s about time

Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan: It’s about time we transferred or relocated the national government centers into one contiguous tract of land. The former plant of Proton Wira in Western Pangasinan is idle. The entire AFP may relocate there with enough space even for an airfield. Or maybe the Navy can buy that seven- hectare island in Ilocos Sur for its Northern Command.

Felix Ramento, USA: The monetary benefits of the planned privatization of Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo are, I guess, only secondary. The foremost reason is the safety of the civilians living around the military and police headquarters, as they are natural targets of enemies in case of war or violent armed struggles. The plan will also provide the opportunity to modernize the antiquated facilities of our armed forces.

Tap barren lands

Rose Leobrera, Manila: Privatize them and relocate these headquarters to barren lands. There are plenty of such lands in Bacolor, Pampanga, by the way. Much better if the proceeds will be used to pay the country’s debts although I highly doubt this will happen. Most probably, it will just go to the pockets of some people.

Let’s look at alternatives

Romeo Caubat, Masbate: I don’t think that’s a good idea. How about imposing new taxes on sin products in order to raise more revenues for our cash-strapped government?

Edwin Chinel Monares, Rizal: We are tired of hearing about the planned privatization of government assets to pump prime the economy. It is only the pockets of those involved in the transactions that benefit from such privatization and not the Filipino people. The government should think of some other ways and look at other models of development rather than sell everything that the state owns. I support the transfer, though, but only to get rid of a military camp located at the center of the metropolis.

Why the haste?

Diony Yap, Bacolod City: I oppose the privatization of Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo. Biglaan kasi. Anything done in haste is anomalous. Sino naman kaya ang makikinabang dito?

Rico Fabello, Parañaque City: The plans are too big. One step at a time, please.

More traffic

Richard Decena, Quezon City: Ang privatization ng dalawang kampo ay siguradong magdudulot ng dagdag na trapik sa EDSA.

Less traffic

Loi Castillo, Davao City: Opening up Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame for privatization will reduce traffic on EDSA. The property value will be maximized and at the same time, it will reduce the risk of an aerial attack in case of a coup d’ etat. Remember the 1989 putsch wherein rockets from attacking planes hit surrounding subdivisions?

Privatize the armed forces

Desuel Pardo, Mandaluyong City: The government has proven that it was not good at management that many government business corporations and properties have already been sold out. Since Camp Bonifacio was sold years ago and now Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo will be sold, too, better privatize also the AFP and the PNP to assure the people of better services and for the soldiers and policemen to be armed with reliable military supplies and rewarded appropriately.

Been there, done that

Ruel Bautista, Laguna: This has been done several times in the past but it failed to achieve its goal. What’s the difference between now and then?

Deo Durante, Camarines Sur: If the money will be put to good use, there is nothing wrong with that. However, the government should explain first what is now the latest development on the privatization of some PNR properties in Metro Manila and in other parts of southern Luzon. Was the money used to help the struggling Juan de la Cruz?

Elmo Cruz, Manila: Camp Bonifacio was sold to generate revenues for the government but it was perceived to have been sold at a cheap price. Grease money found its way into some dirty hands and the proceeds have seemingly gone to thin air. If the same scenario would happen to the planned privatization of Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo, it may trigger another people’s uprising.

Pedro Alagano Sr., Vigan City: Looking at what happened to the privatization of Fort Bonifacio, forget it. There are other alternatives to pump prime the economy like the legalization of jueteng, but concerned officials prefer to maintain the status quo for obvious reasons.

Economic haven

Dr. Jose Balcanao, Benguet: The privatization of both camps would make the Philippines an economic haven for both local and foreign investors. A good indication of this was the conversion of the Subic Naval Base, Clark Air Base and Camp John Hay into bastions of economic enterprise.

Let’s do a project study

Norberto Robles, Taguig City: When, where and how much will it cost to move out and operate from a new location? Let’s first see a project study that covers all the ‘what ifs’ and the pros and cons involved in privatizing the camps.

Ruben Viray, Antipolo City: It makes sense. Let’s think positive for delayed progress. I welcome the idea but perhaps let’s scrutinize the ultimate motive of such plan. Are there takers? Can they meet the requirements? It remains to be seen.

Lucas Madamba, Laguna: The planned privatization of Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo (in order to pump prime the economy of the country) will depend on the ability of private institutions to pump in investment opportunities.

Carmela Ramento, Cagayan de Oro City: The idea is only being floated to allow discussions about the possibilities of the matter. There really are several things to consider. Just talks. Nothing concrete yet.

Where will the money go?

Miguelito Herrera, Cabanatuan City: It will be successful if there are takers. But the question is, where will the money go? Vigilance in transactions like this is urgent.

The government must deal with corruption

Ricardo Tolentino, Laoag City: Even if you sell the entire archipelago, if the proceeds will all just go to corruption, the effect will be nil.

Elpidio Que, Vigan: Malacañang is in Metro Manila, thus the headquarters of the military and the police, Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame, respectively, should be near the seat of power. Also, P-Noy knows that if only big-time corruption were addressed, then it need not be hard to strengthen the economy. Have we forgotten how The Fort was privatized to the delight of corrupt government officials?

Francis Regalado, Manila: I’m optimistic about this. If it’s going to benefit the people and really pump up the economy, why not? But the previous administration has done this also and yet only corrupt government officials seemingly benefited from the said transaction.

This may not be possible

Robert Young Jr., San Juan: The real reason the two camps will be privatized is possibly to generate funds to cover up the government budget deficit and not really to pump prime the economy. The two camps were donated by the Aranetas to the government with a stipulation that once the government has no need for them, they will be returned to the donor. Can the government dispose the properties?

Oligarchs are behind this

Rey Onate, Palayan City: The privatization of Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame is a plan hatched by oligarchs two decades ago. It aims to strengthen the monopoly of their businesses.

Selective privatization

Armando Tavera, Las Piñas City: Why pick only Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame for privatization? Why not include Malacañang Palace? Malaking pera ito if we are only after money.

Lorenzo Fernandez Jr., Cabanatuan City: What an idea. Why privatize those camps that have something to do with our national security? Why not privatize UP and other state colleges and universities? Include also government banks and hospitals, baka mabayaran pa natin ang lahat ng utang ng bansa natin.

Relocate camps to Mindanao

Jose Fabello Jr., Cagayan de Oro City: Indeed, that’s a very good and timely idea. Let’s relocate the camps to Mindanao where they can have all the space they need. Then hopefully, there will be peace and progress in the area sooner than expected.

Historical value

Adrian Catral, Quezon City: I find this absurd. If the plan pushes through, the privatization of the two camps will totally erase whatever historical events were recorded in those areas.

C.B. Manalastas, Manila: Why relocate and privatize the two camps that have historical value for the military? This is aside from the fact that they provide security to the people.

What about the residents?

Ella Arenas, Pangasinan: If the government wants to pump prime the economy, then that would be a practical decision. But what about the soldiers and employees who stay in the two camps? Will they not be deprived of their privilege to stay there?

Views expressed in this section do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The STAR. The STAR does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression. The publication also reserves the right to edit contributions to this section as it sees fit.

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