Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo for sale!!

Philippines
January 11, 2011 8:16am CST
There is a plan that these military camps would go on for sale. According to the government, it is would be good as it would earn millions for the sales of the property and it will earn more from businesses that would be established it those areas. However, there are some that disagree with the idea. Some says that military presence in the metro should be there. Another thing is these are historical sites were the Filipinos regained the freedom from martial law. Weighing the benefits, it seems it would be good financially and economically, if the money generated would not be stolen. In historical perspective, it should not be sold as it reminds us of freedom. In terms of national security, maybe not much of an issue if it will be relocated somewhere else. What is your take on this idea?
7 responses
• Philippines
18 Jan 11
It seems to me that this new government is scared of running out of funds. This idea is funny since the government has income from taxes (wherein the the system is still corrupt). I refuse to believe that our government is seriously considering this plan becuase of historical but security reasons as well. I guess the government is too busy checking the treasury rather than care for the security of the people. The army might not have the spotless reputation among the government institutions but the soldiers as citizens should have a home and a comfortable work station to do their jobs properly. How will the army be mobilized without these bases?
@louievill (28851)
• Philippines
14 Jan 11
Nobody can just sell anything in our country that are considered of historical importance to the people and I think that includes those government properties. In case they indeed succeed in liquidating, what do they plan to do with the money? Same way PCGG fumbled with the Marcos wealth? When that could have already paid off those debts a long time ago, definitely I'm not in favor , it would only favor those with a personal agenda or those with vested interests.
@mensab (4200)
• Philippines
11 Jan 11
well, the government is now acting like a business. its decisions are based on cost and benefits analysis. the sales of military camps reflect the way our government sees the security and history of the country. i am actually neither for nor against the sales of these camps. what i don't like is the idea that only the financial benefits are being considered in the decision. there must be something more.
@eurekafemme (5876)
• Philippines
12 Jan 11
Hi. I don't think this is a sensible thing to do. Though they said that the property would really generate a very big profit if sold, since that property was donated by some influential people like the Gokongweis, the government will sure have a hefty profit out of it. However, I don't believe that the government is running out of money that it has to sell its most important possession. It is not the wisest thing to do. The camps have given the citizens security for a very long time. It has been part of our history. So sad that it'll be tainted in such a bad way.
@ybong007 (6643)
• Philippines
12 Jan 11
I had been to both places and they'r both huge that's why I am for the sale of it. This would not please a lot of people but there's always a way to get an agreement somewhere. The easiest solution is just to sell a part of it and retain just enough space just like what they do with the Fort. In the end, the government can make use of the money from the sale yet we still retain part of history by not selling everything.
@EdnaReyes (2622)
• Philippines
12 Jan 11
As long as the deal will served the people and the money generated with it goes to the intended projects, there's nothing wrong with it. But as we had several experiences like his before, then I think this must be under the vigilant eyes of the people who had been robbed off of their taxes.
• Philippines
11 Jan 11
hmmn, I heard about this but not Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo, but the local military camp in Cebu, don't remember at this moment the name of the camp, there's too much going on in my mind to filter it out... ....okay, back to the topic, I think it's okay, but as you've said as long as it's not pocketed by corrupt officials, then I'm all for it, it's a chance for economic growth and most of the military camps are in prime positions for economic transactions, as I don't think that the historical inference of the places won't be forgotten for they could use it as a theme....