Powers and Functions of the BEZA.
Section 13
SEC. 13. Powers and Functions of the BEZA. - The BEZA shall have the following powers and functions: (a) Operate, administer, manage and develop the BuZ according to the principles and provisions set forth in this Act: Provided, That the management and operations of the Airport Project and the Airport City Project shall be in accordance with Republic Act No. 11506; (b) Register, regulate and supervise the enterprises in the BuZ in an efficient and decentralized manner, subject to existing laws; (c) Coordinate with LGUs and exercise general supervision over the development plans, activities and operations of the BuZ; and adopt, prepare, and implement a comprehensive and detailed development plan with timeline and milestones that shall be consistent with the goals under Section 9 of this Act. The development plan shall include a list of projects for the sound and balanced operation of the BuZ consistent with ecological and environmental standards, proper waste management practices, effective flood control and management, mandatory water impoundment, and other productive uses to promote the economic and social development of the LGUs comprising the BuZ in particular and the country in general; (d) Construct, acquire, own, lease, operate, and maintain, on its own through contracts, franchise, licenses, bulk purchase from the private sector or permits under any of the schemes allowed in Republic Act No. 11966, otherwise known as the "Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code of the Philippines", adequate facilities and infrastructure required or needed for the operation and development of the BuZ, in coordination with appropriate national and local govenrment authorities and in conformity with applicable laws thereon; (e) Approve plans, programs and projects of the BuZ, to be submitted to the RDC for inclusion and inputs to the overall regional development plan; (f) Operate on its own, either directly or through licenses to others, tourism-related activities, including games, amusements, recreational and sports facilities: Provided, That the BEZA shall not allow the registration of any business that is engaged, hosts, or accommodates any form of gambling, gaming-related activity, or any form of game of chance within the BuZ; (g) Raise or borrow, within the limitation provided by law, ans subject to the approval of the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), as the case may be, adequate and necessary funds from local or foreign sources, to finance its projects and programs under this Act; and for this purpose, to issue bonds, promissory notes and other forms of securities, and to secure the same by a guarantee, pledge, mortgage, deed of trust or an assignment of all or part of its property or assets. In no instance shall the Philippine Government guarantee any bonds issued by the BEZA; (h) Protect, preserve, maintain, and sustainably develop the forests, beaches, coral and coral reefs, terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and maintain ecological balance within the BuZ. The rules and regulations of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other government agencies involved in the above functions shall be implemented by the BEZA: Provided, That the DENR shall continue to have primary authority and responsibility on environment protection: Provided, further, That the monitoring and issuance of leases, permits, certificates, clearances, and all others environment-related issuances by the DENR under its mandate shall remain under the jurisdiction of the Department: Provided, further, That upon a finding of any part of the area as needed for critical habitat establishment under Republic Act No. 9147, otherwise known as the "Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act", the BEZA will accommodate and integrate the requirements for range, habitat, feeding and roosting of the relevant species identified: Provided, further, That the BEZA shall take into consideration any new scientific information that comes to light on requirements for endangered species and honor local and national legislation for conservation that would support conservation goals: Provided, further, That protected areas declared by local legislation, and those registered with the DENR pending enactment by national legislation, shall be observed and respected: Provided, finally, That frameworks, tools, methods and skills including, but not limited to, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), shall be utilized in order to improve governance and management of natural resources within the BuZ; (i) Create, operate or contract to operate such functional units or offices of the BEZA as it may deem necessary; (j) Adopt, alter and use a corporate seal; contract, lease, buy, acquire, own or otherwise dispose of personal and/or real property of whatever nature; sue and be sued; and otherwise carry out its functions and duties as provided for in this Act; (k) Issue certificate of origin for products manufactured or processed in the BuZ, in accordance with prevailing rules of origin and the pertinent regulations of the PEZA, the DTI, and the DOF; (l) Establish one-stop shops for the issuance of all necessary permits, clearances, licenses, and other similar certifications to conduct such activities intended to improve the ease of doing business within the BuZ, in coordination with government agencies having jurisdiction over activities therein: Provided, That all government agencies are directed to provide and extend utmost and full cooperation to the BuZ in the establishment of such one-stop shops; (m) To provide internal security to the BuZ, in coordination with the NG and affected LGU. For this purpose, the BEZA shall provide and establish its own internal security and firefighting forces, in accordance with Republic Act No. 9514 otherwise known as the "Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008", or hire others to provide the same; (n) Exercise such powers, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations, as may be essential, necessary or incidental to the powers granted to it hereunder, including imposition of reasonable fees and penalties, that shall enable it to carry out, implement and accomplish the purposes, objectives and policies of this Act; and (o) Issue rules and regulations within the exercise of its powers under this section, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations.