PPA revokes BREDCO's permit to operate Bacolod City Port
BACOLOD CITY -- The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has revoked the license of the Bacolod Real Estate Development Corporation (BREDCO) to operate the Bacolod City Port for charging exorbitant fees.
The revocation took effect last June 5.
However, the BREDCO management, through its counsel Atty. Jack Maalat, will ask for a temporary restraining order with prayer for injunction in court.
This, Maalat said that BREDCO was not afforded a due process.
The PPA, however, contended that the decision was based on complaints they received.
"If we are guilty of violations, PPA should have suspended us first and not revoke our permit. We already wrote a letter to PPA for reconsideration but we will also file a case in court," the lawyer said.
He added that PPA failed to give BREDCO its day in court or a procedural due process.
In 1995, BREDCO was given the authority to construct and operate the port for 25 years from its approval of the Comprehensive Revised Reclamation Agreement (CRRA) and an option to renew it for another 25 years. The CRRA is now on its 12th year.
With the revocation of the permit, the Bacolod City government is now mulling a possible take over.
Bacolod City Legal Officer Atty. Allan Zamora said it will be favorable for the city government if PPA will not reconsider the revocation of BREDCO's permit.
(PNA)