City applies to operate Bacolod port
BACOLOD CITY -- City Legal Officer Atty. Allan Zamora confirmed yesterday that the city government of Bacolod has formally applied for a permit to operate the Bacolod Port last December 2, 2008 and also confirmed that they are seeking a revocation of the permit to operate granted by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to the Bacolod Real Estate Development Corporation (Bredco).
Zamora said that if the city's application would be granted by the PPA, the city could takeover the port operation as embodied in the "takeover ordinance" passed by the Sangguniang Panglungsod earlier.
"The basis of the application for a permit to operate is the Comprehensive Revised Reclamation Agreement (CRRA) and the resolution passed by the City Council," Zamora added.
Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, in his capacity as acting Mayor, wrote a letter addressed to the Philippine Ports Authority in Metro Manila requesting the latter to grant a permit to operate in favor of the city government and likewise requesting the PPA to recall and/or revoke Bredco's permit because the real owner of the port is the Top Harbor Corporation and not Bredco.
Sayson said that the City of Bacolod is the lawful owner of the port situated at the Reclamation Area. Such ownership by the City of Bacolod is even recognized by the Bredco as shown by the provision of Article IX of the Comprehensive Revised Reclamation Agreement executed between the City and the Bredco.
Sayson explained in his letter to PPA Main Office, that the Bacolod Port is now operated and managed by Top Harbor International Corporation, an entity which has no contractual relation with the City of Bacolod in the operation and management of the Bacolod Port. Earlier, The Sangguniang Panglungsod, through Resolution No. 899, Series of 2008, authorized City Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia to apply for and in behalf of the city of Bacolod for a permit to operate the Bacolod Port as owner thereof. Zamora also added that the city could takeover the port operation because Bredco until now did not secure a temporary restraining order (TRO) stopping the city to takeover port operation.