Poro Point controversy now a legal question, says Abaya

Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) president and chief executive officer (CEO) Narciso Abaya acknowledged yesterday that the controversy at the Poro Point seaport in San Fernando, La Union can only be resolved through legal means.

Abaya urged an end to the ongoing media war and instead let the proper courts decide the impasse.

Abaya is particularly concerned about media statements urging him to direct the officials of the Poro Point Management Corp. to follow the orders issued by the Regional Trial Court in La Union.

Abaya said that the issue is already with the Court of Appeals, where the BCDA, the PPMC and the Philippine Ports Authority have a pending petition to nullify the temporary restraining orders and injunctions issued by Judge Roberto Cawed of the La Union RTC in connection with the Poro Point dispute.

"At this point, no amount of pressure and bullying can make the BCDA act unilaterally on the Poro Point issue. We will wait for the Court of Appeals to decide, and we shall abide by whatever decision the CA will make," Abaya said.

Abaya said that since the matter is still pending before the courts, the BCDA is focusing on more urgent and pressing matters such as the supervision of ongoing projects like the P21-billion Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and working for the restoration of incentives for locators in BCDA special economic zones.

"We at BCDA are exercising responsible corporate leadership by performing our duties despite the distractions brought about by the Poro Point issue and other controversies," the BCDA head said.

"Our courts have the requisite powers to implement their decisions. It is not for the BCDA to implement the court orders as some parties would like us to do," he added.