Jonas not open to CIP transfer

CEBU, Philippines - Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes felt slighted last week when the general manager of the Cebu Ports Authority made known his plan to transfer the Cebu International Port to Mandaue City without consulting the mayor.

Cortes, during a press conference, said he was offended by CPA general Manager Vicente Suazo’s announcement because Suazo did not consult him.

But Cortes said Suazo visited him at his office last Monday and extended his apologies.

But for Cortes, the transfer of the CIP to the city would be unsound because haulers, trailers, and big trucks going to the international port would create traffic jams.

He said the transfer would neither compliment the Comprehensive Land Use Plan of the city.

Suazo’s proposal is that the proposed new international port would cover around 50 hectares, enough to accommodate huge vessels, which would be a far cry from its current 35 meters depth that limits vessels entering the port.

The plan specifies that the port be located near the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge in barangay Looc, an area which would be suitable for cargo ships from the north.   (FREEMAN NEWS)