CH secures tax declaration on Maritima property

CEBU, Philippines - In response to Cebu Ports Authority's earlier announcement of plans to commercially utilize the contested Compania Maritima property, the  Cebu City government has secured a tax declaration.

Based on the initial assessment of the area by the city assessor's office, the 42,054 square meter property is a road lot with an assessed market value of about 714,000.

Land Management Council chief Atty. Jade Ponce said that the tax declaration means that the property is duly owned by the city government, unlike similar claims of CPA.

In a written assessment, Ponce said that the property is not titled to any particular public or private entity being a patrimonial property of the state.

"Unless otherwise provided by a specific law, it is the Cebu City  Government and not the Cebu Ports Authority or any other instrumentality that has jurisdiction and authority over all public lands situated within its territorial jurisdiction," the assessment continued.

CPA earlier insisted that they own the property since it was originally built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as a reclaimed port of the city, preceding the existing sea ports.

Ponce reiterated that CPA's jurisdiction ends when the property ceases to function as a port citing the same law pointed out by the government-owned and controlled corporation, R.A. 7621 or An Act creating the Cebu Port Authority Defining Its Powers and Functions, Providing Appropriation Therefore, and for Other Purposes.

"Not being a port anymore, Compania Maritima and its surrounding environs can no longer be subject to the administration and control of the Cebu Ports Authority by operation of law," the statement added.

Mayor Michael Rama, for his part, could not guarantee that he can grant a discussion with CPA officials.

"I have to check if I can have time with them. Definitely, the city will not limit on the issue of fencing alone. We will check with other aspects including their commercial development plans," Rama told reporters.

He added that former mayor Alvin Garcia, whom he earlier announced will be involved with waterfront and port development, will also step into the picture.

Cebu City also has plans to develop the area as heritage site complementing Plaza Independencia, Fort San Pedro and Malacañang sa Sugbo, Magellan's Cross as well as religious heritage sites like the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral and Basilica del Sto. Niño.

The private sector and the academe will also be tapped to collaborate with the city government in developing the area. — (FREEMAN)