CITY HALL – CPA SPAT: Bautista eyes “win-win” solution

CEBU, Philippines — Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista hopes for a win-win solution between the Cebu Ports Authority (CPA) and the Cebu City government after its ongoing rift over some projects.

Bautista told The Freeman and other reporters yesterday that he and Mayor Mike Rama were not able to discuss in length matters about the CPA even as they already met.

Bautista, however, said they will continue with their coordination efforts.

“CPA—we were not able to discuss...but we will just continue to coordinate with each other,” Bautista said.

Bautista added that it is important for them to work together with Rama so they can address the problems or issues between the CPA and the city of Cebu.

Bautista and Rama had initially agreed to work together with any developments around Compania Maritima, which CPA has exerted ownership following a court order.

The city of Cebu, on the other hand, fights for the said ruin’s preservation being part of the City’s heritage.

Sec. Bautista had also initially agreed on the preservation of the said structure and even supported the development of the Plaza sa Katawhan located at the baywalk area fronting the Compania Maritima.

During the opening of the said park, Bautista assured Mayor Rama support of projects that are related with DOTr.

Even with that, however, CPA remains to be at odds the city of Cebu led by Mayor Rama and have escalated lately with a project behind the National Museum of the Philippines-Cebu, which does not have a building permit.

“The CPA has taken over again the property. They will continue the construction of the berth,” Sec.Bautista said.

The CPA-Cebu also got the support of Cebu Provincial Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, who has backed CPA's claim on autonomy.

The Transportation Secretary, however, did not reveal whether or not he and Garcia had discussed the CPA issue during his visit to the Capitol the other day.

On top of the previous projects of CPA, which has been called out by the Cebu City government, the latter has recently pointed out that CPA has also privatized a road network that used to be a public-access roadway going to the port.

Cebu City Administrator Collin Rosell said there used to be a road network at the back of the Museo Sugbo, particularly the ML Quezon Boulevard that has now been allegedly closed.

The media tried to get CPA General Manager Kit Commendador’s side, but he said they will not issue a statement yet on the latest concern raised by the city government. (CEBU NEWS)