CPA denies plans to build mega terminal with casino

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Port Authority (CPA) has denied that its has plans of introducing a "Mega Terminal with Casino and Hotel" within their area in Cebu City.

In a letter dated October 28, 2024 signed by CPA’s General Manager, Francisco Comendador, the agency responded to the Cebu City Council after the latter sought clarification of the information that it has plans to construct a Mega Terminal Maritima Development Plan with a casino and hotel.

The letter reads that the current plan of the CPA over the area is intended for its Port Expansion Project for additional berthing spaces with passenger facilities.

“As to the alleged "Mega Terminal with casino and hotel," CPA has no plans to introduce such improvements as of this time,” their letter reads, denying such allegations.

The letter added that any improvements introduced by CPA will be in accordance with its mandate as provided under Republic Act No. 7621 including related support services to trade and commerce, tourism, and mass transportation.

The Republic Act No. 7621 is also known as the Act that created the CPA, defining its Powers and Functions.

Last October 2, 2024, Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera, Majority Floor Leader delivered a privilege speech relative to the heritage preservations. In that same speech, Pesquera presented a presentation of a supposed Mega Terminal eyed by the CPA.

According to Pesquera, aside from the planned Mega Terminal Project, it includes a hotel and a casino which are already beyond their function. She added that the supposed plan could potentially cover the Cebu City Hall which is a part of the heritage.

Pesquera disclosed that the said plan has a building area of 10,000 square meters with 25,000 square meters total area.

She then cited a provision that established the creation of the CPA, which stipulates that the entity has the power to acquire, own, hire, use, operate, and dispose of personal property and to acquire, own, use, lease, operate and dispose of real property and interests thereon and to make improvements on such real property, including the reclamation, for port purposes.

"When they should have an activity or they should have projects, it's always for Port purposes, not a casino, not for hotels,” Pesquera previously said during that speech.

Pesquera also revealed that the proposed construction plans of CPA came from former mayor Michael Rama. (CEBU NEWS)