Talisay, shipping firm seal deal for port

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City government and Asian Marine Transport Corp. have come to terms on the fish port and roll on, roll off project in the city.

Yesterday afternoon, the two parties signed the contract, which would allow Asian Marine Transport to rent a 24,846-square meter property in the city for 25 years.

The first scheduled signing last Friday became controversial when Talisay Mayor Johnny De los Reyes did not show up reportedly over concerns in the contract. Instead of the P800,000 monthly rent, De los Reyes instead wanted P1.098 million, computed at $1 per square meter.

This led Asian Marine Transport President and CEO Paul Rodriguez to walk out of the session hall.   Yesterday, with the intervention of Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante and members of the City Council, De los Reyes decided to stick to the original agreement.

“Yes, I signed the contract of lease, with the presence of Vice Mayor Villarante and some members of the council. Okay na, naa lang gamay’ng misunderstanding sa contract, mao nang nalangan,” De los Reyes yesterday said.

The mayor signed the contract at past 4 p.m. with Councilors Aldin Diaz, Dennis Basillote, Richard Francis Aznar and Edward Alesna as witnesses. The document was then brought to Rodriguez’s office in Cebu City for the latter’s signature.

Rodriguez also handed over a check worth P9.6 million to the representative of the city treasurer’s office as down payment.

Last February 3, the City Council authorized De los Reyes to enter into a contract of lease with the shipping company to lease out the lot near the South Road Properties in Barangay San Roque.

Villarante said he understood De los Reyes concern’ on the rent because as mayor, he does not want the city to be in the losing end.

“We explained to the mayor that the monthly rental is minimal compare to the taxes that the city government will be collecting to Asian Marine Transportation when they will operate,” Villarante said.

Rodriguez said they will utilize the RORO port as a major logistic hub from Manila and Batangas to the entire Visayas and Mindanao, linking Talisay City directly to major destinations such as Manila, Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, General Santos, Zamboanga, Bacolod, Iloilo and Masbate. —JMO (FREEMAN)