Tomas: Maritime holiday won't hurt city's economy

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña is not worried by threats of a nationwide shipping strike or maritime holiday on March 1 to dramatize shipowners’ protests against the allegedly unreasonable policies of Maritime Industry Authority administrator Elena Bautista.

“I will not do anything to prevent it. That is their sign of protest, let them. I don’t think the economy of Cebu City will be affected for just one day,” Osmeña said.

This he said is okay as long as traders and the rest who will possibly be affected by it are informed ahead so they can reschedule trips or hold off shipments on March 1.

“That is their right and they have a point,” he added.

The 32 members of the Visayan Association of Ferryboat and Coastwise Service Operators recently announced that during the Press Conference set on February 18, they will formally announce their plan to hold a maritime holiday to call for the resignation of Bautista.

Some members of VAFCSO include Cokaliong Shipping, Trans-Asia Shipping Lines, Roble Shipping Inc., Lite Shipping and Jadestar Shipping among others. The group said that aside from local shipping lines, maritime organizations from other countries are also supporting them in their protest.

Among the policies they oppose are the mandatory requirement for them to secure an exorbitant insurance policy and the requirement for US-made life vests in all vessels. Other policies they oppose will be announced during the Press Conference according to VAFCSO. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/BRP   (FREEMAN NEWS)