P. Noy won't return building to BOC

CEBU, Philippines – The Bureau of Customs may now kiss goodbye to their hope of recovering the Malacañang sa Sugbo because President Aquino is not keen to granting their request.

The President said he is looking at the possibility of using the MSS as a museum to boost the cultural and historical heritage of Cebu. He also considers making it as his quarter every time he visits Cebu.

Customs District Collector Ronnie Silvestre proposed to recover the MSS, which used to house the Bureau of Customs in Cebu. Silvestre's proposal was backed up by Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez believing that the property rightfully belongs to the agency.

The century old building was taken from the BOC in 2004 by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo when she decided to establish the MSS in gratefulness for the Cebuanos overwhelming support for her during the 2004 presidential elections.

A face lifting was done to make the building looks like what it is today. Arroyo used to stay overnight at the MSS instead of staying in expensive hotels during her vis-its to Cebu.

It also houses the office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas.

Aquino, however, said he has no plans of appointing presidential assistants, assistant secretaries and consultants, who only have huge staff but no performance except having their names printed on a calling card.

The building sits within a nine-hectare property including the Plaza Independencia which the BOC claims to own. After the building was taken from the BOC the latter rented a building from the Cebu Port Authority at the Cebu International Port for P50,000 a month. (FREEMAN)