CCCI prexy: Leave MSS a heritage site

CEBU, Philippines - The president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry believes that leaving the century-old Malacañang sa Sugbo building as a heritage site would be a “win-win” solution for both the Bureau of Customs and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

CCCI president Prudencio Gesta said that the BOC should allocate a budget either to rent or build a new building.

Gesta said that the old customs building can be a major tourist attraction along with the Plaza Independencia, Fort San Pedro, Sto. Niño Church and City Hall and thus, making the area as major source of revenue.

“I think all parties should make adjustment for a long term win-win solution,” said Gesta.

Cebu Customs district collector Ronnie Silvestre wanted to regain possession of the old customs building used by then president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as Malacañang sa Sugbo. This after the BOC was given 60 days ultimatum by the Cebu Ports Authority to vacate the building they presently occupied to give way to the CPA’s expansion project.

The BOC has found an ally with Cebu City Vice Mayor Augustus “Joy” Young who said that its time for the agency to go back to their old building.

“Besides, that is really their building and if I were the President (Benigno Aquino III), I wouldn’t want to use it anyway because it is old and dilapidated,” Young said.

Rama earlier opposed the BOC’s bid to reclaim the building saying the city wanted to use it as museum and heritage site.

Arroyo took over the building from the BOC in 2004 and converted it as Malacañang in Cebu. Arroyo’s move was in gratitude to the overwhelming support given to her by the Cebuanos during the 2004 elections where she won by over 2 million votes here.

But since Aquino’s assumption, the building has become a white elephant. It is however guarded by at least 20 personnel from the Presidential Security Group.

The Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc.-Cebu Chapter earlier passed a resolution urging Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon to make representation with Malacañang for Customs-Cebu to be allowed to utilize its old building.

CCBI-Cebu Chapter president Leonardo “Ding” Abay-Abay in an interview with The FREEMAN said that it has been their position that the MSS should be returned to the BOC as the rightful owner.

Philip Tan, newly-assumed president of the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry, had also said that delaying the transfer of Customs-Cebu is an example of poor management and distorted vision within the government.

“Without considering the consequence of delays of goods, both import and export. The delay will increase the cost and consumers will have to pay for it,” Tan said.     - THE FREEMAN