CPA blasts city government “intrusion”

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Port Authority has condemned the act of city government personnel in checking the area for alleged ongoing construction activities.

CPA said the other day around 4 p.m., personnel of the Office of the Building Official, Prevention Restoration Order Beautification and Enhancement, and Cebu City Legal Office forcibly entered the port premises despite the fact that the area is outside their territorial jurisdiction and in defiance of the Writ of Injunction issued in favor of CPA.

The CPA said that Republic Act 7621 or the CPA Charter empowers the Cebu Port Commission (CPC) to manage, administer, operate, maintain, improve and develop, coordinate and otherwise govern the activities of all the ports within its territorial jurisdiction.

It added that it can determine by survey and establish by engineering design the exact location, system, and character of any and all port facilities which it may own, construct, establish, effectuate, operate, or control.

The CPC can also provide and maintain port facilities including accessory buildings and installations within its territorial jurisdiction on its own or through the private sector.

CPA added that they will continue to rise above these challenges and will hold the interest of the public and the stakeholders over all by staying firm to its commitment to deliver safe, efficient and effective port services. — (FREEMAN)