Shipowners split on port lockout

CEBU — Shipowners are split on a proposed port lockout as the ultimate solution to compel the government to expel squatters at the Cebu Port.

In separate interviews with big and medium-sized shipping operators and executives, 50 percent of the shipowners said "yes, why not?" to a port lockout while others had reservations.

The rumblings at the port started when Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza said that port squatters would stay even after saying that the Cebu Port Authority was ready to comply with the minimum requirements of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code this month.

Outraged shipowners here said they could not understand why the government coddles illegal port users more than legitimate port stakeholders. "It’s not fair. Why can’t the government protect and support players in the shipping industry who have given the port its very life and stop politicking for once," a shipping executive said.

Mendoza insists he was "misinterpreted" but going back on his word was apparently not enough to restore lost confidence. Shipowners are aware that elections are stalling political will to expel squatters. Yet, they are apprehensive that continued leniency and political accommodation of illegal port users hasten security breakdown.

"Security breakdown does not choose whether there are elections or not. Our port is very susceptible to terrorist attacks. The risk is there. You cannot tell who is a terrorist and who is not. Squatters must go," said a noted shipowner.

But when shipowners were asked if they were willing to send a strong message to the government at whatever cost including a port lockout, some expressed reservations.

Most of those in big shipping companies said they would rather wait until after the elections. While those willing to go for a port lockout were from medium and small-sized ship and tramping operations. They said a general port lockout must be a concerted effort not just of shipowners but must be equally supported by the business community. — Freeman News Service