‘Act on stranded passengers’

TAGBILARAN CITY — President Arroyo has ordered Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza to act immediately on the delayed action by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) on the suspension of the vessels of Negros Navigation Company (Nenaco).

The President expressed concern over some 700 passengers stranded at this city’s port due to the non-departure of M/S San Lorenzo Ruiz.

Thousands of Bohol-bound passengers, who are expected to attend Saturday’s annual fiesta celebration of this city, are also stranded in Manila.

Before giving her speech before a huge crowd at the Carlos P. Garcia Sports Complex here, Mrs. Arroyo asked Gov. Erico Aumentado and Rep. Edgar Chatto to follow up the matter with Mendoza.

In her phone conversation with Mendoza, Mrs. Arroyo asked him to resolve the matter within the day, saying the issue has prejudiced the riding public.

From this city, Mrs. Arroyo proceeded to Guiwanon in Baclayon town to inspect the P1.5-billion Bohol Circumferential Road Project (Phase II). — Peter Dejaresco