Osmeña eyes V-hire terminal near Compania Maritima

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña is planning to negotiate with the representatives of Cebu Ports Authority to allow the city government to use the open space near Compania Maritima Building in Barangay Ermita as V-hire terminal.

The mayor's plan was supported by a proposed resolution of Councilor Eugenio Gabuya Jr. seeking to authorize the local chief executive, on behalf of the city government, to negotiate with CPA officials.

City Council, however, deferred the approval of the resolution considering the pending civil case that the CPA officials filed against the city government.

"GT Express/V-hire operators of south-bound vans for hire have informed the Cebu City government about the challenges they encountered everyday at their present terminal. Passengers of southbound vans for hire are likewise complaining more particularly on location of the terminal," Gabuya said.

At present, V-hires are using the open space near a mall at the South Road Properties. They used to occupy the open space near Compania Maritima.

"The said operators prefer the open space or area along Compania Maritima Building for V-hire terminal, waiting area, drop off area, and vans overnight parking area," he said.

He said he is aware of the pending civil case of CPA against the city government when the former asserted its ownership of the open space. Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera said the resolution is inconsistent to the city's ownership claim over the property.

Pesquera said the property is not included in CPA's administration because it is under the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources.

"If we will come up with this resolution, it would as if we are conceding that we are giving CPA that authority over the property," she said.

Gabuya said his resolution is only asking for authorization for the mayor to talk with CPA officials, adding that it does not include the issue of ownership. Councilor Jose Daluz III said the resolution is against the city's own interest.

"It's as if we are abandoning our claim because if we are the owner, why do we ask for permission? There's a need to study first before we will approve this resolution," he said.

Councilor Sisinio Andales, however, said the resolution states that it is without prejudice of the pending case. Andales added that whatever contract related on the matter will always go back to the City Council for approval.

Daluz insisted that the pending case gives the City Council more reason to study the resolution before its approval because it might have negative implication on the pending case prompting Gabuya to yield.