LMP-Cebu backs suspension of P12.5B port in San Fernando

The League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)-Cebu Chapter has passed a resolution supporting the suspension of port and reclamation project in Sangat, San Fernando town.

The resolution was passed supporting San Fernando Mayor Lakambini Reluya in issuing executive order suspending any construction, development, and reclamation projects for non-compliance with the requirements.

The LMP-Cebu resolution was duly signed and approved by Tuburan Mayor Democrito Diamante, president; Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado, vice president for internal affairs; and Dalaguete Mayor Ronald Allan Cesante, vice president for external affairs.

The league cited Section 444 of Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, which grants the municipal mayor the power to issue executive orders necessary for the proper enforcement and execution of laws and ordinances.

"The reclamation projects in the Municipality of San Fernando, Cebu as headed and developed by private entities, are already underway but have yet to comply with the necessary requirements as prescribed by law and ordinances, such as the letter from the Office of the President mandating the Office of the Mayor of San Fernando, Cebu to settle first the issues raised by the affected fishermen and of the essential requisite that a public hearing on the projects must first be conducted before the projects start," read the LMP resolution.

The LMP was referring to the proposed P12.5 billion international port project in Barangay Sangat.

Earlier this year, the Cebu Port Authority gave the go signal for the company to start the project after it reportedly complied with all pertinent requirements.

The project broke ground on March 2, 2018.

But prior to the groundbreaking, Reluya issued an executive order to stop the project following complaints from a fishermen association. The letter-complaint was submitted to the Office of the President.

Following First Sangat SF International Port Corporation's president Ruben Feliciano's alleged failure to heed the mayor's order to stop the port project, Reluya issued a cease and desist order against the former last May 28.

Reluya, who also sits as LMP-Cebu secretary, said the municipal government found out that the firm had already started the backfilling operations even prior she received the transmittal of the notice to commence from Feliciano.

The mayor also said the application for the port project was granted by the Municipal Council to Sangat Bay Development Corp., which is also headed by Feliciano, not First Sangat SF.

Aside from it, Reluya claimed that First Sangat SF failed to secure other requirements, such as clearances from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Philippine Reclamation Authority, and foreshore lease agreement, among others. —

Gregg M. Rubio/KBQ