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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Guimaras nixes Iloilo City proposal on fees, wharves

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JORDAN, Guimaras—The provincial government of Guimaras has opposed the proposed imposition of terminal and other fees and the closure of two wharves in Iloilo City to give way to the sole operation of Guimaras Iloilo Ferry Terminal in Parola, Iloilo City.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Guimaras recently passed a resolution opposing the proposed P11 terminal fee and berthing and cargo fees, and the mandatory closure of Ortiz and Parola wharves at Brgy. Ortiz and Brgy. Concepcion, respectively.

Board member John Edward Gando, author of the resolution, said the terminal fee would make the one-way fare at least P25.

“If there will be berthing and other fees to be imposed on pumpboats, it will be passed on the passengers,” he added.

Gando said the amount is “undeniably burdensome, unreasonable and oppressive to students, senior citizens, vendors, laborers, and Guimarasnons in general who pass through that ferry terminal on a day-to-day basis.”

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With regard to the mandatory closure of Parola and Ortiz wharves, Gando said: “It will leave passengers no option to choose the port or wharf except the ferry terminal that unjustly exacts payment.”

Gando stressed that the operations of these two wharves require no ordinances or executive orders contrary to claims of City Hall officials as ports are considered property of public dominion.

“The Iloilo City Government cannot do whatever they want—Parola and Ortiz wharves have been considered property of public dominion under Article 420 of The Civil Code of the Philippines that has been used by the people since time immemorial.”

Gando lamented that the parties to the agreement should have consulted or included Guimaras on the feasibility study or dialogues as Guimarasnons are the ones directly affected by the project.

“The deal was approved in October 2012 and we are not elected that time yet. We are left in the dark, and it we look for ways to at least have a copy of the Joint Venture Agreement,” he said.

According to Gando, the province is set to file this week a petition that would seek the invalidation of certain terms of the deal.

He argues that the province is in the right track, citing what he claims are violations of the City Government with regard to the use of the Rotary Park.

“The City cites Proclamation No. 207 signed by President Benigno Aquino III on July 19, 2011,” he said.

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