EDITORIAL – Decaying wharf and justice

ANOTHER exciting development in Davao City has to do with the plan of the government to expand the international harbor at barangay Sasa. This is a very important project that would further promote trade and commerce in this part of the country. Right now, the wharf is in a state of disrepair as funds for its rehabilitation were diverted instead to the roll-on/roll-off program, later found to be grossly overpriced apart from being more than what the country needed.
National Economic Development Authority 11 Director Ma. Lourdes Lim said the government is ready to accept proposals from the private sector to upgrade and operate the dilapidated Sasa Wharf, the region’s primary port of entry and exit for imports and exports.
The expanse of the wharf is pockmarked with holes, exposed steel cables, and does not have a gantry crane that could expedite the loading and unloading of cargo on and off vessels. No less than Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) members have complained about the decaying facility and government’s failure to quickly fix it.
Lim said the government intends to implement an expansion program for the wharf which will increase its capacity for handling more cargo vessels. No less than Enrique Razon, the billionaire behind International Container Terminal Services, Inc., reportedly plans to bid for Sasa Wharf should the Philippine Ports Authority decide to privatize the port.
As it is the wharf has become too small for the rapid growth of the shipping and cargo-handling industry. A more modern wharf being developed by the Anflo Management Corporation of the Floirendo family in Panabo City threatens to overtake Sasa wharf as a premier port if the government doesn’t watch out. Given the usual lethargy government is notorious for, and the dynamism of the private sector, that is not impossible at all.
However, government has an ace in Sasa if its (government) officials will put their act together. Unbeknownst to many of us, one half of the wharf of about 10 hectares was donated by the Reta family of Davao whose philanthropic Bangoy roots were likewise responsible for donating more than 60 hectares of the old Francisco Bangoy airport to the government. There is still  space of about five hectares at the wharf still owned by the Retas which the family can sell or even donate for the expansion of the wharf. However, this is not possible if government, through the Bureau of Customs, continues to be unfair to one of the Retas, particularly businessman Rodolfo Reta, whose legitimate business –a designated examination area (DEA)- was padlocked by some Customs officials after he reported about a shipment of smuggled rice. The closure, which was questioned by Reta in court and the Ombudsman, was first done by Customs personnel of the past corrupt administration and perpetuated by new BOC centurions. Being fair to Reta could be a good start in the government’s desire to improve Sasa wharf. That is, if the government, starting with Customs Commissioner Raffy Biazon, is indeed sincere in this so-called expansion plan.