Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday said he is still waiting for the action of the Sangguniang Panlungsod on the proposed take over the Bacolod port, before making his next move.

Leonardia said only six of 14 councilors attended the executive-legislative caucus that was intended to discuss the issue last week.

"I am still waiting for them to officially act on the issue. What does it mean if their vote is six-six?" Leonardia asked.

The proposed ordinance on the takeover of the port was killed on first reading on March 23. Councilor Lyndon Caña said this was even before members of the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod had seen the supporting documents or listen to arguments.

Six voted in favor and six voted against the proposed ordinance providing for the basic policies, guidelines and procedures for the takeover of the city of the unfinished reclamation project and port, as well as, the port operation at the Reclamation Area in Bacolod City.

After reiterating that the city government rightfully holds the ownership of the port, Leonardia refused to comment further on the issue, saying he did not want to pre-empt the councilors' decision. Aside from Caña, those who voted in favor of the takeover ordinance were Councilors Dindo Ramos, Greg Gasataya, Jude Thaddeus Sayson, Homer Bais and Napoleon Cordova. Those who voted against it were Councilors Ana Marie Palermo, Elmer Sy, Reynold Iledan, Marx Louie de la Rosa, Arturo Parreño and Catalino Alisbo.

Councilor Jocelle Batapa-Sigue abstained, while Councilor Al Victor Espino was out of the session hall during the votation.

Meanwhile, Leonardia expressed optimism that he will not find difficulty in securing the P400 million loan from banks intended for the construction of the new government center for the city. The SP had unanimously passed a resolution authorizing Leonardia to negotiate a P400-million loan from banks for the construction of the city center.

Bacolod is viable for banks, Leonardia said, adding that the city has the biggest Internal Revenue Allotment in Western Visayas.

The mayor said that, after the negotiation, he will seek authority from the SP to allow him to sign the contract between the city and the bank.*CPT

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