Dead on the spot.

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

In fact, no motion was yet made but objections were already "raining," he said.

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.

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.

Caña said it is frustrating because after more than a year of review, study and research, collection of documents, these could not even be presented because other members of SP do not want to give it a chance. "We are interested in what brilliant solution the majority could propose for the best interest of the city and its people," he said.

Palermo said she is objecting to the proposed takeover ordinance since the SP has yet to meet with the Mayor next week to seek clarification from him about his two concepts of takeover. She said she objects to the option of the takeover either through an executive act, or through legislation by the SP, and explained her reason in a 3-page letter to the SP.

Meanwhile, the Bacolod City Economic and Business Development Council met for the first time on Wednesday to discuss ways to help the city resolve its problems on the BREDCO impasse and the location for the new government center in Taculing.

Bro. Rolly Dizon, chairman of the council, suggested the submission of a formal offer to mediate in the BREDCO problem. He said that during his talk with BREDCO president Simplicio Palanca, the latter was not averse to another negotiation with the city.

Dizon said the mission of the council is summarized in the acronym: Noah's Ark and Rainbow, which means "New Adventures for Achieving Hope Sustainable Development through a Research-and knowledge-based Reform Agenda for Inspiring a Never-ending Bacolod Outstanding World-Class Prosperity."*CGS

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