Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr. yesterday said that, instead of developing the Banago Port in Bacolod City, the Philippine Ports Authority should spend its money developing ports in other towns and cities of Negros Occidental.

Since Bacolod already has the BREDCO port that is so near Banago, the PPA should spread the resources to other areas that need port development, he said.

Alvarez cited the ports in Sagay City, EB Magalona, Pulupandan, Sipalay City and Hinobaan.

On Monday, Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. said he supports the plan to establish a port for roll on-roll off vessel activities in Barangay Banago, because, wherever there is competition, there is improved services.

Bacolod Real Estate Development Corp. (BREDCO) president Simplicio Palanca has asked Transportation and Communication Secretary Manuel Roxas to stop the Philippine Ports Authority from constructing a port for roll on-roll off vessels.

Bacolod City already has a port that is professionally managed by BREDCO, he said.

The existence of two ports in the city will only succeed in them killing each other, Palanca said.

The governor said it is up to Roxas to assess the situation but he does not think the BREDCO port will die with another port in existence in the city, considering the volume of cargo now entering the province.

Competition will ensure better services and lower fees, he said.

Meanwhile, both Marañon and Alvarez yesterday refused to answer questions about whom the United Negros Alliance will field for Negros Occidental governor in the 2013 polls.

They both said they must wait for the party decision.

The governor said he did not want to answer questions that would preempt his moves. In chess, you do not divulge your moves, he added.*CPG

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