“Heritage laws may have been violated in Cebu”

CEBU CITY — Heritage laws may have been violated by the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) when it installed an unauthorized fence near the historic Compania Maritima building in Cebu City.

This issue was raised by Cebu City Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera who said the CPA Wharf expansion project could affect heritage sites and violate city regulations.

“Does CPA have the right to fence off the property? We really need to act to stop these activities,” she said in a privilege speech Wednesday.

The project in question involves the construction of a concrete pier behind the National Museum of the Philippines-Cebu, which Pesquera said could block the sea view of the Compania Maritima building and Cebu City Hall.

She also revealed plans for greater development in the area based on the plans of suspended Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

Pesquera said there are plans to build a hotel and casino in the area.

The CPA, however, denied these accusations and insisted that there were no plans for a megaterminal or casino project in the region.

Pesquera’s main concern, however, is the fence, which she said may not have the required permits from the city government.

She also urged the Building Official’s Office to investigate the matter.

“We need to know if the ACP has obtained the necessary permits before we begin construction,” she said.

Additionally, she asked the Ministry of Public Works and Highways to assess the South Coast Road Tunnel, which could be affected by the ongoing development.

Pesquera stressed the importance of urban planning to protect heritage structures and called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to grant the city control of the disputed lands.

She also questioned the legal authority of the ACP.

“Nothing in the records would show that the Cebu Port Authority is involved in the construction of the coastal road and that they have not shared even a single centavo for this particular project. But sad to say, they dominate and claim they own it,” she said. said.

This issue adds to a long-standing conflict between the CPA and the city, which intensified when the CPA obtained a court injunction in 2022, preventing the city from occupying land near Compania Maritima.

Tensions escalated in 2024 when the city filed suit against the CPA, leading to more legal disputes.