“Why should the PPA and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) spend such a big amount for port rehabilitation when reports indicated that a globally reputable French-state owned firm can supply modular Roro [roll-on, roll-off] ports, including solar-powered terminal in Cagayan de Oro City at P83 million per port, discounted according to Neda [National Economic and Development Authority] grant element formula?” Pimentel asked.

“The PPA port project would be plain and simple highway robbery if ever it is implemented,” Pimentel said.

The DOTC and PPA had rejected as overpriced the proposal of the French consortium that supply modular Roro ports nationwide, with the PPA claiming that it can build ports for only P40 million to 50 million each.

“The PPA wants to cancel the Roro contract with the French as overpriced, yet here they are proposing to rehabilitate the Cagayan de Oro port for an astronomical sum,” Pimentel said.

The proposed PPA project involves the construction of a new passenger terminal at a cost of P250 million; paving of a newly completed 2.1-hectare back up area (P71.27 million); and the construction of three additional Roro berthing facilities (P50 million).

The P50 million allotted for Roro facilities is only for a three-unit Roro berthing facility to be appended to existing berths and port facilities. It is not for an entire, stand-alone complex as proposed by the French consortium.

The PPA, however, decided instead to build a new one for P250 million. Pimentel said the DOTC’s priorities are highly questionable since it has decided to upgrade port facilities even when the number of sea-going passengers has not increased substantially.