Monday, July 14, 2008 Nalzaro: Irresponsible statement By Bobby Nalzaro Saksi
SHIPPING magnate Chester Cokaliong, founder and owner of Cokaliong Shipping Lines, described as unfair and irresponsible the statement of Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Administrator Vicente Suazo Jr. Suazo that if they strictly enforce maritime laws, no vessel based in Central Visayas will be qualified to sail. I agree. Suazo, though, claimed he was quoted out of context by a Sun.Star Cebu reporter who interviewed him. The item only came out in this paper last Friday. Well, this is the usual alibi of public officials if their statement triggers negative and violent reactions from affected individuals or sectors. I hope Suazo, who is also a Cebuano, was not drunk when he said that statement to Sun.Star Cebu reporter Elias Baquero. Mobarog man gyod si Mayor Ely nga mao to’y gisulti ni Suazo. Mas motuo kong Ely, miagi god na ug mayor sa Balilihan, Bohol. Suazo has no credibility. He is even a subject of a petition by his own people in Marina.
If your own people are up against you, there must be something wrong with your brand of leadership or, there is something wrong with you.
Cokaliong, who is also president of the Visayan Association of Ferryboat Coastwise Service Operators (VAFCSO), disputed Suazo’s claim. He said Suazo should not have issued a general and sweeping statement because it would hurt shipping operators and the entire shipping industry. What did he mean by saying that no vessel is qualified to sail? What does he think of our ship? It’s an insult to ship owners who have invested millions just to serve sea travelers and help propel the country’s economy.
How could he say that? Some Cebu-based shipping operators have been awarded by Marina for complying with maritime safety rules and regulations and for the seaworthiness of their vessels. In fact, Cokaliong was one of those who received recognition for their fleet of vessels serving routes from Cebu to various destinations in the Visayas and Mindanao. For several years, Cokaliong Shipping has been the recipient of the cleanest vessels award. You cannot be an awardee if your ships failed the requirements set by Marina.
Cokaliong, however, refused to comment on allegations that Rolly Shipping Lines has dilapidated vessels but yet was still granted a Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) or franchise by Marina 7 because of corruption in the local Marina office.
The granting of franchises has already been deregulated to Marina’s regional offices. If the allegations are true, Cokaliong challenged Suazo to run after Rolly Shipping Lines and investigate his (Suazo) people here for alleged corruption.
Instead of criticizing our ships, Suazo should help us improve the industry.
It’s no joke investing millions of pesos and he just criticized us? He should instead acknowledge our contribution to the country’s economy, Cokaliong laments. He said even if operators buy second-hand vessels from Japan, the vessels are still repaired and reconstructed here based on the specification and design of a naval architect under the constant and close monitoring of Marina engineers and experts.
Cokaliong also defended the local Marina office headed by lawyer Glenn Cabañez for religiously doing their job in regularly inspecting their vessels.
If Suazo’s claim is true, then it’s a big challenge for him to enforce maritime laws and impose sanctions against erring ship owners. We cannot just also compromise the safety of sea travelers because of profit. And since Marina is the sole regulatory agency in the maritime industry, then by all means enforce the law. Way ayo nang sige lang tag-yawyaw Mr. Suazo unya ug naa nay madisgrasya anha ra ta molihok. Do it now. Enforce the law to the fullest with no considerations and favors. What about the ships of your political patrons, the Aboitizes, are they not also qualified to sail? Just asking.
