The Philippine Port Authority (PPA) has mandated the consortium of Harbour Centre and Metro Pacific Investment Corp. to absorb all existing port workers of North Harbor, allaying fears that the take over would result to mass layoffs.

“The smoke has settled and nothing should stop this project from going into high gear. We will sign the contract soon and set into motion one of the most significant developments in the history of our port industry,” the consortium stated.

“We encourage everybody – the port workers, stakeholders and most especially the public – to join us in this endeavor and make this project work,”.it further stated.

The Supreme Court earlier dismissed the petition of a seaman’s union seeking the stoppage and nullification of the North Harbor modernization bidding undertaken by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

The petition is seen as the final hurdle thus paving the way for the much needed development of the country’s premier harbor currently in a state of decay and disarray.

In a two page decision, the Supreme Court First Division chaired by Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio dismissed the instant petition for prohibition and mandamus, with prayer for the issuance of a temporary restraining order and permanent injunction filed by Nelson Ramirez for lack of legal standing. Court records show that Engr. Ramirez, president of the United Filipino Seafarers, is neither a party to the ongoing modernization of the North Harbor nor a party to any labor unions operating in the country’s once premier port.

The decision was issued by First Division Clerk of Court Enriqueta Esguerra-Vidal last September 9 but was released only recently. The case was elevated to the Supreme Court after the Manila Regional Trial Court ordered the PPA to proceed with the bidding for the modernization project.

“The PPA welcomes this development. The project has long been delayed, prejudicing the millions of port-users who are looking forward to the modernization of the port,” a PPA official said. “The petition is nuisance suit and we are glad the Supreme Court saw it that way.”

The joint venture of Harbour Centre and Metro Pacific is scheduled to sign the modernization contract with the PPA early part of November and take over North Harbor’s operations within the year.

After two years of bidding, the contract was awarded to the joint venture last October 8, 2009. The joint venture submitted a modernization package of more than P14.5 billion in infrastructure, equipment and technology expenses. It also committed to pay the PPA P6.8 billion in fixed fees for the 25 year contract and to reduce port fees by as much as 20 percent.

Manila mayor Alfredo Lim on Tuesday personally met with all the major players and stakeholders at the Manila North Harbor to assure labor peace and harmonious relationship while the port is undergoing a P15 billion modernization program set to start anytime now.