Talks between the Palawan provincial government and Malaysia on the proposed roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) sea connectivity from Bataraza has been stalled because of the recent elections, Governor Jose Chavez Alvarez said.
Alvarez said Saturday the midterm elections in the Philippines and general elections in Malaysia stalled the talks on the proposed RoRo.
“Siguro e-timing lang namin kung kailan sila magkaroon ng parang fiesta doon sa Kudat, dadalhin natin ang dance troop doon para simulan na natin ang engagement kasi tapos na ang election nila at tapos na rin ang sa atin,” Alvarez said.
The governor also said they can focus on the important projects of the provincial government after the conduct of elections.
“We can focus na dito dahil tapos na ang mga election na ‘yan, nakaraan kasi sila rin ang may election tapos tayo naman ngayon. Ngayon na tapos na lahat we can focus na dito,” he said.
The Fastcat, a fleet of catamaran-type, RoRo vessel operated by the Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation (APFC), will ply the route to bridge the distance between the Port of Buliluyan, Bayaraza to Kudat and Sabah? Malaysia.
The vessel has the capacity to transport 275 passengers, carry 35 vehicles, and 12 lorry trucks on the car deck.
It also has an elevator for people with disabilities, a cafeteria, and a ramp.
Travel time from Buliluyan Port in Bataraza town, Palawan to Kudat Port in Malaysia is pegged at six hours.
The Buliluyan Port in Bataraza is a P125M project of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
