The consortium operated by corporate titan Manuel V. Pangilinan and businessman Reghis Romero III is hopeful that the ongoing labour dispute at the Manila North Harbor will soon come to an end, allowing them to formally take over the country's busiest but inefficient terminal, according to The Philippine Star.

Manila North Harbour Port (MNHP), a joint venture between Pangilinan and Romero, was supposed to take over the operations of the Manila North Harbor last January 15 but the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) was forced to postpone it until the lingering issues had been resolved.

"We're in touch with the PPA. We are helping out to resolve the issue. I think eventually we will resolve the issue so we are taking a more active role," Pangilinan said.

Another bone of contention is the proposed concession fees that MNHP wants to charge. Ship liners have threatened to raise cargo and passenger rates should the new fees be imposed.