By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

FORMER Commonwealth Ports Authority executive director — and now one of its consultants — Carlos H. Salas, yesterday said he is negotiating a new contract with CPA, adding that he is willing to accept less pay.
Salas has until March 10 to accept or reject the new rate offered by CPA.
CPA Executive Director Clyde K. Norita, in an earlier interview, said the authority is offering Salas a “far lower rate than what he is currently making” in an effort to reduce the professional fees CPA pays to consultants and professionals annually amounting to about $2.5 million.
“I am still negotiating with the board,” Salas said, “and as soon as we agree and finalize the details of the new contract, the figures will be disclosed.”
After retiring in 2005 to collect a 30 percent bonus, Salas was then hired by CPA as a consultant for $6,600 monthly, or $79,200 annually.
Salas said this new contract will be discussed and finalized by the CPA board at its next meeting.
“Everything is possible and I am open to suggestions,” Salas said.
He said that as a former executive of the authority, he is also aware of the importance of saving money.
“Whatever we come up…it will be a win-win situation for CPA. We’re all sensitive to the financial situation that we’re all going through right now,” he added.
CPA said it will now enforce a uniform agreement format for all of its engineering, construction, and legal consultants.
The board will also get rid of the automatic renewal of contracts with CPA every year.
CPA wants to have the option to immediately terminate any agreement with cause.