Tomas pushes for roro, not 3rd bridge for Mactan

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas R. Osmeña is pushing for the operation of a roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) vessel that connects mainland Cebu and Mactan instead of having a third bridge.

But Mayor Michael Rama is against roro saying it is dependent on tides and weather disturbances.

“These (roro vessels) are dependent on disturbances like typhoon, habagat. During these times, it gives inconvenience to the passengers. A bridge is more comfortable.  Roro and river boats are mostly for tourism purposes,” Rama said.

Rama raised the suspicion that someone might benefit if Osmeña’s proposal will be realized.

“Ambot nganong gusto g’yud kaha sila og Roro vessel ang mo-operate diha.  Wa man gyud na siyay nakita’ng sakto sa uban. Siya ra man gyud ang maayo,” Rama said.

Considering traffic problems when the Mactan-Mandaue bridges undergo repair, Rama said “a third bridge has to be pursued.”

But Osmeña said that constructing a bridge near the old Compania Maritima to the Shell Island will block the passage of big ships entering the Cebu International Port (CIP) and will stop the economic growth of the city because bigger ships can no longer dock at the city’s ports.

Osmeña said if Rama would insist on the construction of a third bridge, it would be better for the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) to transfer the Cebu International Port (CIP) to a place near in Barangay Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City, which is more ideal for an international port.

He added that several investors will be willing to buy CPA’s properties in the port area.

Osmeña added that he is not happy that the national government did not consider his good idea of transferring the Mactan airport to Cordova.

He explained that the present airport can be also sold to investors and its sales may will be enough to build a new airport.  (FREEMAN)