Samsam pursuing LRT

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu First District Rep. Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas Jr. wants to pursue the dream of his grandfather, former congressman Eduardo "Eddiegul" Gullas, regarding the implementation of Light Rail Transit system in Cebu.

Samsam said like his grandfather he also saw the need for this public transport system in Cebu.

LRT is seen as the remedy of the traffic congestion in Metro Cebu. If the project will be implemented it is foreseen that the economy in Cebu will pick up due to the fast public transport system.

Samsam explained that the thoroughfares in Cebu will not be widened for the LRT, they might opt for a tunnel or overhead LRT line. He is also hoping that the implementation of the project will be under the Private-Public Partnership scheme.

The P740-million project will traverse the cities of Mandaue, Cebu and Talisay going to the town of Minglanilla, Naga City, then through San Fernando town, Carcar City, and then to the towns of Sibonga, Argao and Dalaguete.

The officials of the said cities and municipalities did not show any opposition to the said project.

Earlier this year, Samsam reintroduced the House Bill 1338 for the establishment of LRT in Cebu City and Metro Cebu. The said bill was filed by his grandfather in the past 15th Congress.

 It can be recalled that Eddiegul filed the bill for the implementation of the LRT project in Cebu, but former congressman Tomas Osmeña opposed it. The two have previously clashed on the South Road Properties. — /BRP (FREEMAN)