Some members of the Cebu City council have called out the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for their lack of coordination with the Cebu City government regarding the status of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT).
During a discussion in a regular council session, some legislators also expressed their concerns as the city is being blamed for the delay of the CBRT even if the project is nationally-funded.
The discussion was prompted by the resolution of Councilor Nestor Archival Sr. that was supposed to authorize Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia to sign the deeds of sale for the purchase of the affected lots along Vestil Street for the improvement and road widening of the CBRT.
Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera, who had initially expressed her intent to abstain, noted that the Cebu City Government would be signing the deed of sale.
Councilor Philip Zafra then sought clarification on whether there was any board resolution from the Cruisers Property Management Corporation, one of the affected property owners, to which Archival admitted that he was not aware of.
In line with this, instead of moving for approval, Archival moved to defer the resolution for one week. The council also sought clarification on whether the Cebu City Legal Office had already rendered an opinion on the lot purchase.
During the discussion, Pesquera further stressed that the council was not intentionally delaying the CBRT project but rather was seeking proper documentation.
"And it's a lot better that the people will be aware that whatever is the delay, the delay is with the DOTr," said Pesquera.
She added that the project plan had been in limbo for a long time, passing through multiple administrations, and noted that the DOTr included routes that were not part of the BRT just to "use the money being loaned by the World Bank."
"And now they are telling us that we are the cause of the delay?" said Pesquera.
She also lamented that it is only in the City of Cebu, despite being progressive, that the streets are being narrowed down, which she pointed out has affected the religious processions for the Fiesta Señor.
"Kanang gipraktisan ta sa DOTr...dako ta'g lugar nga pwede nila kapraktisan diri sa atong syudad, huot na kaayo, dili ta ka-expand," said Pesquera.
She also expressed frustration about the paving of the sidewalks from Colon to Plaza Independencia, which is part of the Link to Port feature of the CBRT. According to her, in the zoning ordinance, the said stretch is arcaded, meaning it is supposed to be covered.
"Mao na karon, mga katawhan, kung magbaha nata balik sa Colon, diha sa Osmeña Boulevard, ang sala ang DOTr. It's because atong drainage gibutangan og sidewalk," said Pesquera.
In jest, Councilor Joy Young then chanted "Mass Motion, Mr. Chairman" and added that he agreed.
Councilor Franklyn Ong also shared that he personally encountered complaints from the people, who do not understand that the CBRT is nationally-funded and not a project of the city government.
He also mentioned that, for the most part, the council has not been updated on the status and progress of the BRT project.
"I also tell them (people), there's so many changes not from the original na di mi mahibalo, na di mi ma-apprise ang city council," said Ong.
He added that it is important for this to be clarified, as many are blaming them for the delays.
In addition, Pesquera also said that the council has not been heard by the DOTr.
"Kita gitan-aw ta sa DOTr nga mumho ta, nga dili ta nila paminawon, nga pwede rata nila labtikan, unya og manginahanglan sila sa atong approval, hara-harahon ta then ingnon dayon ta nga kita ang cause of delay," said Pesquera.
It was indicated that in the resolutions that Archival filed, starting on July 18, 2024, the Lot Acquisition Committee recommended properties, with complete required documents showing proof of ownership, to the City Mayor for purchase. This will be charged under the funds downloaded by the DOTr in April 2017, amounting to P460,260,500.
It was also stated that on October 23, 2024, a conditional approval was granted by the council for the Resettlement Action Plan of the Cebu BRT Project, authorizing the Cebu City Government to proceed with the Right-of-Way Acquisition along F. Vestil Street. (CEBU NEWS)