CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival Sr. has called for unity among council members regarding the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project after multiple failed attempts to reach a consensus on its progress.
During yesterday’s regular session, Archival moved to again defer the approval of 18 resolutions, which would have authorized Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia to sign deeds of sale for lots along Vestil Street needed for the project.
In an interview with The Freeman prior to the session, Archival explained that the deferment was necessary due to missing documents, including board certifications from property owners and a legal opinion from the Cebu City Legal Office.
Archival emphasized the urgency of resolving the issues, noting that the CBRT is a multi-billion-peso, nationally funded mass transport project supported by feasibility studies. He warned that delays could lead to complications, including increased costs for lot acquisition and potential repercussions from the World Bank, which financed the project.
According to Archival, the World Bank is already concerned about the delays in the implementation of the project. He said that further delays might lead to funders pulling out.
Under the agreement with the World Bank, the Cebu City Government is responsible for purchasing the lots affected by the project. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has already downloaded P460,260,500 for this purpose.
However, some councilors expressed concerns over procedural gaps and potential legal liabilities resulting in the delay in the passage of the needed resolutions.
Archival acknowledged the council’s reservations but urged his colleagues to prioritize the project.
"Akong tan-aw sa council, let's be considerate, aside from naa atong mga argumento, naa naman ng kwarta, I think let's help nalang the DOTr, and the team nga naa diri sa Sugbo, aron mapadayon na na sya," said Archival.
Compounding the delays are unresolved issues related to resettlement sites for residents displaced by the CBRT project. The council recently rejected the purchase of three identified resettlement sites in Tejero, citing alleged irregularities involving connections between the lot owners and Cebu City Hall staff.
"Naa man sad silay basis. Ngano mang ang tag iya sa yuta naa raman sa city hall nya nagtrabaho sa executive," said Archival.
While Archival supported the council’s decision, he admitted that finding alternative sites would cause further delays.
Several councilors have also criticized the DOTr for its lack of coordination with the city council. Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera clarified that the council is not intentionally delaying the CBRT but is ensuring proper processes are followed to avoid potential legal and financial complications.
In July 2024, the Lot Acquisition Committee recommended properties with complete ownership documents for purchase. The council conditionally approved the Resettlement Action Plan and Right-of-Way Acquisition along F. Vestil Street in October 2024. However, the lack of some required documents has stalled progress.
Archival stressed the importance of acting swiftly, noting that delays could lead to inflated property prices and strain relations with the World Bank. He believes that the longer the delay, the more problems they will face, and they risk losing the opportunity to benefit from the project.
The CBRT, envisioned as a sustainable and efficient mass transit solution for Cebu City, remains stalled as officials grapple with procedural challenges and coordination issues not to mention politics. – /FPL (FREEMAN)