LAPU-LAPU CITY JUMPS ON LRT BANDWAGON

In Cebu City, Councilor Raymond Garcia withdraws proposed measure supporting the infrastructure project, says it needs fine-tuning

If the Light Rail Transit (LRT) is ever implemented in Metro Cebu, it shouldn’t bypass Lapu-Lapu City.

In fact, it should have a direct line to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and other facilities and establishments in the city.

The City Council passed a resolution on the matter that was submitted to Presidential Adviser for the Visayas Michael Dino.

“It is our fervent hope that the City of Lapu-Lapu will become part of this LRT system,” Mayor Paz Radaza said.

The City Government supports

I will never sell the interest of the City to anyone. I will always uphold what is best for the constituency of the City. That will never happen that I will sell my principle. EDGARDO LABELLA, ON THE BRT ISSUE

the LRT project as the most viable means of mass transportation for Metro Cebu.

In Cebu City, Councilor Raymond Garcia withdrew his proposed resolution, expressing the council’s full support for the LRT project after a brief discussion about the measure.

Councilor Margarita Osmeña asked what LRT project Garcia was referring to and said that a feasibility study should be furnished to the council.

“Maybe we can request for a feasibility study for what we are supporting or hold executive session just like what we did with the other proponents of monorails,” she said.

Councilor Osmeña earlier objected to the measure.

Garcia, for his part, said he decided to withdraw his proposed resolution for fine-tuning.

After modifying it, he said he will push for it again.

In a separate interview, Mayor Tomas Osmeña said that he will monitor if Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella will approve Garcia’s resolution. Osmeña recalled that Labella, in the latter’s earlier pronouncements, supported the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.

“The question I’m asking is does Labella change his mind? Nahalin na si Labella (Has he sold out)? Because he made several statements that he is for BRT before. But now, no more siguro because they will not do this unless he switched side. Will he sell out because of the LRT? Mr. Labella, show your true yourself,” he said.

Both the administration and opposition councilors are equal in numbesr in the council and only vice mayor can break a tie.

Labella, for his part, said that the City is not discussing the BRT, clarifying that he will always put the best interest of the City in his decisions.

“I will never sell the interest of the City to anyone. I will always uphold what is best for the constituency of the City. That will never happen that I will sell my principle,” he said.