Rama insists on Imbong getting ‘fired’ from CBRT

Despite the Cebu Business Rapid Transit’s (CRBT) statement stating that Engr. Norvin Imbong remains as its project manager, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday said he no longer wants to see the guy.

In an interview, Rama said he already spoke with Department of Transportation Secretary (DOTr) Jaime Bautista twice on his endorsement of Atty. Kent Francesco Jongoy, Cebu City Transportation Office/Road Management Office assistant head, as Imbong’s replacement.

He said he would also remind City Administrator Collin Rosell to officially communicate Jongoy’s endorsement as he (mayor) no longer want to deal with Imbong anymore.

" I really do not want to see Imbong anymore," the mayor said.

"My statement…that I said that I do not like him is…the point of view of the City Government," he added.

In an “official statement”, the CBRT said on its Facebook page the other day that Imbong remains the project manager, contrary to claims.

"Any alterations or shifts in project management shall be communicated officially through our established channels, including the Department of Transportation and the Cebu BRT Project Facebook page," read the statement.

"Furthermore, we emphasize that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) remains the national agency in charge of related administrative matters concerning the Cebu BRT project," it added.

Rama earlier blamed Imbong for the delay in the construction of the CBRT, accusing him of mismanagement and lack of coordination with the city government.

The mayor was also reportedly displeased with Imbong’s decision for the contractor to proceed with work segments without considering their impact on traffic.

Rama also blamed Imbong for the exclusion of the Barangay Bulacao area from CBRT’s southern route.

“Nganong inyo man ning gi-usab? Bulacao man ni (apil unta sa rota),” he had said.

“Ttan-awa gi-unsa ni ninyo. Dayon moingun mo nga wala moy kalibutan…? I wish nga wala siya nanglimbong. Tagaan lang ka’g smile-smile. I’m sorry, I want him out,” he added.

Imbong had also explained that he is just following instructions from DOTr’s head office and has not made any decisions on his own.

JOY TORREJOS The Mandaue City government has started the site development of a temporary shelter facility in Barangay Guizo where fire victims staying at the CICC compound will be relocated to give way to a government center project at the CICC compound.