Politics delaying Cebu transport project – Duterte
CEBU CITY — President Duterte admitted that politics delayed the implementation of the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system here.
“The dynamics of politics have entered into the picture. The other guy is objecting, all sorts of objections are there,” Duterte told reporters after leading the inauguration of the Terminal 2 of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) Thursday.
Duterte did not mention names but was obviously referring to Mayor Tomas Osmeña and Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) Secretary Michael Dino, who are at loggerheads over BRT.
Osmeña has accused Dino of trying to block the project, since the OPAV official is pushing for a Light Rail Transit (LRT) instead.
In its March 12 report, the Commission on Audit (COA) said the delay in the implementation of BRT is costing the government over P17 million in commitment fees and administrative cost.
To resolve the issue, Duterte said the national government should take over the project.
“I would suggest for the national government to completely take over. Anyway, pera naman ng national government ‘yan,” he said.
Since the new MCIA terminal is expected to attract more tourists, Duterte said something has to be done to solve the worsening traffic in the city.
Duterte said progressive cities like Cebu, Davao and Iloilo should have a mass transport system.
The President, however, stressed that a BRT, which needs a dedicated lane, isn’t suited for progressive cities.
“For places na bago lang like General Santos, it was very wide highways, they can maybe choose ‘yung sa gitna. But all others, you have to go up. Monorail or whatever, you have to go up,” Duterte said.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade was scheduled to meet with representatives of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and World Bank Friday “to discuss the issues and ramifications.”
“We are trying to make a last pitch effort. We have to study a BRT aggressively and as intently because the BRT system involves a dedicated lane,” said Tugade.
The supposed meeting was to be held in Cebu, but Osmena was not invited.
“It’s the decision of the economic group,” said Tugade when asked why the mayor was left out.