The Cebu City Government has officially declared a state of transport emergency, a drastic move prompted by the severe gridlock that paralyzed the city during the recent Christmas season. The declaration, approved on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, aims to provide immediate relief as the metropolis prepares for the massive influx of visitors for the Sinulog Festival and other peak events.
Emergency Powers for Peak Periods
The Cebu City Council passed the resolution after receiving numerous reports of commuter distress during the holidays. Passengers faced agonizing waits for jeepneys and buses, only to find vehicles already full or immobilized in endless traffic. The situation forced many to seek alternatives like motorcycle taxis and ride-hailing apps, where they encountered exorbitant "cash incentive" demands on top of already regulated fares.
Councilor Michelle Abella-Cellona, who authored the resolution, emphasized that this is a temporary stopgap measure. A key reason for the emergency is the delayed operational launch of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, a flagship national government project designed to alleviate daily congestion but which remains unfinished.
Free Mass Transport and Crowd Management
Under the emergency declaration, the city is now authorized to deploy temporary, predictable, and free mass transport services along major thoroughfares and key convergence points. These services will operate on fixed routes with designated stops, connecting vital areas such as:
- Transport terminals
- Major commercial districts
- Sinulog festival zones
- High-density residential and employment centers
To quickly boost fleet capacity, the City Government can mobilize its own vehicles, lease buses, contract private operators, or form short-term partnerships. The resolution also mandates the widespread dissemination of real-time transport information via social media, broadcast outlets, and on-ground signage. Furthermore, traffic enforcers and police are directed to coordinate closely for effective crowd control and orderly passenger boarding to enhance public safety.
Addressing Economic and Social Fallout
As the primary economic, educational, and employment hub of Cebu Province, the city's transport system is routinely overwhelmed during major events. The Sinulog Festival alone draws hundreds of thousands to millions of devotees and tourists. Officials warn that transport breakdowns have tangible consequences, including:
- Lost work hours and lower productivity
- Missed business opportunities
- A degraded experience for tourists, which could harm the reputation of one of the country's largest cultural celebrations
While the emergency powers enable swift action ahead of major crowd-drawing events, city leaders are clear that this does not replace the urgent need for permanent solutions. The temporary measures are designed to keep Cebu City moving during critical peaks while awaiting the completion and operation of long-term infrastructure projects like the BRT.
