Cebu City Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña has warned that he will resign if the City Council approves a change in the route of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) which he believes only benefits the wealthy.
He described the proposed route from SM to Ayala as not meant for ordinary commuters or passengers. According to him, the original CBRT plan was the route from Bulacao to Talamban to serve as a mass transit backbone for the people.
“I do not like to betray the Cebuanos. If the committee wants to betray them, that’s up to you, but I will not be part of it. I would rather resign,” Osmeña said.
Meanwhile, Councilor Winston Pepito defended the project, stating that it is a long-term public investment that will benefit ordinary Cebuanos through better transportation, jobs, and increased economic revenue.
The issue revolves around the Department of Transportation (DOTr) plan to use over 10,000 square meters of land in the South Road Properties (SRP) for CBRT stations. Due to the high value of the land, the council has called for further study to assess the legal, financial, and contractual impact on the city's joint venture with Filinvest.
For now, the proposal has not been approved and will undergo further study.
