The World Bank has cancelled approximately $85 million in funding allocated for the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) system. The funding package consisted of a $25 million grant and a $59.9 million loan. The cancellation occurred before the funds were set to expire on September 30, 2026.
Reasons for cancellation
The cancellation stems from delays in project implementation, more than a decade after the CBRT was approved in 2014. Another major issue is the relocation of people affected by the CBRT route. The national government itself requested the cancellation due to the large amount of unpaid debt on unused funds.
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival clarified that the CBRT is a national government project, not a city government project. However, the local government plays a significant role since the project is being implemented within the city.
Ongoing disputes over the route
Many stakeholders, from drivers to commuters affected by traffic congestion, have expressed frustration over the project's delays. Even with part of the funding already cancelled, Cebu City officials continue to debate the CBRT route.
Mayor Archival does not support the city council's proposal to reject the CBRT route leading to the South Road Properties (SRP). This proposal came from the leader of his party, Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña.
According to Archival, the city has no power to alter a project implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOTr). However, he may write to the DOTr to request adjustments so that the CBRT can serve commuters in Mambaling and Bulacao.
Project scope and extensions
The original CBRT is divided into three packages. Package 1 covers 2.38 kilometers from the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) to Capitol. Archival will explore whether the route can be extended to Mambaling and Bulacao before reaching SRP.
The CBRT originally spanned 21.58 kilometers from Bulacao to Talamban, but was later extended to 35 kilometers, including Mambaling, Bulacao, Talisay, SRP, IT Park, and Talamban. Despite this, the original route remains unchanged.
Disagreements among officials over projects—what they want and do not want—are inevitable. However, the question now arises: will the CBRT, which is already situated in the middle of the road, ever be completed now that the World Bank has cancelled approximately $85 million in funding?
