Del Mar refiles mass transport system bill for Cebu City north

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City North District Rep. Rachel Marguerite “Cutie’ del Mar has refiled the proposed bill seeking for the establishment of a modern mass transport system in her district to address the traffic problem.

Del Mar has refiled House Bill 193, which was already passed in third and final reading in the previous congress but did not make it to the Senate for lack of time, for the Department of Transportation and Communication to provide the appropriate mass transport system in the north district. 

She believes that building bridges, flyover and other road improvements are not enough to address the growing vehicle traffic in the north district brought about by the developments in the area.

“The common perception is that the traffic situation in the first congressional district of Cebu City, considering the economic growth trends, population explosion rates and migration factors, will reach a level where a modern mass transit system must be put in place,” del Mar said.

Putting up the mass transport system in place is also in anticipation of the future requirements of the expanding developments in the city. Del Mar however did not mention in her bill what type of mass transport system she prefers.

Del Mar, who is the vice-chairman of the committee on public information and inter-parliamentary relations and diplomacy, is confident that the bill will be passed this time around.

“This bill was passed on third and final reading in the House of Representatives during the 13th Congress but was not approved by the Senate, for lack of time upon congressional adjournment,” she noted.

If the bill is approved, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) shall endorse the appropriate modern mass transport system for funding either through a government guarantee official development assistance or private sector participation under a build-operate-transfer scheme as multi-year project.

The DOTC will be responsible for the implementation and operationalization of the transport system, including the feasibility and detailed engineering studies and acquisition of sites.   (FREEMAN NEWS)