Rama wants Imbong out from CBRT project

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama wants Engr. Norvin Imbong replaced as Cebu Business Rapid Transit (CBRT) manager due to "mismanagement.”

He has already written Department of Transportation (DOTr) Jaime Bautista endorsing the replacement.

"Imbong has to be out," he said in an interview yesterday.

Last Thursday, in an online interview, he said he wants Imbong removed because of too many issues hounding the CBRT project and that he would find a way for his endorsement to reach President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

He said he also wants to sit down with the president and recall the original concept of the CBRT, highlighting Cebu City’s role in the project, like what he had fought for.

Rama said he was personally involved during the planning stage of the CBRT project as he had been in agreement with what then mayor Tomas Osmeña originally envisioned the project should be.

Rama said that when Osmeña was no longer connected with the city government, it was he who took over with the CBRT planning.

He said that when Osmeña returned to local governance, the BRT route was expanded and then changed during the administration of the late mayor Edgardo Labella.

"And I was just the vice mayor (then). I have never been involved in the executive matter...pasabot ana nawala nakos passing," he said.

He said that the original CBRT design supposedly includes a portion from Brgy. Mambaling to Brgy. Bulacao rather than going to the South Road Properties (SRP).

In a separate interview, Imbong told The Freeman that the change of route was not his decision but rather a decision from the national government that he was only tasked to present before the City Government.

"Wala gyud tawon koy labot sa mga decision makings na mga ing-ana uy kay ako, being that NEDA is the implementation unit, I will implement what has been decided," he said.

Imbong said the present design has been the one improved by NEDA.

As to the construction delays, he said there have been underlying problems with the civil works, including late approvals of permits.

"’Nya daghan kaayo m’ig mga problema sa site nga di mi kadalidali kay ngano naay nilabang nga tubo," Imbong said.

He said they cannot decide alone since there were also consultants whose opinions they also considered. (CEBU NEWS)