Mayor Rama, Garcia spat may delay CBRT completion

CEBU, Philippines — Despite the conflict between Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama and Governor Gwendolyn Garcia following the latter’s order to halt civil works of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project fronting the Capitol, construction still continues in other parts of the city.

This was confirmed by CBRT Project Engineer Norvin Imbong in an interview with reporters yesterday, March 25, 2024.

When Garcia sought for the issuance of the cease-and-desist order for the construction of the bus station in front of the Capitol building, Imbong said they honored it and instead redirected their construction near the South Bus Terminal.

But Imbong said contrasting opinions between local leaders may cause the pushback of their target completion of phase 1.

“Kanang pag mobilize sa mga equipment nga gigamit didto sa Capitol, kana sya makadala na siya… as what I have said, kung delay, delayed na na sya. Mao na nga hopefully nga ma settle dayon, aron di mudako na ba,” said Imbong.

The target completion date of the CBRT Package 1 was supposedly July 2024. When asked if it was still possible to finish it at this given time, Imbong admitted that he was unsure.

“Kung ni commit kag July nya naay gamay stoppage, atong normal nga phasing, ma delay gyud diba, pero usahay kung ako pud tan-awon, anyway wa man nag dungan og trabaho ang stations,” said Imbong.

This week, Rama filed an administrative case against Governor Garcia before the Office of the President for allegedly usurping judicial and/or quasi-judicial powers over the CRBT, following the cease-and-desist order she issued to the project's contractor last month.

Rama also requested that the governor be suspended while the President decides on the complaint.

According to Imbong, they didn’t resist the order of the governor, but rather just addressed the issue and immediately submitted a letter to the National Historical Commission requesting for a non-objection clearance over their construction.

“Kay kung madawat nato namo, then amo tong mahatag ni Gov. Gwen aron nga ma kuan (lift) ang cease and desist na order,” he said.

According to Imbong, when they presented the said design before the Cultural and Historical Affairs (CHAO) last 2020, they weren’t made aware of the need to secure such clearance. He added that they were only told not to obstruct and not to renovate a historical site.

He stressed that when they began constructing the almost 20-meter bus station from the Capitol building, they weren’t informed of any violation or such.

“Ang nahitabo sa among hunahuna pag present namo sa CHAO kung naa ba gyud mi violation, so gipangayoan unta mi og unsa na (requirements) wala man gud, ang ilang gi mention ra jud, dili mu guba, dili mu renovate,” said Imbong highlighting that they didn’t anticipate the said blocking of the view of the bus station.

Imbong said that they respect the call of the governor adding that it is only valid.

He, however, added that as they were instructed to comply with the historical requirements before they could continue the construction of the bus station, they are hopeful that it would be hastened adding that it could be another factor for the delay of the construction. —  (FREEMAN)