Ejercito vows help mass transpo in Cebu City

Local

SENATOR Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said Cebu’s rapid growth has outpaced its infrastructure, describing the situation as a form of “urban decay.”

This as he called for “a unified position” on whether the province should pursue bus rapid transit (BRT) or light rail transit (LRT).

“I have seen Cebu’s development, rapid development. What happened? It became urban decay,” Ejercito said in an interview in Cebu City on Friday, Aug. 14.

“It’s too fast. The infrastructure is not suitable,” he added.

Ejercito said he had witnessed Cebu’s transformation since the 1990s, when the province was starting to boom but had yet to become as urbanized as it is today.

He said Cebu’s roads have not expanded alongside the increasing number of vehicles, contributing to worsening traffic.

He recalled that traveling from Cebu City to the airport used to take only about 15 to 20 minutes. The same trip now takes about an hour, he said.

Ejercito said Cebu needs transport modernization to keep up with its continued development, adding that he would support either BRT or LRT.

“So, whether it’s BRT or LRT, let me know. I will gladly push for it,” he said.

“I hope there will be a unified position, whether it’s BRT or LRT. I will gladly support it,” he added.

Ejercito also expressed support for the resumption of the Metro Cebu Expressway, which he said would link Naga City in southern Cebu to Danao City in northern Cebu.

“I think it’s a good idea to resume the expressway,” he said.

Ejercito also called for bypass roads to ease traffic as Cebu’s population and urban areas continue to grow. He said the province needs additional routes to accommodate its expanding urban centers.

He also cited public-private partnerships as a way to fund and develop major infrastructure projects. Ejercito said he authored the Public-Private Partnership Code and cited the Metro Manila Skyway as an example of a project supported by private-sector participation.

Ejercito also expressed hope that the Metro Cebu Expressway project would resume.

On Cebu’s mass transport system, Ejercito said he would support whichever option Cebu stakeholders choose.

“I hope there will be a unified position, whether it’s BRT or LRT,” he said.

As the new chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Ejercito said he will focus on healthcare, infrastructure and responsible government spending.

He plans to seek stronger funding for universal health care, transportation and major infrastructure projects, including the proposed Mindanao railway system.

He also wants government spending to support economic growth.

Ejercito said the Finance Committee must balance government spending with accountability, particularly amid the controversy surrounding flood control projects.

He said the government should complete ongoing projects, particularly unfinished sections needed to make existing structures effective, before pursuing new construction.

Ejercito acknowledged that leading the Finance Committee would be demanding as the Senate continues to hold the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

He said senators attend the trial in the morning and plenary sessions in the afternoon, leaving them little time for other legislative duties.

“To be honest with you, it’s really exhausting. This is the only time I felt this in my entire stay in the Senate,” Ejercito said.

Ejercito said briefings with the Development Budget Coordination Committee and economic managers are scheduled for Aug. 27 and 28.(MyTVCebu)