JV backs Cebu mass transit

CEBU, Philippines — Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said Cebu needs to accelerate the development of a mass transportation system to address the problems brought by rapid urbanization.

Ejercito, in a press conference in Cebu City recently, said he would support Cebu’s mass transit plans, whether the province chooses Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) or Light Rail Transit (LRT).

“I will gladly support. Kasi, importante ko talaga yung transport modernization,” Ejercito said.

He said Cebu’s rapid development has resulted in worsening traffic congestion. He noted the province can no longer rely solely on adding more roads to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles.

“With rapid development, 5,000, 10,000 new cars again every year. Wala na, hindi na tayo aabangan dito. Kailangan natin mass transit na,” he said.

Ejercito said Cebu should establish a unified position on whether to pursue BRT or LRT so the government can move forward with the project.

“We need mass transit for Cebu in the long run. Wala na tayong sapat na enough roads,” he said.

The senator also backed the resumption of the Metro Cebu Expressway, which is expected to connect Naga City in the south to Danao City in the north.

He said the province badly needs bypass roads as population growth and urbanization continue to increase traffic.

“I will encourage sana mag-resume na po yun, yung expressway,” he said.

He also cited public-private partnerships as an important way of financing major infrastructure projects, noting that private-sector participation has helped develop tollways and expressways in Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, Ejercito said the government should prioritize completing unfinished flood control projects rather than immediately starting new ones.

He said existing projects should be inspected, with identified gaps addressed so they can effectively prevent flooding.

“We close the gaps. Sarado muna natin,” he said.

According to Ejercito, it is difficult to understand why flooding continues in areas that already have flood control infrastructure, stressing the need to determine whether there are gaps or unfinished portions in existing projects.

He said the government should first complete all ongoing and unfinished flood control projects before proceeding with new construction.

“Tapusin muna natin lahat ng uncompleted flood control projects,” he said.

This approach would also protect the billions of pesos already spent on flood control infrastructure and ensure that completed projects actually serve their intended purpose, he said.

He acknowledged that Cebu continues to experience flooding even during relatively light rainfall and said infrastructure development has failed to keep pace with the province’s rapid urbanization.

Ejercito also emphasized the need for long-term infrastructure planning, including proper land-use planning, to prevent development in areas vulnerable to flooding.

He said his proposed master plan for infrastructure and national development could help ensure that major projects are based on a long-term development strategy rather than being undertaken individually.

According to Ejercito, proper infrastructure planning can help address both congestion and flooding while supporting economic growth and spreading development to more areas. (CEBU NEWS)