Barangay consultation on LPTRP pushed anew

CEBU, Philippines — The City Council has called for a fresh round of consultations with all barangays before the long-overdue Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) 2024–2028 can be adopted, stressing that grassroots voices must help shape the city’s transport future.

In what was supposed to be the third reading of the proposed ordinance authored by Councilor Winston C. Pepito, chairman of the City Council's Committee on Transportation, the measure was instead deferred for another week.

During the latest regular session, Councilor Nyza Archival reminded the body that, during the public hearing on the ordinance, it was agreed by the council that a new consultative meeting was necessary, this time with all the barangays of Cebu City, before the measure could finally be adopted.

Archival went further, noting that the last barangay consultations were held between 2020 and 2021.

“Considering the considerable time that has lapsed, as well as the changes in urban condition and barangay council composition since then, an updated barangay consultation is necessary,” she said.

She explained that the plan must be properly disseminated to all barangays anew and that current council members should be given the opportunity to provide their input.

Archival also pointed out that new routes may be introduced six months after adoption, making community involvement essential.

Councilor Paul Labra agreed with the deferment, stressing his concern on its alignment with the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) system.

“It should be also stipulating therein the assurance that the original route of the BRT should be assured. And it should not be altered. And it should remain as it is,” he said, stressing the need to protect the integrity of Cebu’s long-planned mass transit backbone.

Presiding Officer Councilor Phillip Zafra then directed Pepito to take note of these concerns.

Archival then moved for a corollary motion, seconded by Labra, requesting the Committee on Transportation, chaired by Pepito, to conduct barangay-level consultations in coordination with the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), the LTFRB, and the Liga ng mga Barangay before the final deliberation. The motion was carried unanimously.

The ordinance, titled “An Ordinance Adopting the Local Public Transportation Route Plan 2024–2028 of the City of Cebu, Subject to Compliance with All Applicable Laws, Rules, and Regulations,” seeks to institutionalize the LTFRB-DOTr-approved LPTRP under Board Resolution No. 186, Series of 2025.

The plan rationalizes 40 jeepney routes with 1,013 authorized units, 39 Class 2 routes with 993 units and one Class 3 route with 20 units, aligning Cebu’s transport system with the national Public Transport Modernization Program.

The measure declares Cebu City’s policy of providing safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable public transport services.

It assigns enforcement to the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) and the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), with monitoring by the CPDO in coordination with the LTFRB.

It mandates the competitive selection of qualified operators to prevent monopolies, imposes sanctions for violations, including the suspension or cancellation of franchises, and provides transitory provisions such as dry runs and pilot implementations.

The proposed ordinance also requires periodic review and updating at least once every three years to adjust routes to evolving urban demands.

Committee reports from the Committee on Laws and the Committee on Transportation confirmed the proposed measure’s compliance with national directives, citing Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991), DILG Memorandum Circular 2018-060, DOTr Department Order 2023-022, and LTFRB Resolution No. 186.

They highlighted objectives such as enhancing mobility, improving air quality, ensuring equitable access, and supporting the modernization of public utility vehicles. — (IHM) (FREEMAN)