Gullas to convince Osmeña to support LRT

CEBU, Philippines - Rep. Eduardo Gullas will try to convince Rep. Tomas Osmeña to support the Light Rail Transit project in Cebu.

Gullas has been pushing for the LRT project but Osmeña opposed as he is for the Bus Rapid Transit system.

Gullas said yesterday he has not discussed the matter with Osmeña but hopes to do it soon.

“I’m still in the process of convincing my dear friend, Cong. Tommy Osmeña,” said Gullas.

Both legislators were at odds for years because of the issue on the ownership of the South Road Properties.

But recently, they have set aside their differences and Osmeña even offered P400 million from his Priority Development Fund to Gullas for the road widening project from Naga to Sibonga.

Gullas said he purposely declined discussing the BRT issue in congress since he did not want his relationship with  Osmeña to go from “worse to worst.”

“My belief is that the first rapid transport system can live with the LRT.One does not necessarily need to exclude the other. I sincerely believe that the two programs can co-exist,”  Gullas said referring to the LRT and BRT projects.

Gullas said a resolution is needed to be signed among the cities of Cebu, Talisay and Mandaue so the project can push through.

If implemented, Gullas said, chief executives of the concerned local government units would be responsible in giving livelihood projects to their constituents who are currently in the transport sector.

PUV operators and drivers have opposed the shift to the BRT and LRT proposal, saying they will lose their means of livelihood if the project would be implemented.  — (FREEMAN)