CEBU CITY—To ease Cebu City’s exacerbating traffic woes, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte vowed to help the city secure a loan to improve its infrastructure.
In a speech during the Sinulog Festival Sunday, President Duterte said Cebu City is now a progressive city, and like other metropolises, its is experiencing severe traffic condition.
Being an old the city, Cebu City lacks easement and can no longer expand or build larger buildings and it affects people’s mobility, the President said.
He suggested that Cebu City follow Manila and must focus on building mass transportation system such as railway system.
“If you could make it a mass transportation, that would be better. Only few will be able to do that. But it’s either train or skyways. Let’s opt for elevated highways,” he said.
“The only way to do it is by utilizing a small commuter train and more highways. I will help you secure a loan for that.”
The President expressed frustration over the quarrel among Cebu politicians that hamper the construction of key infrastructure projects, noting he has to interfere to come up with a remedy.
“I will tell you now that I will overhaul all of them. Because if I do not interfere, you will just keep on fighting. So I will be the one to oversee that things get done. I will look for money. That is my promise,” President Duterte said.
In Manila, the Chief Executive said his administration has focused on building flyovers, which are now nearing completion. He said he wants similar projects be constructed in Cebu stressing however that he does not want any project left unfinished.
The President also discussed the fight against illegal drugs, noting the drug trade is thriving in Cebu, particularly in Talisay. He said that even deputies and directors are part of the illicit narcotics trade.
“I already warned you. Don’t do it because that will be your downfall,” he said in issuing new warning.
And in his message to the Cebuanos for the Sinulog, the President said he is pleased to join his Cebuano brothers and sisters in the celebration of the festival.
The President said he is honored to be a part of the much-awaited and world-famous event, which—over the years—has become a definitive symbol of the faith and vibrancy and prosperity of the Cebuanos.
The Sinulog Festival is already in its 40th year. This year, 31 dancing contingents from Cebu City, Cebu province and from other provinces, joined the festivities. PND
