BUSINESSMAN Glenn Soco, chairman of the Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC) of the Regional Development Council (RDC) 7, when sought for comment about the proposed multi-billion-peso Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, said it is the best mode of mass transportation to address the worsening traffic problem in Metro Cebu.
But when asked about the proposed tunnel projects of Cebu City north district Rep. Raul del Mar, after the latter presented his proposal during the general membership meeting of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Soco said the proposal needs a feasibility study and is not yet necessary. What? Not yet necessary when everybody is complaining about the traffic situation? Kanus-a pa man diay ta molihok, Boss Glenn?
And that’s a double standard. If the project is initiated by his “principal,” he supports it even without thinking. But if the project is initiated by the “opponents” of his “principal,” he is against it. Soco couldn’t go against the whims and caprices of his “principal.” He is not firm and decisive. If so, then he has no business staying in the RDC.
Had Soco, together with RDC 7 co-chair Kenneth Cobonpue, been with the RDC years before, we might not have gotten infrastructure projects in our localities because they block noble projects. I would remind my friend Glenn that his stint in the RDC may be short-lived. He and his “principal” have four years more there because their terms are coterminous with that of the present administration. If he wants to be remembered for his selective stand on infrastructure development, okay, go ahead.
We are indispensable. When he is no longer in power, politicians he is at loggerheads with will still be in power. They will have the last laugh. Kana kun dili pud sila malaos o matiguwang.
If Boss Glenn wants to pursue his political career, I want him to win a seat in Congress so he can also feel the disappointment of a congressman who fights to get a “pie” from the national budget for his district, only to see it getting blocked by people not even elected by the people. Even Soco admitted it is not easy for a congressman to secure funds. That is true. But why is he blocking del Mar’s projects?
Mr. Soco’s concern is the hassle that may be caused by the construction of del Mar’s projects. These projects are tunnels, so work is done underground and would not disturb the surface. There is no need to acquire road-right-of-way because there is a law that owners of surface lots cannot claim exclusive rights. So it is cost-efficient and would improve road capacity. Del Mar’s network of tunnels will complement the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), if its implementation will push through, and the LRT.
Why would construction of the LRT not cause inconvenience to the public? Since it is elevated, columns will be constructed along the route because it will traverse the national highway. Mag-traffic man gani nang walay gitrabaho sa taliwala sa dalan, kana pang naay tukuron? Think of it my friend. Don’t engage in double talk.
Again, here’s my take on this issue. All available options to address the worsening traffic problem should be put together. Ayaw mog babag sa usa ka proyekto kay basin naa pud moy tinaguang interest.