Pepito Abstains from CBRT Vote, Calls SRP Debate Political Drama
CEBU CITY — Councilor Winston Pepito abstained from the Cebu City Council vote rejecting the South Road Properties (SRP) component of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project, refusing to participate in what he called a political drama built on a false narrative. Pepito explained that the debate had strayed from the technical merits of the project, noting that the SRP route was part of the original 2014 plan approved by the national government.
Why Did Councilor Pepito Abstain from the CBRT Vote?
In an interview after the special session on Friday, Pepito said he refused to play Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña's game. He stressed that the SRP and Bulacao components were already part of the CBRT's original alignment approved in 2014, making the term realignment misleading. I already know that the SRP and Bulacao routes were from the 2014 approved plan, Pepito stated. I am confused why they are using the word realignment when nothing is being realigned. There is nothing to restore because that has been the route from the very beginning.
The resolution passed with seven affirmative votes, two against, and four abstentions. Vice Mayor Osmeña and Councilors Philip Zafra, Paul Labra, Michelle Abella-Celona, Sisinio Andales, Alvin Arcilla, and Jose Abellanosa voted in favor. Councilors Jun Alcover and Harry Eran opposed the measure, while Majority Floor Leader Dave Tumulak and Councilors Winston Pepito, Mikel Rama, and Nice Archival abstained.
Was the CBRT SRP Route Actually Realigned?
No, according to both Pepito and the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Pepito pointed out that Osmeña himself signed the 2016 memorandum of agreement covering the CBRT project, which already included the SRP segment. I realized this is no longer about SRP. This is about making drama in the media. So I decided not to participate in this drama, he said.
During the special session, DOTr Project Implementation Unit engineer Norvin Imbong confirmed that the original Bulacao-to-Talamban alignment remains part of the project. Later approvals merely expanded the network to include the SRP extension rather than replacing the original corridor. Pepito accused Osmeña of pushing a false narrative that unfairly portrayed SRP supporters as changing the project's alignment. This is a very dangerous game he is playing just to intentionally bully or harass his colleagues, Pepito said. People think I am the one realigning, but I did not do anything to realign. I simply said both should continue because that was the original plan.
What Happens to the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Project Now?
Despite explanations from the DOTr, the council adopted Osmeña's resolution rejecting the SRP component, maintaining that the Bulacao-to-Talamban corridor should remain the city's priority. The DOTr clarified that the council's action prevents CBRT implementation within the SRP but will not stop the rest of the NEDA-approved project from proceeding.
Pepito has consistently argued that Cebu City should pursue both the original corridor and the SRP extension. Excluding the SRP would deprive thousands of workers, residents, and visitors of access to one of the city's fastest-growing business districts. He also noted that the SRP section could move ahead immediately due to fewer right-of-way issues. The DOTr echoed this position, citing right-of-way constraints and the approaching September 2026 expiration of the project's foreign loan as reasons to prioritize areas already cleared for implementation.