Rama Wants LTO 7 to Vacate Office to Give Way to CCMC Expansion

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he wants the Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7 to transfer from N. Bacalso Ave. to give way to the expansion of the temporary Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC).

Rama said this will also pave the way for the realization of his plan to convert the One Citilink Terminal, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) compound and the City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) compound, where LTO 7 currently holds office, into a wellness, quick response, medical and multi-functional complex.

The temporary CCMC occupied portions of the BFP 7 building after its own building was damaged by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake on Oct. 15, 2013.

Rama said he had told LTO officials to vacate the city-owned property a few years back.

Rama said it should be the LTO’s responsibility to find a new location, saying that the National Government, particularly the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), has enough funds.

But he said the City Government is willing to help LTO 7 find a new office.

Rama said he will send a formal communication to DOTC Secretary Joseph Abaya for the LTO’s immediate transfer.

LTO 7 Director Arnel Tancinco said his office is willing to vacate the area.

“It will provide an opportunity for us to look for a better place,” he said.

Tancinco said they are only waiting for the Cebu City Government to issue a notice to LTO 7 to vacate the property. (PNA) RMA/EB