Finance expert to head Citom board

A finance and investment expert will be the Cebu city mayor’s alter ego as chairman of the Cebu City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) board.

Ruben Almendras, former chairman of the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD), was invited by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama to head the traffic body.

“He (Almendras) is a technocrat and has a clear understanding of public service,” he said.

Almendras will replace former city councilor Sylvan Jakosalem, who is still recovering from brain surgery that he underwent last year after suffering a recurring parasite infection that has left him unable to speak or move around on his own.

Jakosalem ran for reelection last May with his wife campaigning on his behalf but he didn’t win.

The mayor said he invited Almendras to join the city government during a a meeting he called with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) at the Casino Español.

The mayor said several businessmen promised to support Almendras, who is a brother of Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale and Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras.

The mayor asked City Administrator Jose Marie Poblete to prepare Almendras appointment papers so that he could sign these.

Rama said he will also review the composition of the Citom board.

Rama told reporters that Almendras made some proposals like flared road intersections and road widening to address traffic congestion.

He said he will discuss with Almendras and Citom operations chief Rafael Yap his traffic plans and programs.

In a separate interview, Yap said he hopes that Almendras’ presence will boost Cebu City’s plans for a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.  Correspondent Edison delos Angeles