Cebu governor twits Tulfo for suprise terminal inspection

Local

THE Cebu Provincial Government has pushed back against Sen. Raffy Tulfo’s criticisms of the Cebu North Bus Terminal (CNBT), dismissing his unannounced inspection as misinformed and primarily aimed at generating publicity.

Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said Tulfo lacked proper context when he aired complaints on social media following his April 4 visit.

The terminal, currently operating within SM City Cebu’s open parking space, is managed by the Capitol through a usufruct agreement with the mall.

During his inspection, Tulfo questioned the P10-fee collected by Mister Loo Philippines for restroom use, the condition of the buses, the absence of functioning fans and pushcarts, and the P200 parking fee charged to V-hire drivers. He also warned of a potential Senate inquiry.

Garcia criticized the senator’s approach, saying public officials should act with prudence and responsibility. She stressed that public trust must not be compromised for the sake of virality.

Mister Loo founder and CEO Andreas Wanner, who flew in from Thailand at Garcia’s request, expressed similar sentiments, saying he was “astonished” by Tulfo’s conduct.

The Capitol defended the legality of Mister Loo’s premium restroom services, citing Section 5 of Republic Act No. 11311, which permits the commercial operation of well-appointed sanitary facilities.

The public-private partnership, it added, underwent proper procurement, including a Swiss challenge.

Under the agreement, Mister Loo handles all operational and maintenance costs. Passengers are charged P10 for toilet use and P20 for showers.

Capitol consultant Rory Jon Sepulvida clarified that only regular sanitary facilities are required to be free of charge.

He also noted that CNBT remains in a temporary location and that constructing free toilets would require approval from SM Prime Holdings.

Addressing Tulfo’s concerns over ventilation and luggage carts, Garcia explained that CNBT is an open-air terminal and not subject to the same building code requirements as enclosed structures.

While electric fans were initially provided when the terminal opened in 2020, some units have deteriorated and are currently under repair.

The Capitol said the condition of the buses falls under the jurisdiction of the Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), not the provincial government. It also clarified that V-hire drivers who enter the terminal to pick up passengers do so under an agreement that includes the P200 fee.

As for black taxis operating outside the terminal, Garcia said the province has no authority to regulate them, as Cebu City lies beyond its jurisdiction.

The governor also cited the terminal’s complex history. Originally located in Subangdaku, Mandaue City, CNBT was relocated to Consolacion, and later to its current site after the Mandaue City Government declined to renew its lease in 2020. SM City Cebu then offered a portion of its property rent-free.

Garcia first proposed the Capitol’s takeover of CNBT operations in 2012 during her third term, but the plan only materialized in 2020 after her return to office.

Following Tulfo’s inspection, LTFRB 7 has taken action. Regional Director Eduardo Montealto Jr. said the agency would issue show cause orders to concerned bus operators.

He reminded them to ensure their units are roadworthy, especially ahead of the Holy Week travel surge, and said additional safety measures will be discussed with operators in an upcoming meeting.(MyTVCebu)