Operator urges Capitol to honor contract, continues to collect toilet fees at Cebu terminals

Local

THE private operator of some comfort rooms at Cebu’s major bus terminals has refused to stop charging users, despite a recent executive order from the governor.

Mister Loo Philippines, the company managing paid CRs at the Cebu South and North Bus Terminals, stood firm on its position to continue collecting fees, citing a five-year public-private partnership (PPP) agreement with the Cebu Provincial Government.

The contract, signed on December 21, 2023 during the term of former governor Gwendolyn Garcia, remains valid until December 21, 2028. It allows the company to charge P10 for standard restroom use and P20 for premium access, which includes air-conditioning, tissue, soap, and modern fixtures.

Under the agreement, the Capitol receives five percent of Mister Loo’s monthly gross proceeds from CR collections.

Gov. Pamela Baricuatro issued Executive Order No. 12 on July 7, directing terminal managers to halt the collection of toilet fees. Mister Loo, however, argued that the order does not apply to its privately-run facilities, which operate separately from the terminals’ public restrooms.

“Capitol cannot arbitrarily stop the fee collection because it is bound by the contract it entered with Mister Loo Philippines,” said Cristina Bolcan, the company’s senior business development manager.

Mister Loo clarified that free CRs remain available inside the terminals, but these are distinct from its upgraded facilities.

The company noted that confusion arose when passengers, expecting all restrooms to be free, were still asked to pay at Mister Loo’s units. It said the fees cover operational costs and the significant investment in constructing modern, hygienic restrooms.

The unsolicited proposal from Mister Loo underwent a Swiss Challenge process before the Capitol awarded the contract. The company began operations at the terminals in February 2024.

The issue resurfaced in April when Sen. Raffy Tulfo posted a viral TikTok video after visiting the Cebu North Bus Terminal. In the clip, Tulfo criticized the P10 CR fee and confronted a terminal staff member, prompting widespread backlash.

Garcia responded in an April 10 press conference, saying that free CRs are available and that Mister Loo charges only for upgraded services.

Bolcan acknowledged that Baricuatro’s directive has fueled public misunderstanding.

“We support Governor Baricuatro in her programs, but her announcement has led to confusion. Mister Loo is taking the brunt of the public’s ire,” she said.

Mister Loo representatives are scheduled to meet with the governor on Wednesday, July 16, to clarify the terms of the contract and discuss possible resolutions.

Cebu Provincial Information Office chief Ruben Licera said the Provincial Legal Office is reviewing the Capitol’s existing agreements and will issue a statement once the review concludes.

Mister Loo, a Swiss-headquartered company, operates premium restrooms across Southeast Asia, including locations in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

In the country, the company manages CRs not only in public terminals but also in major commercial centers.(MyTVCebu)