Cebu South Bus terminal Concerns found after surprise inspection

CEBU, Philippines —  Capitol officials conducted a surprise inspection of the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) last Thursday, July 10, finding several concerns about the current condition and operations of the terminal that needed to be addressed.

Currently away for leadership training in Manila, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro earlier ordered her chief of staff Paulo Uy and provincial information officer Ruben Licera to conduct the ocular inspection as part of her ongoing campaign to improve public services and commuter experience across Cebu Province.

Among the major issues noted were dusty tiles, scattered garbage, fallen debris, and poor ventilation that affected passenger comfort.

“We observed a number of areas that clearly need improvement,” Licera shared in an interview.

“It needs better care and proper sewage systems.”

The officials also checked the automated ticketing system currently in place, managed by third-party provider Topline.

Bus operators earlier raised concerns to the governor in a July 7 meeting, claiming that the ticketing system causes unnecessary delays and confusion among commuters. The current process forces passengers to fall in line twice --first to buy tickets, and then again to validate them before boarding, they said.

Licera and Uy were tasked to gather feedback from passengers, drivers, and terminal workers on the effectiveness of the ticketing system during both peak and off-peak hours.

“These are things that we are taking notes of and then we will recommend this to the governor,” Licera said

“It’s not about going back to basics, it’s about choosing what’s more efficient in terms of time and convenience,” he added.

Licera also pointed out that there were more private comfort rooms than public ones inside the terminal --a concern in light of the terminal’s estimated 5,000 daily foot traffic.

He said there are currently only four free public toilets and three paid restrooms managed by private provider Mister Loo Philippines (MLP).

Earlier on June 30, Baricuatro signed Executive Order No. 12, which mandates the free use of regular comfort rooms in all Capitol-run terminals. This EO follows Republic Act No. 11311, which prohibits terminal operators from charging passengers to use basic sanitary facilities.

Passengers need only present a valid bus ticket to access these free restrooms. Companions dropping off passengers are also allowed to use them at no cost.

Premium toilets like those operated by MLP are allowed to charge, but signage must be visible to inform passengers of the free alternatives.

In response to the public discourse, MLP issued a statement defending their operations and clarifying their role.

The company said they are a legally-operating partner of the Cebu Provincial Government under a public-private agreement signed in December 2023.

MLP emphasized that its paid restrooms are optional, offering additional amenities like toilet paper and showers, while free restrooms remain available.

It also highlighted that part of its revenue is shared with the Capitol to support the maintenance of free public toilets.

“We would also like to correct the narrative that Mister Loo is ‘charging’ the public for what should be free service. We are not replacing the free toilets operated by the local government,” read the statement of MLP.

MLP highlighted that its operations are legal, transparent, and based on a formal partnership with the Capitol. The firm said it has complied with all regulatory requirements and maintains documented contracts available for review.

Reaffirming its role as a community partner, MLP said it remains committed to providing clean, safe, and dignified sanitation services across the Philippines while supporting public health, employment, and infrastructure development.