10 bus operators under fire

CEBU, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region 7 is set to issue a show cause order against 10 bus operators in Cebu, asking them to explain why they should not be penalized or have their franchises revoked.

LTFRB-7 Regional Director Eduardo Montealto Jr. told The Freeman that the show cause orders were initially scheduled for release yesterday, but the issuance was delayed due to their legal counsel falling ill.

Montealto said that based on inspections conducted since April 7, 2025, a total of 46 bus units—owned by the 10 operators—were found to have both minor and major deficiencies.

These 46 units also include those inspected by Senator Raffy Tulfo during his surprise visit to the North Bus Terminal in Cebu City on April 4, 2025.

Montealto cited serious violations, including a brake tied with a rubber band and an expired fire extinguisher, which were among the issues highlighted by Tulfo in a post on his Facebook page, Raffy Tulfo in Action.

Other minor violations included the lack of proper vehicle markings, missing GPS cameras, and other regulatory requirements.

With the Holy Week approaching, Montealto reminded operators to ensure the roadworthiness of their units, especially as a surge of passengers is expected during the period.

Montealto also shared that LTFRB-7 will meet with bus operators today to discuss new safety measures. Among the proposals is a requirement that each unit be cleared for dispatch through a form signed by the company’s safety officer and approved by the branch manager or operator.

Meanwhile, Andreas Wanner, founder and CEO of Mister Loo—the private company operating the sanitary facilities at the Cebu North Bus Terminal—expressed disappointment at Senator Tulfo’s unannounced inspection and his recommendation to stop collecting restroom fees.

Wanner said he was “astonished” at how the senator “barged into” the facility during his visit.

A post on Raffy Tulfo in Action social media page mentioned that Tulfo proposed the construction of an alternative restroom that passengers can access for free during emergencies.

Tulfo, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services, raised concerns not only about the state of the buses but also about the facilities and operations of the terminal.

Capitol responds to Tulfo’s criticism

The Cebu Provincial Government has clarified its role in managing the Cebu North Bus Terminal following Tulfo’s criticisms during his inspection.

Capitol consultant Atty. Rory Jon Sepulveda acknowledged operational challenges but stated that the Capitol was not pleased with the senator’s approach.

“The Provincial Government of Cebu is not pleased by what had happened,” said Sepulveda.

He emphasized that the terminal is a joint project between the Cebu Provincial Government and SM City Cebu, meant to serve both residents and visitors. The terminal facilitates access to various destinations while providing foot traffic to the mall.

The Cebu North Bus Terminal, located at SM City in the North Reclamation Area, officially opened on October 12, 2020, under a usufruct agreement.

Sepulveda clarified that the bus violations—such as expired or missing fire extinguishers, worn-out seats, bald tires, faulty clutch systems tied with rubber, and the lack of mandatory safety devices like glass breakers and functional CCTV monitors—are under the jurisdiction of LTFRB, not the Capitol.

He also noted that taxis picking up passengers outside the terminal premises fall under the purview of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) or the Cebu City traffic office—not the Capitol.

Addressing the issue of restroom fees, Sepulveda referenced Republic Act 11311, particularly Section 5, which prohibits collecting fees for regular sanitary facility use, provided passengers present a paid bus ticket for the day. He clarified, however, that the law exempts well-appointed or deluxe sanitary facilities operated for commercial purposes.

“It shall be unlawful to collect fees from passengers for the use of regular sanitary facilities therein. For the purpose of this Act, the concerned passenger must show a paid bus ticket for the day in order to avail of the free use of sanitary facilities. Provided, however, that the provisions of this Act shall not apply to separate, well-appointed, or deluxe sanitary facilities operated solely for commercial purposes and for the convenience of passengers who require and prefer such facilities,” Sepulveda said during a press conference.

He explained that payment is required as the comfort rooms are operated under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and maintained by a private company offering premium amenities.

Wanner affirmed that the fees remain affordable at P10 for urination and P20 for bathing.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia also explained that the restroom facilities were part of an unsolicited proposal submitted by Mister Loo through a PPP process.

Garcia said the proposal was reviewed by the Economic Enterprise Council and underwent a Swiss Challenge, which involved publishing invitations in newspapers to allow other firms to submit counter-proposals.

According to Garcia, no company came forward to challenge the proposal, likely because no other firm was willing to invest in building the facilities, covering staff salaries and maintaining the sanitary supplies-- only Mister Loo.

Referring to Tulfo’s comment during the inspection, Garcia said: “Including that this senator told unceremoniously that ‘bukas wala ka ng trabaho’—wow, wow,” said Governor Garcia. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon / FPL (CEBU NEWS)