No managers yet for two terminals

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Pamela "Pam" Baricuatro clarified on Monday that no one has been officially appointed to manage any of the province-run transport terminals, debunking information that certain individuals have falsely claimed authority in these facilities.

“As your Governor, I want to make it clear and official: No individual has been appointed or authorized by my office as terminal manager or representative in any transport terminal under the jurisdiction of the Cebu Provincial Government,” said Baricuatro.

Baricuatro emphasized that claims of authority not coursed through official channels should be regarded with caution, as her administration will not tolerate misrepresentation.

“This clarification is necessary following reports that certain individuals are falsely claiming to have been authorized by my office. I urge all Cebuanos to remain vigilant,” she said.

In a press conference, Baricuatro said that while no official designations have been made, several volunteers are temporarily assisting at both the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) and Cebu North Bus Terminal (CNBT).

“These are just volunteers who are kind enough to help us manage the current state of the terminals. There are no formal appointments yet,” she added.

She further revealed that the administration is considering a return to a manual ticketing system after receiving complaints from bus operators and passengers alike about long queues and inefficiencies.

“They were suggesting to me nga kanang ticketing bitaw is inefficient for them. Na unta they can go back to Topline. We will talk to Topline ilang contract,” Baricuatro said, referring to the private firm previously contracted to handle ticketing operations.

She cited that according to the Provincial Treasurer Roy Salubre, removing Topline and reverting to a manual ticketing system will not significantly affect revenue collection for the province.

Revenue is still secured through entrance and parking fees. So there’s no major loss even if we switch systems.

In the meantime, job orders (JOs) and volunteers are handling terminal upkeep, though the lack of officially designated personnel remains a concern.

Free comfort rooms on terminals

The Capitol is also planning to hire janitors specifically for regular maintenance of comfort rooms, responding to mounting complaints over unsanitary facilities and high usage fees.

Among the more pressing issues was the paid use of public toilets, which the governor addressed with the issuance of Executive Order No. 12, mandating the free use of regular public CRs in all provincial terminals.

Signed on June 30, 2025, the EO cites Republic Act No. 11311 which prohibits charging passengers for the use of regular terminal sanitary facilities.

“The terminals were never meant to be commercial enterprises. They are public service facilities and should be operated as such,” the EO reads.

Under the order, passengers must only present their valid bus ticket for the day to gain access to free comfort room use. Companions or individuals dropping off passengers are also entitled to use the facilities at no charge.

The EO distinguishes between “regular” and “premium” comfort room facilities. While deluxe or commercial restrooms may charge fees, basic amenities must be freely accessible.

All provincial terminal operators, including third-party concessionaires, are now required to install visible signage stating “FREE USE OF REGULAR COMFORT ROOMS PURSUANT TO RA NO. 11311.”

The Provincial Tourism Office and Provincial General Services Office will conduct regular inspections and audits to ensure full compliance.

Violators of the EO may face administrative penalties from the provincial government and potential sanctions from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

When asked if what will happen to the premium restrooms that are operated by Mister Loo Philippines (MLP) inside the terminal, the governor shared that if needed they will construct new CRs in the terminals to meet the requirement for free facilities.

“We are looking at the legalities now with the contracts of Mister Loo. But in any case if they have to be there then we'll just build our own toilet,” she shared.

In December 2023, the Province and MLP formed a public-private partnership to develop, maintain and operate tech-enabled toilets in Capitol-run bus terminals, CNBT and Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) on N. Bacalso Ave.

MLP invested in constructing the premium restrooms. The company handles operation and maintenance with its own employees. Passengers pay P10 to use the restroom and P20 for showers. — (FREEMAN)