3 mayors oppose CSBT transfer

CEBU, Philippines - At least three mayors have opposed the Capitol’s plan to transfer the Cebu South Bus Terminal from its present location.

 They are Malabuyoc Mayor Lito Narciso Creus, Asturias Mayor Allan Adlawan, and Pinamungajan Mayor Glenn Baricuatro.

 The three will ask their local legislative councils to pass a resolution objecting to the plan.

The mayors aired the sentiments of their constituents following the recent pronouncement of Governor Hilario Davide III that the terminal must be moved to a bigger location because of congestion and the presence of criminal elements outside the facility.

 Baricuatro said that aside from students, small traders and other commuters, Pinamungajan has thousands of residents who are construction workers in Metro Cebu and who travel to and from the town every week using the CSBT.

 “There was a time when the P5 entrance fee to the South Bus was questioned. What was the reason? Costly to the provincial constituents. That move was unpopular.  Now, dili ba kaha more costly for the provincial constituents ug mabalhin?” Baricuatro said.

Pinamungajan is 64 kilometers away from Cebu City, next to Toledo City via the Naga-Uling Road.

 It is known as a supplier of skilled laborers to Cebu’s construction industry such as plumbers, carpenters, and masons, among others. These workers travel to Cebu City either on Sunday afternoon or early Monday morning, and go home to Pinamungajan on Saturdays.

 “The plan will entail hardships to our constituents. We will protest,” said Baricuatro.

For his part, Creus will ask the Malabuyoc Municipal Council to pass a resolution opposing the plan which will affect his constituents.

 “Supak mi anang pagbalhin sa terminal kay nagdugang lang na sa kalisod sa mga commuters gikan diri sa south,” said Creus.  

 In Asturias, Adlawan also expressed concern for commuters travelling from his town which is located next to Balamban in the Midwestern Cebu.

“We will oppose that. Kasagaran sa mga tawo manakay gikan sa Asturias number one, mga pobre. Number two, mga elderly, not necessarily senior citizens, but already elderly, so problema unya nila ang pag-transfer,” said Adlawan.

 The Asturias Municipal Council is also expected to pass a resolution to voice their objection to the planned transfer of the terminal, he added. — (FREEMAN)