Surprise inspection at terminal: Sen. Tulfo finds safety violations

CEBU, Philippines — Senator Rafael “Raffy” Tulfo blasted the current disposition of the several buses operating in the Cebu North Bus Terminal (CNBT) during a surprise inspection on Friday, April 4.

He described it as “ataol na tumatakbo” (running coffins) that endangered passengers.

Tulfo, who is currently the chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services, reportedly discovered buses riddled with serious safety hazards.

"Ito yung parang ataol na tumatakbo sa kalye. Takaw-disgrasya po ito,” the senator commented on one of the buses he inspected.

On the video posted on his TikTok account, Raffy Tulfo In Action, he mentioned violations such as expired or missing fire extinguishers, used-up seats, bald tires, faulty clutch systems tied together with rubber, and the absence of mandatory safety equipment like glass breakers and working CCTV monitors.

“Dapat gina-garahe na ito. Hindi na ito dapat pinapapasada. Bumabayad ng pamasahe ang tao pero ganitong klase ang serbisyo,” he said.

The senator also raised concerns over the lack of metal detectors in the buses, citing previous incidents in Manila where an incident involvingan armed person occurred onboard.

He insisted that metal detectors are vital while speaking with Ceres Bus Liner Assistant Operations Manager Joseph Redobles.

At the terminal, Tulfo met with Terminal Supervisor Carmen Quijano, who admitted that most issues stemmed from Topline, the bus service operator.

However, Tulfo criticized the lack of enforcement even on basic passenger comfort.

He pointed out that while the office enjoyed air conditioning, waiting passengers outside were left sweating with idle electric fans.

“I told the management, always (turn) on the electric fan because it’s really init for the passengers,” said Quijano.

However, Tulfo didn’t accept the excuse.

“Then give them a warning. Sibakin mo yung kontrata nila. Ipasibak mo kung sino ang pwede magsibak,” he said.

Tulfo also inspected the carts used for baggage transport and was dismayed to find these broken and barely usable.

Quijano told the senator that she already requested (for new carts) and gave warning to her team and the manager.

Tulfo warned Quijano that if improvements aren’t made, she may be summoned to the Senate for questioning.

“Ma’am, aayusin mo ‘yung problema o hintayin mong ipatawag kita sa Senado?” he warned.

The inspection continued at the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board in Central Visayas (LTFRB-7) office, where Tulfo was able to talk to the officer-in-charge, Atty. Edwin Antepuesto.

“Ang daming violations. Walang fire extinguishers, walang glass breaker, gulong pudpod, clutch tinatalian ng goma. Bakit pinapayagan pa din nating paandarin ‘yun?” Tulfo asked.

Antepuesto assured the senator that the agency had upcoming inspections scheduled for Holy Week, but Tulfo was unimpressed.

“Do it, Sir. If not, ipapatawag kita sa Senado,” he said. “I’m serious. Look at my eyes—I’m dead serious."

Tulfo advised the LTFRB to have a regular vehicle inspections and mandatory drug testing for drivers, suggesting that failure to address the issues may lead him to recommend personnel changes to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

“Magco-conduct ako ng surprise inspection ulit. Kapag ganito pa rin, hihilingin kong papahingahin ka muna,” Tulfo warned Antepuesto.

The Cebu North Bus Terminal, located within the SM City Cebu premises, is operated by the Cebu Provincial Government. — /JG (FREEMAN)