Operators to cut support if terminal is privatized

CEBU, Philippines - Bus and mini-bus operators have threatened to withdraw their support to Governor Hilario Davide III if he approves the proposed privatization of the Cebu South Bus Terminal.

Julito Flores, president of the Cebu South Mini Bus Operators Association, announced yesterday that they will hold a rally if the Capitol’s Economic Enterprise Council will pursue its proposal.

“Kung mouyon si Gov, kontra na mi sunod election, pugngan gyud kutob sa amo mahimo,” he said.

 Flores said there will be no violent action but they will not pull their buses out from the terminal as a form of protest.

 “Ipakita namo sa provincial government nga daku ta’ng supak, lisud himuon nga i-privatize and South Bus Terminal,” Flores said during the 888 News Forum at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel.

 Flores says Davide himself may not be thinking about the privatization but some members of the ECC who reportedly have business interests at the terminal might be the ones pushing for the move. He said it is not true that the terminal is losing.

He said that while the P5 terminal fee imposed by former governor and now third district Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia faced opposition, this scenario may recur if the privatization would materialize and a private operator would impose higher fees.

 Flores challenged some ECC officials concerned to cut their salaries if the purpose of the privatization is to lessen the financial burden on the part of the provincial government.

 “Ngano, gipul-an na sila sa pagserbisyo kay mangita man og partner? Di sila maghunahuna og negosyo,” he argued.

 Flores suggested that stakeholders be made to manage the terminal since they are more knowledgeable of its operation.

 The CSMBOA and the Cebu Provincial Bus Operators Association (CPBOA) earlier expressed willingness to form a cooperative – to be composed of all stakeholders – to manage the terminal. — (FREEMAN)