CSBT privatization still subject to consultation

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III made it clear that the proposal to allow a private entity to operate and maintain the Cebu South Bus Terminal through a Public-Private Partnership agreement is still subject to further discussion and consultation with the stakeholders.

Davide made the clarification after he learned from news reports that bus operators expressed opposition to the scheme and threatened to withdraw their support to him if he approves the proposal of the Capitol’s Economic Enterprise Council.

 Bus operators pointed out their fear that private operator would impose higher fees if the proposal would prosper. The technical support group of the EEC recommended a public-private partnership arrangement for the operation of the CSBT, a property owned by the provincial government, to help improve the facilities and address traffic concerns inside the terminal, especially during peak seasons and rush hours.

Davide, who supported the recommendation, stressed that the proposal needs to undergo consultations and is not yet approved.

“Anything we plan to do with the CSBT apilon man gyud na nato ang mga stakeholders. Consultative man ni atong governance. Recommendation pa man lang na sa EEC. There will be more discussions on that. They will be consulted, atong mga stakeholders, bus operators and commuters,” he told reporters.

He believes that the bus operators may have just misunderstood the idea of PPP, saying that public services will remain in place despite the implementation of the scheme.

“I think wa lang siguro kaayo masabti sa participants ang PPP. Ang PPP is that there is involvement of a private sector. Para nako, premature ra kaayo ilang mga speculations, these are pure speculations,” he said.

He noted the idea of the Cebu South Mini Bus Operators Association and the Cebu Provincial Bus Operators Association to form a cooperative to manage the terminal. 

“That’s a good idea… Atong challenge diha sa south bus operators, if they can show us nga capable sila to run that facility, labing maayo. Magsabot mi. Mao ato na silang konsultahon,” he said.— (FREEMAN)