South Bus Terminal has no building permit

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu province-owned Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) is operating without a building permit.

This is what operations manager Ramon Dumayac admitted during yesterday’s Kapistorya at the Capitol.

“Way building permit,” he said, admitting further that the terminal also does not have an occupancy permit since it was in 1981 during the time of then Governor Lito Osmeña.

But he said the permit is being “worked out,” considering that there are plans to renovate the property this year. He said putting up air conditioning units at the waiting lounges will be a big part of the renovation works.

From bus fees, rentals on stalls, comfort room charges, and other fees collected inside, Dumayac said the earned around P40 million last year, which belies reports that it is losing.

Dumayac said he personally would like to transfer the terminal to a bigger area because the current location of 1.1 hectares has become too small for the number of passengers from and for the south.

“We need dako nga area nga cozy and accommodating. Ang atong terminal di kaigo sa kadaghan sa pasahero,” he said.

HOLY WEEK

In line with its preparations for the influx of passengers during Holy Week, Dumayac said they have opened additional waiting areas inside the terminal for the convenience and safety of passengers.

“Para way pasahero nga magbarog sa gawas kay daghang mangunguot,” Dumayac said.

At least eight province-owned Suroy-Suroy buses will be deployed to augment the existing public buses. Ceres Bus has also promised to add 40 more buses in the south just for this season.

Ethel Natera, Capitol’s PIO, said the Suroy-Suroy buses, which will be running for free and will prioritize senior citizens and passengers who need special care.

Dumayac said additional manpower and security personnel will also be deployed for the whole duration of the Holy Week to ensure the safety of the riding public.

On the other hand, Dumayac said that despite the anticipated influx of passengers next week, the terminal will not allow buses to accommodate passengers more than their actual load.

He said operators have asked that they be allowed to accommodate by 10 to 15 people, but Dumayac said only the Land Transportation Office or the Land Transportation and Franchising Board can decide on it.

“We want to exercise utmost diligence in transporting passengers. Di nato isakripisyo ang safety sa mga pasahero,” he said. — Liv G. Campo/JMO (FREEMAN)