Lapu-Lapu ordinance in limbo V-hire terminal switch may spark protest from riding public, says transport org rep

CEBU, Philippines -  A representative from an association of V-hire drivers and operators in Lapu-Lapu City expressed fears that a protest might happen if the approved ordinance designating a central city terminal for all vans for hire will be implemented.

Felix Apa of Cebu Lapu-Lapu Multi-Purpose Cooperative recalled in an interview with The FREEMAN that a protest similar to what happened three to four years ago may arise if the City Council insists on reversing the veto made by Mayor Paz Radaza on the approved ordinance.

Apa was referring to the protest that sparked a few years back when residents of Camella Homes Subdivision in Barangay Pajac and neighboring areas in Barangay Bankal rallied due to the transfer of V-hire terminal to Gaisano Island Mall in Barangay Pajo.

Apa works for the V-hire or GT Express Terminal Stop at H-mall situated along Basak-Kagudoy road and Pajac-Maribago road, which is one of the V-hire terminals that may be affected by the new ordinance.

"If the approved ordinance will be implemented, a possible protest may once again emerge. Possible nga moalsa or moprotesta ang mga tawo kay ang (convenience sa) publiko ra man ang among giagad," Apa said.

"Wala may mawagtang sa amo pero ang convenience lang sa commuter ang among gi-tanaw. Maghuwat mi kung ibalhin ba or kung unsay desisyun sa gobyerno kung unsay maayo," Apa said.

To recall, the City Council has passed an ordinance assigning the old PUJ terminal in Barangay Pajo as the central terminal for all V-hires travelling to and from the city.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza has already vetoed the ordinance citing its effects to the traffic condition of the city and to the constituents, especially the riding public.

Radaza withheld the approved ordinance saying there was no thorough discussion made and that this should be discussed and reviewed again by the City Council together with the City Traffic Management Systems because the city has a 25-year contract with Taipan Development, Inc. (Gaisano Island Mall) signed last 2010 and will end in 2035.

Radaza added that she has nothing against the ordinance but her concern is the welfare of the riding public and if the placing of V-hires in the old PUJ will benefit them.

A resolution that seeks to reverse Radaza's veto was, however, introduced by Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Francisco Senerpida and got the support from all members of the City Council.

Senerpida manifested to override the veto citing the need to implement the ordinance because of the several complaints raised by affected commuters.

The councilor added that some commuters would complain they have to ride two times to their destinations.

The FREEMAN visited the V-hire terminal at Gaisano Island Mall and one of the personnel interviewed said they have transferred to the designated central terminal in the morning of August 1 but have since returned to the old terminal in the mall that afternoon for undisclosed reasons. (FREEMAN)