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ORMOC CITY — The provincial government of Cebu lashed back at Sen. Raffy Tulfo, denouncing his surprise inspection at the Cebu North Bus Terminal (CNBT) as misinformed and driven by publicity.
CLARIFICATION (From left) Mister Loo Philippines CEO Andreas Wanner, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, and Atty. Jon Sepulvida address concerns raised by Sen. Raffy Tulfo about the operations of the Cebu North Bus Terminal during a press conference at the provincial capitol on April 10, 2025. PHOTO BY KAISER JAN FUENTES
Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said the senator lacked proper context and knowledge when he aired his complaints about CNBT's operations on social media following his visit on April 4.
The provincial government manages the CNBT, which operates within SM City Cebu's open parking space through a usufruct agreement.
During his visit, Tulfo questioned the P10 fee collected by Mister Loo Philippines for restroom use, the poor condition of buses, the non-functional fans and pushcarts, and the parking charges imposed on V-hire or van for hire drivers. He also threatened to call a Senate inquiry.
Garcia took issue with the senator's conduct, saying public officials must be circumspect and responsible in their actions.
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She emphasized that the public's trust must not be compromised for the sake of viral content.
Mister Loo founder and CEO Andreas Wanner, who flew in from Thailand at Garcia's request, echoed the same sentiment, saying he was "astonished" by Tulfo's approach.
The provincial capitol maintained that Mister Loo's premium restroom service is legal under Section 5 of Republic Act 11311, which allows separate, well-appointed sanitary facilities operated for commercial purposes.
The public-private partnership went through proper procurement processes, including a Swiss challenge, she said.
Mister Loo shoulders all operating and maintenance costs, while passengers are charged P10 for toilet use and P20 for showers.
Capitol consultant Rory Jon Sepulvida, a lawyer, said only regular sanitary facilities are required to be free.
He pointed out that CNBT is currently in a temporary location, and any upgrades, such as building free toilets, require approval from SM Prime Holdings.
Garcia also addressed Tulfo's concerns over the lack of fans and pushcarts inside the terminal. She said CNBT is an open-air terminal and not a retail or airport facility.
Ventilation is not mandated by the National Building Code in such spaces, but the provincial government still provided electric fans when the terminal opened in 2020. Repairs are ongoing for those worn down by years of use.
Garcia clarified that issues related to bus conditions fall under the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), not the provincial government.
The governor said V-hire drivers who wish to enter and pick up passengers from the terminal agree to pay a P200 fee under their agreement with CNBT.
Meanwhile, the Capitol cannot regulate black taxis outside the terminal, as Cebu City is beyond the province's jurisdiction.
The terminal's complicated history adds context to the current setup.
Originally located in Subangdaku, Mandaue City, CNBT relocated to Consolacion and later to its current site after the Mandaue City Government refused to renew the lease in 2020.
SM City Cebu offered part of its property to the Capitol rent-free.
Garcia first proposed the Capitol's takeover of CNBT operations back in 2012 during her third term as governor. The plan only materialized in 2020 after her return to office.
LTFRB-7 has since taken action on Tulfo's observations, with regional director Eduardo Montealto Jr. confirming the upcoming issuance of show cause orders to bus operators.
Montealto reminded operators to ensure road worthiness of the buses ahead of the Holy Week rush and said further safety measures would be discussed in a meeting with operators.
