Iloilo City Council approves terminal inspection board

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo City Council approved the establishment of the Transport Terminals Inspection Board (TTIB) on both the second and final readings during a session on Monday, August 19.

The board will oversee inspections of transport terminals and make recommendations on whether operators should have their franchises renewed or revoked.

The TTIB, proposed by Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna, chairperson of the city council’s transport committee, will include personnel from the Traffic and Transportation Management Office, Office of the Building Official, City Engineering Office, City Health Office, Business Permits and Licensing Office, and City Tourism Development Office.

The ordinance aligns with existing national guidelines, particularly the DILG-DOTC Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01, s. 2008, which calls for the review of local laws and regulations concerning public transportation.

It grants the Iloilo City government the authority to regulate and inspect transport terminals within its jurisdiction, ensuring that these facilities meet the required standards.

The city government may also require terminal operators to improve their facilities by providing basic services and maintaining clean and sanitary conditions.

Recent reports revealed significant problems at the Mohon Terminal in the Arevalo district, where commuters reported overcrowding and frequent water shortages in restrooms.

Rizal Alido, chairman of the Western Visayas Alliance of Transport Cooperatives and Corporations, Inc. (WVATCCI), supported the TTIB’s creation as a crucial step in addressing these issues.

In a recent press conference, Mayor Jerry Treñas also addressed the issues at terminals, particularly congestion during peak hours.

Treñas announced plans to meet with Ret. Col. Uldarico Garbanzos to review long-standing passenger complaints, including the condition of restrooms and other facilities at terminals.

“I will be speaking with Col. Garbanzos since the jeepneys are causing congestion. We need to evaluate whether we should increase the number of jeepneys or take other actions. There’s a shortage of modern jeepneys. Actually, I’ve ordered that all terminals be investigated,” the mayor remarked.

Meanwhile, former City Councilor Lyndon Acap, whose family operates the Mohon Terminal, assured that improvements are underway, including the construction of a new restroom and enhancements to the arrival area.