Molo transport terminal shut down

By Emme Rose Santiagudo

The Iloilo City government ordered the closure of the Molo public utility vehicle (PUV) Terminal at Barangay San Pedro in Molo district for various violations.

The closure took effect after Mayor Jerry Treñas issued Executive Order (EO) No. 95 on Tuesday.

The terminal caters to public utility buses (PUBs) and vans from the province of Antique.

“Ang Molo Terminal ginpagwa-an naton executive order nga pasara naton bangod sa findings sang LTFRB (Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board) nga dugay na ina kay indi sila compliant sa rules sang LTFRB regarding sa terminals,” Treñas said in a press conference.

The EO pointed out that the terminal failed to comply with several memorandum circulars of LTFRB Region 6 particularly LTFRB Memorandum Circular Nos. 2017-030, 2017-010, and 2008-013.

LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2017-030 set the guidelines for off-street terminal operations (Omnibus Franchising Guidelines) while LTFRB Memorandum Circular No.  2017-10 provided the implementing guidelines on the transition period pursuant to the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines.

LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2008-013 prescribed the standard classification and guidelines in the establishment, maintenance, and operations of public terminals.

Under MC 2008-013, bus terminals which cater to less than three vehicle types should have adequate and comfortable benches and/or seats with for waiting passengers; concrete pavement and flooring; sufficient number of security personnel; communication facilities; public address system facilities such as CCTVs (closed circuit TVs); separate restrooms for male, female, and disabled passengers, among others.

Treñas added that he also based his decision on the recommendation of the City Public Safety and Traffic Management Office (PSTMO) to close the terminal because of the violations and to decongest vehicular traffic in the area.

“Mr. Jeck Conlu of the Iloilo City Public Safety and Traffic Management Office recommended the removal of the Molo PUV Terminal due to the violations of LTFB Memorandum Circulars and to further decongest the traffic situation within the area of Brgy. San Pedro, Molo,” he said.

According to Treñas, he also received reports that the franchises of the public utility buses and vans (FILCAB/VFH/AUV) using the Molo PUV Terminal were all issued after January 15, 2005.

All provincial public utility buses and vans of whatever descriptive nomenclature but with essentially the same category of services originating from the province of Antique are directed to use the terminals in Brgy. Mohon, Arevalo, Iloilo City.

This is pursuant to City Regulation Ordinance No. 2014-049 also known as the Comprehensive Perimeter Boundary Ordinance of the City of Iloilo.

The ordinance which was enacted on January 2014 ordered all provincial public utility buses and vans originating from the province of Antique and whose franchises were issued after January 15, 2005 to use the terminals at Brgy. Mohon in Arevalo district.

Treñas said he has given the PSTMO three days for the smooth transition of the PUBs and vans from Molo PUV Terminal to the Mohon Arevalo Terminal.

“Ginhatagan ta sila three days ang Ceres buses and mga vans para makasaylo na sila sa Mohon. Just three days, I signed it and my word is my vow,” he said.