Monday, September 08, 2008 Nalzaro: They’re back By Bobby Nalzaro Saksi
WHEN the Cebu Provincial Government instituted reforms in the operations and management of the Province-owned Cebu South Bus Terminal located on Natalio Bacalso Ave., I thought things there have been going on smoothly and everything is in order. Provincial officials have bragged that they will operate the bus terminal like an airport terminal. But it seems that the problems encountered before are back and the people manning the facility have failed to enforce new rules and policies.
I received a letter-complaint from Mr. Achilles Cane of Ocaña, Carcar City regarding his observation and comments on the operation of the south bus terminal.
“I commute daily from the south to Cebu City using the Cebu South Bus Terminal as my jump-off point. We were very happy when Capitol made drastic changes in the management of the South Bus Terminal a few months ago, as it put order and drove away the many rascals harassing commuters like me and the dreaded mulcters asking money from drivers of mini-buses.
“The move also brought discipline to drivers of buses, especially those plying the Cebu-Toledo City route who use the exit passageway in order to pick up passengers and blocking the passage for the other vehicles (in the process). For a (few) days, the entrance and exit of the terminal were cleared of vendors. It was a sight to behold because we, the commuters, could now use the sidewalk instead of using the streets in going in and out of the terminal.
“But now to our dismay, the above shenanigans are back to its ugly head and to make matter worst, the new security guards assigned in the area seem to be helpless in enforcing the rules. Instead of manning their posts, you see some of them patronizing female passengers, thereby causing security lapses. The mulcters are back doing their illegal thing in the open (at the exit gate), knocking at the door of the mini-buses. Are these guys enjoying protection? They are so arrogant and menacing.
“Not to be outdone, the vendors are also back, as well as the filth and foul odor.
We are again forced to use the streets in going in and out of the terminal hoping and praying that no wayward vehicle would hit us. Through this letter, we are asking your help and assistance that this problem be brought to the attention of the concerned agency.”
Well, I found the complaint of Mr. Cane very valid. I think some of the commuters also experienced the same but they don’t just have the guts to raise their complaint for whatever reasons or they don’t have the avenue where to lodge it. That is why I am calling the attention of Gov. Gwen Garcia and her brother Byron Garcia who is directly involved in the operation of the terminal to restore order at the terminal and make our commuters safe.
What happened to the promise of Byron Garcia that he will hire and dispatch former convicts from the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center to counter the nefarious activities of extortionists and mulcters at the terminal?
Patigasay man kaha ang gusto ni Byron? Ayaw kog ingna nga gilupig ang mga astig nga mga tawo ni Byron nianang mga astig sab diha sa terminal?
