CEBU Gov. Pamela Baricuatro on Monday, July 7, 2025, denied claims that she has appointed anyone to officially head operations at the Cebu North Bus Terminal (CNBT) and the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT). This comes amid reports of individuals falsely identifying themselves as terminal managers.
“There’s nobody who manages it,” Baricuatro told reporters during a press conference at the Provincial Capitol. “As of this time, wala pa mi officially na-appoint [we haven’t officially appointed anyone yet]. Although there’s a volunteer in the south, for now, there’s no official designation.”
The governor’s remarks came in response to circulating allegations that certain individuals were presenting themselves as having been named terminal operations heads by the Capitol.
Baricuatro clarified that they are still evaluating potential appointees and no formal designations have been made.
The Province assumed direct control over the bus terminals earlier this year following the expiration of prior management agreements. With operations now under Capitol oversight, Baricuatro said they are looking into outsourcing services to address immediate needs, especially the upkeep of terminal restrooms.
Meanwhile, Cebu Minibus Operators president Julieto Flores, in a phone interview on Monday, dismissed claims that he was appointed by the governor.
“Wala gyud ko ma-appoint. Kahibawo ta ana uy, ma-technical pud si Gov,” he said, referring to rules that bar election losers from being appointed to government posts within one year after the polls.
Flores acknowledged that he signed a letter addressed to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), requesting a meeting to discuss the proposed mandatory six-month drug testing for public utility drivers. However, he clarified that he did so solely in his capacity as minibus operators president, not as a terminal official.
“As president of the Cebu Minibus Operators, I have the authority to request a dialogue with LTFRB and raise our concerns,” he said.
The issue underlines the ongoing administrative uncertainty surrounding the terminals, which continue to experience long lines and congestion, particularly at the CNBT, as Flores had previously highlighted in interviews.
No specific timeline has been announced by Baricuatro for finalizing appointments. In the meantime, terminal operations continue under temporary arrangements, with provincial personnel and volunteers filling key gaps.
Earlier on Monday, operators and managers from both the CNBT and the CSBT, including Ceres management, met with Governor Baricuatro. During this courtesy visit, an unauthorized individual claiming to represent her office at the terminals was brought to light.
The discussions took a turn when Baricuatro was informed that an individual had been operating at the terminals, allegedly acting as her representative without any official designation or authority from her office.
The Provincial Information Office released a statement confirming the governor’s discovery, emphasizing that the individual has no legitimate ties to her office or any authorization to act on her behalf. The revelation has prompted concerns regarding potential misrepresentation and unauthorized transactions. / JPS