By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
Insufficient seating. Poor sanitation. Lack of shaded areas or shelters.
These are just some of the daily challenges commuters face in major terminals across Iloilo City, issues exacerbated by long wait times, especially in recent weeks as classes resumed.
The Mohon Terminal in the Arevalo district recently made headlines after several commuters raised concerns about the lack of space and frequent water shortages in the terminal’s restrooms.
Rizal Alido, chairman of the Western Visayas Alliance of Transport Cooperatives and Corporations, Inc. (WVATCCI), told Daily Guardian that these issues would be addressed with the creation of the Transport Terminal Inspection Board (TTIB).
“The accountability lies with the terminal itself, which is why the city government should create a TTIB,” he said.
Former City Councilor Lyndon Acap, whose family operates the Mohon Terminal, said the terminal is undergoing gradual improvements.
He noted that a new restroom is currently under construction, as the old one is set for rehabilitation.
Additionally, work is underway to enhance the arrival area, where excavation activities have already started.
In response to these concerns, the Iloilo City Council has yet to discuss the creation of a TTIB proposed by Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna, chairperson of the city council’s transport committee.
The draft ordinance outlines that the TTIB would be composed of personnel from various city offices, including the Traffic and Transportation Management Office, the Office of the Building Official, the City Engineering Office, the City Health Office, the Business Permits and Licensing Office, and the City Tourism Development Office.
Once established, the TTIB would be responsible for inspecting terminals and recommending whether they should be allowed to continue operating or have their franchises revoked.
“I hope this will be organized as soon as possible so that there will be a team dedicated to the terminals to ensure that the issues and complaints raised by commuters are addressed,” Alido emphasized.
