Vehicle terminals not up to expectation

ILOILO CITY – The Traffic Technical Working Group (TTWG) has recommended for closure one perimeter boundary terminal or miserable in shape and Unsatisfactory ranking while two terminals were reported closed after operating for few months in 2005.

TTWG is chaired by city councilor Erwin Plagata, Atty. Edgardo Gil of the city legal office, TMEU chief, SInsp. Robert Bob Foerster, CPDO project coordinator Engr. Jose Tengco, CMO executive assistant Neuns Mitch Antiquena and TF Asis head Engr. Robert Dumanil.

In its report to Vice Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, the TTWG recommended the closure soon of the Baldoza Transport Terminal operated by Jerry Dunlao but currently being managed by Annie del Rosario and Atty. Romeo Gerochi which has a franchise 2005-073 issued in February 23, 2005. The terminal operator failed to secure a Mayors and business Permits since it started operation.

There are 8 terminals operating in this city but only 6 terminals are operating. Only the Aleosan Terminal located at Hibao-an Mandurriao that caters to Aleosan passenger jeepneys and operated by Arnold Bilbao got a Good rating from the TTWG.

Joroshely North Terminal in Tagbak, Jaro and operated by Lydia Songano, caters solely for VHF vehicles and was rated Satisfactory. TTWG recommends small improvement in the terminal.

Rated Fair that needs further improvement were the terminals of the Iloilo Terminal and Gen. Services (ITGS) located at Ungka, Jaro and operated by Narciso Pueblo Sr. since 2003; North Central Transport Terminal (NCTT) in Tagbak, Jaro operated by Alberto Ladrido since 2005; and the M. Acap Penida Southern Iloilo PBT operated by Dorben Acap Jr. in Mohon, Arevalo.

Already closed before the inspection were the LODAI operated by Nick Dalisay and Villa Tambanillo of Justina Chua, both located at Ticud, La Paz, Iloilo City.

Ocular inspections were conducted on February 21, 2009 on the 8 perimeter boundary terminals in response to SP Resolution No. 2008-788 calling for review of the terminal franchises.

The SP committee on transportation and public utilities and TTWG conducted the inspections as to the compliance of these terminals to the provisions of their respective franchises.

The city council, tasked to approve the franchise of the perimeter boundary terminals, is expected to act soon on the findings and recommendations of the inspection team.

By Lydia C. Pendon