As the Holy Week exodus commenced.
On Monday, April 14, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon inspected the area along EDSA Malibay in Pasay City, where a handful of bus stations are operating.
However, Dizon noted the inadequate facilities, such as comfort rooms, waiting area, ventilation, and proper roofing of these terminals.
In line with this, he issued a stern warning against Philtranco, Mega Bus, Ten Ten and RMB Bus Companies, saying leaving passengers in a “deplorable state is unacceptable.”
These companies will be summoned by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for operating these illegal makeshift terminals, which will remain open for the time being due to the expected influx of passengers this Holy Week.
“Ipapatawag natin lahat ng mga bus companies na ito. May minumum standards ang pagpapatakbo ng terminal. Hindi papasa ito,” with Dizon adding that sanctions will be imposed against these firms.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will also be seeking assistance from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Philippine National Police (PNP), along with its attached agencies LTFRB and Land Transportation Office (LTO), to cracl down on such bus companies.
Sec. Dizon vented his frustration after doing a personal inspection of the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), with the official saying that bus terminals should be modeled after the inter-modal interchange.
“Meron naman tayong PITX, bakit may ganito? Hindi naman terminal ito. Walang upuan, naka-tolda, walang cr. Itong mga pasahero nagbabayad naman sila—regular fare. Hindi naman discounted ito. Hindi pwede ito,” said Dizon.
Meanwhile, in PITX, Dizon also pointed out the small passageway for passengers transiting to and from the LRT-1 Asiaworld station, which directly links to the terminal.
He said that the department plans to further improve this for the convenience of the public using the terminal exchange.