Plagata: Terminal operators hold non-exclusive franchise
City Councilor Erwin Plagata, head of the Traffic Technical Working Group (TTWG), clarified that the present operators of perimeter boundary terminals are holding non-exclusive franchise, meaning they can be replaced by new players if they do not comply with the rules.
Plagata, who also chairs the committee on transportation and communications of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, said allowing competition will enable the end-user to have a choice.
The terminals have been operating since 2005. But, Plagata said, all of them have not fully complied with what was provided in their franchise.
The contention to open more franchisees to operate terminals is being supported by majority of the members of the legislative council.
Plagata and the members of the legislative body will have an executive session on Monday to tackle the current issues involving perimeter boundary terminals. He was also invited to join the meeting for the terminal operators with Mayor Jerry Treñas on Monday.
At present, there are six terminals operating in the boundaries of the city, namely, the Baldoza Transport Terminal, North Central Transport Terminal, Joroshely North Terminal, Iloilo Terminal & General Services, Aleosan Terminal and M. Acap Pineda Southern Iloilo Bus Terminal.
The two other terminals in Barangay Ticud, La Paz are no longer operating.
The TTWG recently conducted inspection of terminals in compliance with the Sangguniang Panglungsod resolution calling for a review of the franchises of the perimeter boundary terminals.
In the over-all report, the TTWG has recommended for the improvement of structures and road networks in the different terminals.
The report also stated that the Baldoza Transport Terminal which is managed by Annie Del Rosario has yet to secure their business permit. The council granted the franchise to operate a terminal to the Baldoza Transport in 2005.
The same report said only two perimeter boundary terminals are “flood free.” They are the Mohon and Hibao-an Terminals. The Mohon terminal is operated by Dorben Acap Jr. while Arnold Bilbao operates the Hibao-an terminal.