Baricuatro orders free restroom access at Cebu transport terminals
'The right to basic sanitation should never come at a price'
CEBU Gov. Pamela Baricuatro meets bus operators on Monday, July 7. (Capitol PIO)
CEBU CITY – Passengers will no longer have to shell out extra budget when using toilets in major terminals in Cebu province.
Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has issued an executive order stopping the collection of fees from passengers using toilets of the Capitol-run Cebu South Bus Terminal and Cebu North Bus Terminal.
The order was contained in EO No. 12 that Baricuatro signed on Monday, July 7. It took effect immediately.
Baricuatro promised during the campaign period that she will stop the collection of toilet fees in terminals.
“This is one of the promises that we made to the people, and we are making good on it,” she said. “The right to basic sanitation should never come at a price.”
Baricuatro cited Republic Act No. 11311 that prohibits the collection of fees for the use of regular sanitary facilities in land transportation terminals.
The directive stated that passengers may use regular comfort rooms for free by presenting a valid same-day bus ticket. Companions of travelers are also entitled to use the facilities for free.
Commercial or “premium” toilet services operated by private contractors may still charge fees, but only if free, non-commercial CRs are available within the same premises.
The Provincial Tourism Office and the Provincial General Services Office were ordered to inspect facilities and post visible signage informing the public of the new policy, Baricuatro said.
The governor warned that terminal operators who fail to comply may face administrative sanctions and possible referral to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
In a press conference on Monday, Baricuatro warned the public against individuals falsely claiming to represent her in provincial terminals.
“This clarification is necessary following reports that certain individuals are falsely claiming to have been authorized by my office,” she said.
Baricuatro clarified that she has not appointed or authorized anyone to act as terminal manager or official liaison in any transport terminal under the provincial government.