Van-for-hire drivers seek more accessible terminal

CEBU, Philippines - A van-for-hire driver whose livelihood has been affected by the closure of the One Citilink Terminal along Natalio Bacalso Avenue has appealed to the Cebu City government to provide them a more accessible terminal.

Alomuel Corre Jr. stood before the members of the City Council during an executive session yesterday on behalf of the hundreds of V-hire drivers and operators affected by the closure of the terminal.

The City Council has invited the officials of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Cebu City Transportation Office and the drivers affected to the executive session yesterday. However, no representatives from LTFRB-7 and CCTO appeared during the session allegedly because they were not informed ahead of time.

 The councilors have scheduled another executive session next week. They, however, accommodated the drivers since they were around in yesterday’s session.

 “Dili masabot ang among gibati sa mga driver sa dakong kahadlok nga among inadlaw-adlaw nga kita maapektuhan, dili lang sa pangunsumo ug labi na sa among mga anak nga nag-eskwela sa kolehiyo ug high school,” said Corre, a husband and a father of four.

He claimed that closure of Citilink terminal has reduced their income by more 50 percent.

“Apan ang tanan namong mga kahadlok na tuman gayod. Nihinay ang among sakay ug ang among porsyento sa pag-drive nakuhaan ug labaw sa katunga sa walay pagbagulbol kining tanan among gidawat sa tumang pagpaubos,” said Corre.

He said the temporary terminal provided by the city government near the old Compania Maritima building is not suitable for a terminal.

Mayor Michael Rama has ordered the closure of the terminal few months ago for allegedly operating without a business permit. — (FREEMAN)