Plaza not closed to the public, Pepito clarifies

CITY administrator Francis Pepito denied that the local government unit (LGU) closed down the seaside plaza where buses and vans-for-hire (V-hire) have been allowed to park, and load and unload passengers while the rehabilitation of the bus and jeepney terminals is going on. 

Pepito made the comment in view of criticisms surrounding the decision to relocate the buses, mini-buses and V-hires to the park. According to him, the move was a result of the consensus reached by stakeholders made up of drivers and conductors, bearing in mind the convenience of their passengers.

In the first place, this is not the first time that the plaza was used as temporary terminal, Pepito said. Second, the situation will last only for three months while the repair of the bus and jeepney terminals is underway. Third, the LGU made sure that the vehicles are parked in an orderly manner that will not inconvenience passengers and park-goers alike.

When informed that charges are being contemplated to be filed against the LGU over the issue, Pepito who is a lawyer replied: "Nganong mukiha man nga wa man ta magtinonto?” adding that there is no need to pass an ordinance to utilize the plaza as a temporary terminal.

Pepito also said that the executive branch of the LGU hasn’t received any complaint regarding the matter from the 13^th Sangguniang Panlungsod with which it maintains an open communication. Repair of the twin terminals began last Feb. 2 after sustaining heavy damage from typhoon Yolanda.

Pepito says he welcomes moves from councilors, if any, to pass an ordinance prohibiting the use of the plaza as a terminal, but adds it would be better if the measure will be comprehensive enough to regulate all activities in the area so that the LGU will be guided in the future.