CSBT asks politicians, LGUs not to use free bus rides as tools for campaigning

Passengers heading south line up outside the Cebu South Bus Terminal in this file photo.

CEBU CITY, Philippines—The Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) management is asking politicians and local government units (LGUs) who will offer bus rides this weekend not to use the opportunity to campaign. 

More bus rides are needed to help augment the terminal for the expected influx of passengers due to the coming midterm elections on Monday, May 13, 2019.

According to CSBT manager Joy Tumulak, they have requested the LGUs in southern Cebu to provide buses on the weekend before the elections to help cater to the at least 40,000 people who are expected to go home for the elections.

“We really need the help of the LGUs because we aim to bring the voters to their hometowns so everyone can vote. We do not want stranded voters,” said Tumulak.

However, Tumulak said they will be closely monitoring the buses for any campaign materials as this has been prohibited by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Tumulak hopes that the candidates will not take advantage of the free buses for the public by using it as part of their campaign. 

Meanwhile, Tumulak urged the public to travel early as it is expected that by Sunday, passengers will be flocking the terminal to go home to their provinces where they will vote.

He also urged them to travel light for faster entry to the CSBT and faster boarding of the buses. 

“Travel early and travel light to avoid the rush and lower the chances of being stranded,” Tumulak said in Cebuano. 

Tumulak assured that the terminal is prepared to accommodate the expected large number of passengers on the weekend. 

The CSBT has already requested the Cebu Provincial Capitol for an augmentation of 50 staff to man the terminal for the duration of the weekend rush. 

Additional police will also be deployed to the terminal for additional security. /bmjo