South Bus Terminal flooded with passengers heading to province

From 6 a.m. to noon Sunday, the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) accommodated more than 300,000 passengers, most of whom are voting in their hometowns in the province on May 9.

Officer-in-charge Chona Quijano said despite the large numbers of southbound passengers, it was another “regular day” at the terminal.

She said traffic was manageable except for several passengers who complained that they were confused about where to fall in line.

“It would be better if they made clear where we should fall in line,” said 28-year-old Lilibeth Binagatan who was headed for Boljoon town to vote on Monday.

Two security guards and other terminal personnel assigned at the left wing were heard shouting at passengers, telling them to fall in line properly and check the signage to know where they should queue.

“It would have been more manageable if people read signs and there were more of us to guide them,” said Prima Morallas, one of the two outsourced security guards directing traffic flow at the left wing.

Quijano said terminal management requested for 30 security personnel for augmentation, but only 15 were committed. Only 12 went on duty on Sunday.

More than 420 buses, mostly owned by Ceres Liner, serve the CSBT offering trips to San Fernando, Sibonga, Argao, Asturias, Tuburan, Santander and even Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental.

Quijano said they are doing their best to accommodate passengers. Fifteen tents at the back of the terminal were set up to provide shade to those waiting passengers.

Because it was another regular day, liners did not offer special trips for additional buses. “Passengers wouldn’t have to wait long if we had more buses. Nonetheless, we assure them that they will be able to get home,” Quijano said.