Closure of EDSA bus terminals causes confusion ahead of long weekend

The closure of nine bus terminals along EDSA has caused confusion and inconvenience among passengers on their way to the provinces for the long weekend, GMA News' Susan Enriquez reported on 24 Oras on Friday.

The report said provincial buses dropping passengers off EDSA were mobbed by passengers bound for the provinces hoping to get a ride.

"Mahirap. Okay lang kung walang dala, eh katulad ko na tambak 'yung dala, kahirap," said a passenger who attempted to board a First North Luzon Transit bus.

"Hassle, super," said another disgruntled passenger after he found that the terminal of ES Transport was likewise closed. "Kasi dito dati ako sumasakay, saglit lang doon sa loob. Ngayon wala, hindi mo alam kung saan ka sasakay."

Philtranco reservation clerk Joey Besiao said they could not do anything but assist passengers who booked in advance. He also said they are awaiting word on when their operations would resume.

"Sa ngayon ma'am nilalakad na po, bago makaalis si sir kanina, sinabi niya sa 'kin na aayos na daw po ngayon, kaya naghihintay na rin po kami sa advice nila na magbubukas po uli," he said.

Five Star Bus Co. employee Benjie Caneba echoed this and said they could not do anything as the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Quezon City's Business Permits and Licensing Office made it clear that they need to sort out clearances and other requirements to continue their operations.

"Meron nang naglalakad niyan," Caneba said. "Sa ngayon, ma'am, meron na kaming tao sa munisipyo."

First North Luzon Transit, meanwhile, had 13 of its buses impounded for allegedly continuing its operations despite the closure order.

MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago said they may recommend the cancellation of First North Luzon Transit's franchise for ignoring the agency's closure order.

"Pinag-aaralan na po ng MMDA na ipasuspinde ang prangkisa ng First North Luzon Transit sa tulong ng LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board)," she said.

"Ang ginagawa po ng nasabing kumpanya ay isang maliwanag na paglabag sa Article 151 of Revised Penal Code or Resistance and Disobedience of the Person in Authority."

Other companies temporarily shuttered for having incomplete permits include:

ES Transport Inc.
Bataan Transit
Golden Bee
Pangasinan Bus Company
Cisco Incorporated
Jac Liner

—Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News