MISTER Loo Philippines has affirmed its decision to continue collecting fees for its comfort rooms (CRs) at the Cebu North Bus Terminal (CNBT) and Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT).

This stance directly defies Gov. Pamela Baricuatro’s recent Executive Order (EO) 12, which called for an end to such collections.

The company cites its existing five-year contract with the Provincial Government as the basis for maintaining the charges. This comes amidst growing public confusion and anger over the fees.

Cristina Bolcan, Mister Loo’s business development manager, said in a media release that the contractually obligated fees “cannot be arbitrarily stopped.”

Mister Loo’s agreement with the Province, which permits them to operate paid comfort rooms at both terminals, commenced on Dec. 21, 2023, and is valid until Dec. 21, 2028, with an option for renewal. Under the terms, the Province receives five percent the gross proceeds from the CR fees monthly.

The contract sets the fees at P10 for standard access, which includes basic amenities like soap and tissue, and P20 for premium toilets that offer air-conditioning and high-quality appliances. There is no provision for fee increases within the contract period.

Governor Baricuatro and Mister Loo representatives are scheduled to meet at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16, at the governor’s office, to address the ongoing dispute and seek a resolution.

Bolcan clarified that Baricuatro’s EO 12, which directed bus terminal management to cease collecting CR fees, does not apply to Mister Loo’s privately-operated facilities.

She emphasized that Mister Loo’s restrooms are governed by an existing public-private partnership (PPP) contract and are distinct from the free public restrooms that remain available at the terminals.

“Not all CRs at the Cebu South Bus Terminal and the Cebu North Bus Terminal have usage fees. There are toilets the public can use free of charge, but these do not have the amenities and comfort the private-operated CRs provide,” the statement read.

Acknowledging public frustration, Mister Loo’s statement further noted, “The expectation did not meet reality because the CR users who expected free entry to any toilet in the bus terminal were still asked to pay P10 for access to the Mister Loo toilets.”

“Capitol cannot arbitrarily stop the fee collection because it is bound by the contract it entered with Mister Loo Philippines… Mister Loo significantly invested building its CRs,” the statement added.

The contract was signed by former governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Mister Loo finance officer Monica Advento under a PPP arrangement.

Garcia had reportedly recognized the need for presentable and well-maintained restrooms at the bus terminals, viewing them as crucial gateways for tourism in Cebu.

Bolcan assured Governor Baricuatro of their support for her programs but added that the governor’s announcement has regrettably led to confusion, with Mister Loo bearing “the brunt of the public’s ire.”

The ongoing dispute highlights a challenge previously raised. In April 2025, Sen. Raffy Tulfo’s viral TikTok post from the CNBT questioned the P10 CR fee, sparking public debate. Then-governor Garcia clarified in a press conference that a free CR was available at CNBT, and the private-operated CR offered enhanced amenities. The discussion around restroom upgrades and fees even became part of the recent campaign narrative.

Mister Loo, a globally recognized private company with corporate offices in Switzerland, designs, builds and operates modern, safe and hygienic toilet facilities across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines. / JPS