LTFRB grants special permits to 1,297 buses for Holy Week 2026

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said Saturday it granted special permits to 1,297 passenger bus units across the country to ensure adequate supply for the expected influx of passengers during the Holy Week break.

"The increase in the number of passengers at this time of the year is normal because this is an annual religious activity that is really important for the Filipino people," LTFRB Chairperson Vigor Mendoza II said in a statement.

"But we are also anticipating additional commuters this time because with the price of gasoline and diesel, some of our kababayan would find it practical to commute rather than drive their own vehicles," Mendoza said. 

The LTFRB chief said the agency will monitor the status on the ground to ensure a real-time response if there is a need to deploy more buses as commuters are anticipated to troop to bus terminals.

In granting the special permit, Mendoza said bus companies and operators were clearly instructed to ensure the roadworthiness of their units. 

The LTFRB chief also ordered all the agency's regional directors to initiate roadworthiness inspection protocols at bus and other public utility vehicle (PUV) terminals.

He added that coordination with other government agencies, such as local government units (LGUs) and law enforcement agencies, should be done to maximize the assistance and road safety rules implementation.

"Our goal is to ensure the safety of commuters and other road users by ensuring the road worthiness of buses and other PUVs, as well as the physical and mental readiness of the drivers," Mendoza said.

Apart from road safety rules, Mendoza likewise stressed the need for local LTFRB officials to ensure that operators of PUV terminals follow the rules and regulations on passenger safety and comfort.

The LTFRB earlier intensified inspections on PUV terminals over complaints of dilapidated facilities that compromise passenger safety and comfort.

Hundreds of terminal owners and operators were issued show cause orders and notices of violations while some were shut down for gross violation of safety rules.

"Aside from the safety of PUVs on the road, we also have to make sure that all passengers are comfortable and treated well inside the terminals," Mendoza said.

"There must be no excuses, violators should be called out and asked to explain why they should not be penalized," he said. — VDV, GMA Integrated News