LTFRB to regional offices: Continue inspections of PUVs for roadworthiness

As more Filipinos return to their homes after the Holy Week break, the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Sunday reminded its regional offices to continue inspecting public utility vehicles (PUVs) for road worthiness to ensure passengers’ safety.

In a statement, LTFRB chair Vigor Mendoza II said ensuring the road worthiness of PUVs, especially passenger buses, is vital as travelers travel back to Metro Manila and other urban areas.

“Ensuring the road worthiness of PUVs is part of road safety measures. We expect bus companies and operators to do their share in this effort and on the part of the LTFRB, we will be there to check if they are doing their job,” Mendoza said.

The inspection is not limited to vehicles as LTFRB personnel were also instructed to maintain coordination with other law enforcement agencies to ensure the mental and physical readiness of PUV drivers.

LTFRB regional offices are required to submit compliance reports on the inspection and other road safety measures implemented during the Holy Week break.

Earlier, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported that some PUV drivers tested positive for illegal drugs during surprise drug tests in bus terminals and PUV hubs amid the Holy Week exodus.

Mendoza said they support such moves and seek to institutionalize this by coordinating with other law enforcement agencies.

He also urged private motorists to also ensure that their vehicles are safe, especially for long journeys.

“Mga bata at mga mahal sa buhay ang sakay natin kaya obligasyon natin na tiyakin na hindi lang sasakyan ang maayos kung hindi ang nagmamaneho (Our children and loved ones are onboard, so it is our obligation to ensure that our vehicles are safe, but we also drive safely). The goal is always to ensure that we will all reach our destination safely,” Mendoza said. — JMA, GMA News