Overloaded PUJ caught on cam in Iloilo; LTO warns operators

A video showing dozens of passengers riding on the roof and hanging from the sides of a traditional jeepney in Iloilo has prompted authorities to remind operators to follow passenger limits, saying overloading puts lives at risk.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Western Visayas said it has already received the footage and warned operators of the possible consequences of such violations.

The video, taken at around 9:45 p.m. on July 31, 2026, showed a traditional public utility jeepney operating on the Calinog-Iloilo City route with passengers packed on the roof while others clung to the rear and sides of the vehicle. The jeepney is under Pretty Boy Transport Services Corporation.

Ronel Damasco, the conductor, said the overloaded trip happened because it was the last trip for the night and many commuters were still waiting for transportation.

“Wala na kasi silang masakyan. Siyempre ipipilit nilang makasakay, ‘kahit sa bubong lang kami sasakay, Kuya,’” he said.

Ryan Capillo, a passenger, said he had experienced riding outside the jeep several times after finishing work late at night.

“Galing sa trabaho tapos ang maaabutan mong jeep last trip na lang. Tapos no choice ka kasi puno ng mga pasahero. Siyempre, sasakay ka na lang,” he said.

The transport company said the jeepney has a capacity of about 40 passengers. It added that while it knows overloading is prohibited, drivers and conductors sometimes fear passengers may retaliate if they refuse to take them.

“Actually alam naming bawal 'yan. Ngunit hindi namin kayang pababain. Paalisin mo sila? Babalikan nila ang sasakyan namin, siguradong babatuhin talaga.” Rosanno Catedral, president of the transport company, said.

According to LTO Region VI Director, Atty. Gaudioso Geduspan II, the video showed more than 30 passengers on the roof and over 15 others hanging from the rear and sides of the jeepney. He urged operators to increase the number of units if passenger demand is high.

Geduspan also warned that operators could face much bigger losses if an overloaded vehicle gets into an accident.

“Talo daw ang operators kung dadagdagan ang kanilang units. Ngunit maba-bankrupt talaga kayo in the event na maaksidente 'yan dahil you have to pay for all of them na masugatan or mamatay,” he said. —GMA Regional TV