As the Holy Week break concluded on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) placed all its regional offices on high alert to manage the massive influx of passengers returning to Metro Manila and other urban centers.
LTFRB Chairperson Vigor Mendoza II issued a directive to ensure that the millions of Filipinos transitioning from their home provinces back to the city can do so safely, particularly amid the country’s ongoing energy crisis and high fuel costs.
The LTFRB’s strategy for the “return wave” focuses on three critical pillars: roadworthiness, driver readiness, and adequate supply.
- Sustained Inspections: Regional directors have been ordered to continue rigorous, on-site inspections of Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) at all major terminals. The goal is to ensure that every bus and jeepney is mechanically sound for long-haul travel.
- Driver Wellness & Sobriety: In coordination with law enforcement and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the LTFRB is monitoring the “mental and physical readiness” of drivers. Surprise drug tests have been conducted in several hubs, with Mendoza emphasizing that the safety of “children and loved ones” rests in the hands of the person behind the wheel.
- Special Permits: To prevent passengers from being stranded, the LTFRB previously granted special permits to 1,297 passenger buses nationwide. These units are being deployed to augment existing fleets as terminal volumes peak on Sunday evening and Monday morning.
Chairperson Mendoza noted an interesting trend this year: an increase in public transport ridership compared to private vehicle use.
“With the current price of gasoline and diesel, many of our kababayans found it more practical to commute than drive their own vehicles,” Mendoza stated.
This shift has put additional pressure on the bus system, necessitating the real-time monitoring of passenger volumes to deploy extra units where “chance passengers” are most concentrated.
The LTFRB reminded private motorists and PUV operators alike to:
- Check Vehicle Condition: Ensure tires, brakes, and engine fluids are optimal for long-distance trips.
- Exercise Patience: Avoid “road rage” incidents during heavy traffic on major expressways like NLEX and SLEX.
- Report Violations: Passengers are encouraged to report overcharging, “colorum” (unlicensed) operations, or discourteous drivers through the LTFRB’s official hotlines.
The LTFRB’s efforts are part of the broader “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2026,” which integrates the work of the PCG, PPA, and CAAP. While the fuel crisis remains a significant economic challenge, the government’s focus for the next 24 hours is the orderly and safe conclusion of one of the largest annual human migrations in the Philippines.