THE Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) is now strictly enforcing the “Anti-Sardinas” policy, which limits the number of standing passengers in public utility jeepneys (PUJs) to ensure commuter safety and comfort.
Team head Hyll Retuya said on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, that the City has begun intensifying checks on PUJs plying major routes within Mandaue, particularly those frequently overloaded during peak hours.
Under the policy, only up to 10 standing passengers are allowed per jeepney. Drivers caught violating the limit will be issued a Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP), a sanction that may lead to penalties or suspension of their franchises, depending on the gravity and frequency of violations.
“This is part of our mandate to support the national Anti-Sardinas policy of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), which aims to prevent extreme overcrowding in public transport,” Retuya said.
The term “Anti-Sardinas” is derived from the image of passengers packed tightly inside vehicles like sardines in a can.
Team has deputized 10 enforcers authorized by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to issue TOPs and apprehend violators on the spot.
Retuya said the policy will be implemented in Mandaue regardless of whether neighboring local government units are enforcing the same.
“Bisan pa og ang uban nga LGU dili pa kaayo strict, kami sa Mandaue we will continue to implement this seriously for the safety of the riding public,” he said.
(Even if other LGUs are not that strict, here in Mandaue, we will continue to implement this seriously for the safety of the riding public.)
Since the start of the intensified enforcement, at least one PUJ driver has already been issued a TOP after being caught with an excessive number of standing passengers.
According to Retuya, the crackdown is also meant to encourage discipline among PUJ drivers and operators, and to reduce the risk of accidents and heat-related health issues, especially during rush hour.
He also urged commuters to cooperate with the policy and to report overloaded vehicles to the authorities through Team's official Facebook page.
The Anti-Sardinas policy is part of the broader effort by the LTFRB to regulate passenger load limits in PUJs as part of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, which aims to ensure safer and more efficient transport systems nationwide. (CAV)