THE Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO 7) has begun deploying its personnel to public terminals and ports across the region as part of “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa and Summer Vacation 2025,” which officially kicked off on Friday, April 11, 2025.
LTO 7 Director Glen G. Galario said their deployment started on Friday, and will continue until Easter Sunday, April 20.
“Our personnel are now visible in major public terminals and ports in the region to inspect the roadworthiness of public utility vehicles and ensure that the riding public reaches their destinations safely,” said Galario.
Major terminals and ports in the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental are the top priorities of LTO 7, especially those with a high volume of passengers.
Galario said visual inspections will be conducted on all public utility vehicles (PUVs) before they are allowed to operate along their usual routes.
“Those that fail the inspection will be given time to address the issues to ensure their vehicles are fit to transport passengers—especially during this season, when there is an expected influx of travelers going on vacation or returning home,” Galario said.
In addition to inspections inside terminals and ports, random joint roadside inspections will also be conducted throughout the operation.
Galario added that they have implemented new regulations for bus inspections, which are currently being enforced by LTO 7 personnel.
“Apart from roadworthiness, we will also check if they have valid registration, licenses, and franchises,” he said.
He also warned PUV drivers against several violations, including refusal to convey passengers, overcharging or undercharging of fares, contracting passengers, operating with flagged-up meters, failure to provide fare discounts, and other actions that constitute a breach of their franchise conditions.
“Daghan ni sila karon, mao nga ato sab ni silang gipangbantayan kay mahulog ni sila nga nag-breach sa ilang franchise. Naa puy kolurom ani nila. Atoa ning dakpon ug pahamtangan og igong silot o i-impound ang ilahang sakyanan,” Galario said, referring to operators in violation of franchise rules. (“There are many of them now, which is why we are monitoring them carefully. Some are breaching their franchise conditions, while others are operating as colorum vehicles. We will apprehend them and impose appropriate penalties, or impound their vehicles.”)
The public is encouraged to report any illegal acts committed by PUV drivers to any LTO 7 personnel stationed at terminals or ports.
For reports, contact the LTO 7 hotline at 0962 446 0435. (PR)