LTFRB issues 116 SCOs amid terminal crackdown

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued show cause orders to 116 transport terminals nationwide after inspections revealed poor maintenance and a lack of basic facilities.

LTFRB chairperson Vigor D. Mendoza II said Tuesday that the agency has inspected 243 terminals since the start of the year. The crackdown is part of a mandate from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize commuter welfare.

Inspectors reported that many terminals lacked sufficient facilities, specifically citing unsanitary comfort rooms, inadequate seating for waiting passengers, and a lack of support for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

“We will not hesitate to shut down the operations of these terminal managers,” Mendoza said. “The agreement is clear — the government authorizes them to operate a terminal under the condition that they will provide basic facilities to ensure passenger comfort and safety.”

Mendoza stressed that some of the non-compliant terminals are managed directly by transportation companies. He warned that the government would hold operators accountable if they continue to take passengers for granted.

The LTFRB intends to make random inspections a “new normal” for the industry. Mendoza noted that the agency has a standing obligation to ensure public transportation is a safe and comfortable experience for Filipinos.

“This will continue because the goal is to make the conduct of regular inspection a new normal,” Mendoza said. “This is the obligation of the LTFRB to the Filipino commuters, and we will comply.”