By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz

INSPECTION. Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Chair Vigor Mendoza II answers questions from the media during a roadworthiness inspection of public utility vehicles (PUV) at a motor vehicle inspection center in Sta. Cruz, Manila, on Jan. 29, 2026. Mendoza on Tuesday (Feb. 17) announced that a total of 116 PUV operators and representatives of PUV terminals have been summoned or cited for violating the country’s standards for PUV terminals. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)

MANILA – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has summoned and cited a total of 116 operators of public utility vehicle (PUV) terminals nationwide as part of its crackdown against run-down transportation facilities.

In a statement on Tuesday, LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II said the LTFRB has so far inspected 243 bus and other PUV terminals to compel terminal managers and operators to comply with government standards and provide a more comfortable service to commuters.

Of the total, 116 were issued with show cause orders (SCO) and notice to comply due to numerous violations, including insufficient shelter from the weather, inoperable toilets and small spaces that compromise the comfort and safety of passengers.

“The agreement is clear: the government authorizes them to operate a terminal under the condition that they will provide the basic facilities to ensure passenger comfort and safety,” Mendoza said.

Other terminals were also found in violation of regulations on security measures as well as accessibility features for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

“We will not hesitate to shut down the operations of these terminal managers, some of whom are connected with transportation companies,” he said.

Some of the worst examples, Mendoza said, were terminals that charge passengers to use comfort rooms.

The LTFRB will continue its compliance inspections with the goal of putting an end to the “misplaced mentality of terminal managers and operators of taking their passengers for granted.”

In particular, LTFRB regional offices will continue to conduct random and surprise inspections of terminals.

To date, the LTFRB has made the most inspections in Metro Manila with 40 terminals inspected, followed by Central Luzon and Northern Mindanao with 30 each, and Calabarzon with 27.

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