The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief, Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II ordered all Regional Directors to ensure the road worthiness of all the passenger buses amid the expected influx of people to bus terminals to go to their hometown for the observance of the All Saints’ and All Souls Day.
Part of the order is the conduct of random drug testing on both the bus drivers and conductors as Asec Mendoza said their mental and physical preparedness must also be checked since the safety of a number of passengers are entrusted to them.
“We expect the bus companies to do their part in ensuring safe travel for our kababayan. On the part of the LTO, the intervention is on the inspection of passenger buses and the conduct of random and surprise drug testing,” said Asec Mendoza.
Asec Mendoza also urged the public to plan their travel well, especially those who will commute to and from their respective provinces, and particularly those heading to the areas affected by the recent weather disturbances.
Asec Mendoza said they will deploy a sufficient number of LTO personnel to assist in the traffic management.
“Our personnel will be there on major thoroughfares in coordination with other agencies like the Philippine National Police. Our goal is to ensure that this year’s Undas will be peaceful, safe and hassle-free to all our kababayan,” said Asec Mendoza.
He also urged commuters to report any misbehavior on the road through the “Aksyon on the Spot” 09292920865.
For motorists who will be using their own vehicles, Asec Mendoza said they should ensure the road worthiness of their cars, especially if they would be travelling with their family.
“I-check nating maigi ang mga preno, ang mga gulong at ibang mga basic parts ng sasakyan na pwedeng magbigay ng sakit ng ulo sa gitna ng ating biyahe,” said Asec Mendoza.
“And most importantly, magbaon tayo ng mahabang pasensya. Walang maibubunga ang init ng ulo sa daan,” he added.