Problem-free roads in Central Visayas during Holy Week

CEBU, Philippines - It was an ‘orderly’ Holy Week in Central Visayas as far as usage of roads is concerned, said the Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-7.

“Nagpasalamat ta kay wala pa ‘tay nadawat nga reports nga mga accidents, pero naghuwat pa ko sa reports from other offices para ma-consolidate nato ang mga data, ug makahatag mi sa general assessment namo during the holidays,” said LTO-7 Operations Division Chief Joel Maloloy-on.

LTFRB-7 Acting Transportation Development Officer Reynaldo Elnar said over a hundred buses, including mini-buses, acquired special permits to ply their routes and LTFRB has asked its central office to extend the lifespan of the special permits because of the volume of passengers.

“Nagkulang lang gihapon og bus mao na nga ni-request mi sa Central Office nga mu-extend ang special permits para sa uban nga pasahero. Daghan paman kaayo gud,” Elnar said.

As of 1 p.m. yesterday, LTFRB has not received reports of major road violations.

The special operation for Holy Week by the two agencies was supposed to end yesterday but Maloloy-on said they are willing to extend it until the volume of passengers minimizes.

LTO and LTFRB brought their resources together for the Holy Week to ensure that passenger buses were roadworthy and no vehicle was operating illegally.

“Mopadayon gyod mi kon daghan ang pasahero para mo-assist nila nga nindot ug safe ilang pag-travel,” Maloloy-on said.

LTFRB, for its part, said it will extend it will continue to supervise public utility buses and vehicles.

“Continue strict implementation of  PUV modernization program of DOTC. Continue and strengthen together with LTO personnel surprise inspection of PUB terminal emphasizing the roadworthiness of the units,” Elnar said.

Maloloy-on also said he hopes that local government units and the Philippine National Police can field personnel to help LTO and LTFRB carry out their road safety programs.

“Hopefully maka-deputize ta og personnel sa LGU ug PNP sa whole province of Cebu para every municipality or city, naa roadside inspection para ang province wide ang ato operation sa LTO laws rules and regulations,” he said. (FREEMAN)