Authorities inspect PITX, warn against ‘colorum’ buses ahead of Undas rush
MANILA — Authorities inspected the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) on Monday as part of intensified safety measures ahead of the expected surge in travelers during Undas, with officials checking bus conditions, driver fitness, and compliance with transport regulations.
The joint inspection was led by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and Land Transportation Office (LTO).
Officials inspected terminal facilities, bus bays, and drug-testing areas to ensure that buses are roadworthy and drivers are fit to travel.
MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes said the inspection was part of the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen passenger safety, including preventing drivers under the influence of illegal drugs from operating public utility vehicles.
“Ito po ay parte ng ah pagpapatupad sa bilin po ng Langulo na i-inspect po natin to make sure na ‘yung una-una ‘yung mga drivers po natin ay hindi gumagamit ng droga. ‘Yung mga facilities po natin ay maayos. Nagsimula na rin po tayo, apat na sites po ‘yung simultaneous na meron tayong drug testing,” Artes said.
Meanwhile, LTO Chief Asec. Markus Lacanilao said authorities are coordinating with the police to monitor transport terminals and apprehend colorum, or unauthorized, public utility vehicles.
He warned passengers against patronizing these vehicles, citing the safety risks they pose.
“Katuwang natin ang PNP sa lahat ng mga mga terminals, na nakakahuli rin ng mga colorum. Oo. Kaya huwag nilang suportahan ‘yung pagsakay na ‘yan kasi napakadelikado na makasakay sila sa mga colorum. Kawawa ‘yung mga pasahero,” Lacanilao said.
PITX, meanwhile, expects at least 22,000 passengers daily on October 30 and 31 as Filipinos travel to their home provinces to observe Undas.
Despite the anticipated increase in passenger volume, terminal officials assured the public that additional trips and sufficient seats would be available to accommodate travelers.
PITX Corporate Affairs Head Jason Salvador said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has already issued special permits to help meet the expected demand.
“Madami pa naman ngayong mga available seats kasi nag-issue na ng mga special permits ang LTFRB at ang kagandahan pa nito, undas season itself sa mga following days, magtatalaga ang LTFRB ng personnel on the ground para kung kinakailangan ng special units, kaagad naman silang makapaglabas ng special permit,” Salvador said.