MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has stepped up its campaign against rundown and unsanitary public utility vehicles (PUVs) through the deployment of undercover "mystery riders."
LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said on Saturday that the latest operation led by the agency’s Law Enforcement Unit resulted in the apprehension of nine UV Express vans, most which were operating along the Bulacan–Metro Manila corridor.
Mendoza said the "mystery rider" initiative was a direct response to mounting passenger complaints—particularly from Bulacan commuters—citing substandard air conditioning, faded vehicle markings, and persistent unpleasant odors.
All nine apprehended units were found to have exhibited these exact deficiencies, the LTFRB said.
Mendoza made it clear that more apprehensions were on the horizon unless operators take immediate action to rehabilitate their fleets.
“Dilapidated, filthy, and foul-smelling PUVs have no place in our public transport system. The days of 'good enough' are over. Operators must either shape up or ship out,” said Mendoza, a lawyer.
Show Cause Orders (SCOs) have been served to the nine UV Express operators, requiring them to submit written explanations as to why their franchises should not be suspended or revoked, according to the LTFRB chief.
A cancellation of their Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) would permanently bar these operators from running their units, it added.
The top LTFRB official stressed that the intensified monitoring was not limited to UV Express as taxis, buses, traditional passenger jeepneys, and even ride-hailing services have all come under scrutiny for similar infractions.
Several SCOs have been issued across these sectors, according to Mendoza who has been personally conducting spot inspections across Metro Manila.
Mendoza encouraged commuters to report any dilapidated or unsanitary PUVs, as well as abusive or errant drivers, through the LTFRB hotline at 1342, or via the agency’s official social media channels.
