Manila: The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is now finalizing the review of all the applications for special permits for passenger buses for the expected influx of travelers in the upcoming long Christmas and New Year holidays. LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the review is aimed at ensuring that only units that would pass the roadworthiness inspections will be given the special permits in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure passengers' comfort and safety.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mendoza emphasized the importance of providing an adequate number of buses to prevent passengers from being stranded. He stated, "It doesn't matter if there will be an excess in number of passenger buses to be given special permits than insufficient because it's unfortunate for our countrymen who will be stranded in bus terminals because there are no buses."

Mendoza stressed that the intention to provide more passenger buses will not compromise the safety and comfort of the passengers under the guidance of Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez. "The safety and comfort of the passenger will always be the priority," Mendoza said.

The application for special permits was from Nov. 10 to 21, covering 1,413 units for 116 routes across the country. The special permits cover the period from Dec. 15, 2025, to Jan. 16, 2026. The number of applications for this year is higher compared to the past years, with 1,003 applications in 2024 and 1,174 in 2023.

Mendoza noted that this increase reflects the expected rise in the number of passengers, and emphasized the need for collaboration between the LTFRB and transport firms to ensure road safety. "We will be in constant coordination with all concerned government agencies in terms of safety and security," he said.