Manila: The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced it is investigating Solid North Transit after receiving complaints involving animal cruelty and disrespect towards a person with disability (PWD).

According to Philippines News Agency, LTFRB Chair Teofilo Guadiz III revealed that the company might face a show cause order due to separate incidents reported on April 18 and 20. On April 19, a passenger on the Tarlac-Baguio route claimed the bus conductor mishandled her pet carrier, which contained a cat, by throwing it into the baggage compartment. The conductor and driver allegedly made remarks suggesting the cat might suffocate, causing the passenger to disembark prematurely.

In another incident on April 20, a passenger on the Baguio-La Union route reported a conductor mocking her child by calling them 'pipi' (mute). Guadiz emphasized that these incidents breach agency rules regarding passenger safety in public transportation.

He stated, "These incidents in public transport should be addressed. These should not become normal because passengers' rights and their and their pets' safety are being violated here." Guadiz urged bus operators, drivers, and conductors to respect passengers and show courtesy to PWDs, warning against normalizing such disrespectful behavior.

Furthermore, Guadiz reminded the public of LTFRB guidelines, which require passengers traveling with pets to have a vaccination record, use carriers or cages, and carry a travel clearance from the Bureau of Animal Industry.