Manila: The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday announced a comprehensive crackdown on reckless public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers following a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urging for stricter enforcement of road discipline.

According to Philippine News Agency, LTFRB Chair Teofilo Guadiz III confirmed that this initiative is a response to recent road incidents on Commonwealth Avenue and in Valenzuela, where 'kamote' PUV drivers have been found disregarding traffic regulations, thereby endangering the safety of passengers and other road users. Guadiz remarked, "The President is right. This has to stop. These drivers are a threat to public safety, and we will take them off the road."

The LTFRB is collaborating with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and local government units (LGU) to identify and penalize the offending drivers. Guadiz emphasized that franchise holders who fail to manage their drivers effectively would also face administrative charges and preventive suspensions.

Guadiz further stated, "We are moving now - not after another accident. We're auditing operators with repeated violations and will revoke franchises, if necessary." He underscored the responsibility of PUV drivers and operators to ensure public transport safety, asserting, "Driving a public vehicle is a responsibility. If you're reckless, you're out because it poses danger to people's lives."

He also encouraged commuters and motorists to report any reckless driving incidents through the LTFRB's official communication channels, including a 24/7 hotline at 1342 or the LTFRB's official Facebook page.