More enforcers of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) were deployed on major thoroughfares across the country as more Filipinos continue to troop to their home provinces to vote in the May 12 midterm elections.

LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II said the enforcers were tasked not only to assist in traffic management if necessary but also to strictly implemet road safety rules and regulations, particularly running after reckless drivers.

Mendoza then warned motorists to behave and observe road courtesy and discipline to avoid travel hassles that include fatal road crashes—and legal offensive from the agency.

During the Holy Week exodus, we suspended the driver’s license of more than 600 drivers for violations of road safety rules and issued more than 1,100 show cause orders for erring motorists,” said Mendoza.

“We will not hesitate to suspend and issue more SCOs if that’s what it takes to compel them to behave on the road,” he stressed.

Earlier, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said it expects more than 1.1 million passengers to pass through various ports across the country until May 13.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued special permits to 829 to public utility vehicles (PUVs) for the national mid-term elections.

Mendoza also reminded bus companies and other public utility vehicle (PUV) companies to refrain from engaging in overloading of passengers as this compromises the efficiency of the vehicles.

He said the conduct of random and surprise drug testing for PUV drivers will be conducted.

For the drivers of private motor vehicles, Mendoza reminded them not only to check on the road worthiness of their cars but also to ensure that they are physically and mentally fit for a long drive. 

“We have been in constant coordination with the PNP for road safety and security. But the best safety measure is for the motorists to observe discipline and do away with road rage,” said Mendoza.