The massive end-to-end repair of the Maharlika Highway would mean a significant reduction in the maintenance cost of passenger buses and other public utility vehicles (PUVs) across the country, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Over the years, LTFRB chairman Vigor D. Mendoza II said the dilapidated condition of the Maharlika Highway, which is the main route of almost all passenger buses and other modes of public transportation, is the main complaints of transport companies and operators.

He said minor to major vehicle damage are the usual problems being faced by transport operators and in some cases, the bad road condition would even result in fatal road crashes.

“I am sure that bus operators and drivers, and even the other operators of public utility vehicles would be happy with this project to improve the condition of the Maharlika Highway,” said Mendoza.

President Marcos earlier tasked Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon to refrain from engaging in minor repairs and instead, go all out in the rehabilitation of the Maharlika Highway.

The massive project is expected to cost at least P16 billion and is expected to cover around 3,500 kilometers from the northern Luzon to the southern part of Mindanao.

Aside from the buses, the Maharlika Highway is also the route of most passenger jeepneys, trucks carrying goods, UV express and even tricycles in the provinces.

Mendoza said the repair of the Maharlika Highway is also a major boost in the road safety campaign of the LTFRB and the national government since poor road condition is one of the major causes of road crashes.

“The background of Secretary Dizon as DOTr secretary has certainly played a role in his determination to focus more on road repairs, particularly the Maharlika Highway. This is the first time I heard a DPWH secretary discussing a no-nonsense campaign on road improvements,” said Mendoza.

“And the good thing about this is there is trust and confidence among the Filipino people that these road repairs are clean and transparent because Secretary Vince himself is at the forefront of the campaign for truth, transparency and accountability in the DPWH,” he added.

Currently, the DPWH is also conducting rehabilitation of EDSA.

Also included in the massive repair is the Andaya Highway, one of the major routes of buses and trucks going to and from Bicol Region and the Visayas.

“We are looking forward to these repairs because we believe that this will have significant positive effects on the transport sector,” said Mendoza