ILOILO – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 6 has preventively suspended for 90 days the license of a jeepney driver after a viral video showed passengers riding on the vehicle’s roof and clinging to its exterior during a late-night trip from Pavia town to Lambunao.
The agency also issued a show-cause order directing the registered operator of the jeepney serving the Inca, Lambunao route to explain within five working days why administrative sanctions should not be imposed over the July 31 incident.
The video, taken by a concerned citizen as the jeepney departed the Pavia People’s Terminal in Barangay Ungka, showed the vehicle carrying passengers far beyond its authorized capacity.
It quickly circulated on Facebook and triggered widespread concern over commuter safety.
LTO-6’s initial investigation also found that the vehicle’s conductor did not possess a valid conductor’s license.
The driver was ordered to surrender his license to the LTO-6 Intelligence and Investigation Unit upon receipt of the suspension order.
The preventive suspension will remain in effect while the administrative investigation continues.
Failure by the operator to submit a written explanation within the prescribed period may be treated as a waiver of the right to be heard, the agency said.
LTO-6 regional director Atty. Gaudioso Geduspan II said the incident underscored the need for transport cooperatives across Western Visayas to strictly implement the Fleet Management System under the government’s Public Transport Modernization Program.
“The Fleet Management System is not just a requirement — it is a crucial tool for ensuring public safety, improving transport efficiency, and building trust in public transport system,” Geduspan said.
LTO-6 said the driver’s actions may have violated Sections 32(b) and 51 of Republic Act 4136, which prohibit passengers from riding on the roof or outside a moving vehicle and require drivers to prevent such dangerous practices.
Possible violations of Joint Administrative Order 2014-01 include allowing passengers to ride on top of or outside a vehicle, employing reckless drivers and breaching the conditions of the operator’s Certificate of Public Convenience.
Geduspan thanked citizens who document and report unsafe transport practices.
“These incidents have become more prevalent. We are grateful to the netizens who continue to take photos and report these violations because they are also looking out for the safety of their fellow passengers,” he said.
Some commuters defended the passengers, saying they had little choice because the jeepney was making its last trip to a distant municipality.
Passengers also cited the lack of affordable alternatives, while drivers admitted accepting more riders because of persistent appeals from commuters desperate to get home.
Transport operators have argued that deploying additional units during late-night trips or peak periods could result in financial losses. Geduspan, however, said safety must take precedence over operational costs.
“The cost of preventing an accident is far less than the damage, injuries, or even loss of life that may result from operating overloaded vehicles,” he asserted.
The incident renewed calls for stronger coordination among LTO-6, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Region 6 and local government units in implementing Local Public Transport Route Plans and ensuring enough jeepneys are dispatched, particularly during peak hours and last trips.
However, the No to PUV Phaseout Coalition Panay rejected claims that route planning alone could solve overloading.
Coalition lead convenor Elmer Forro said the problem was largely caused by the shortage of affordable public transportation. He warned that the continuing phaseout of traditional public utility jeepneys under the modernization program could further reduce available vehicles and worsen overcrowding.
The coalition called for the registration and continued operation of all roadworthy public utility jeepneys to help address the transport shortage./PN
