LTO 7 Initiates Semana Santa 2026 Safety Campaign in Cebu City
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7 in Central Visayas officially launched Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2026 on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Cebu City. This proactive safety drive aims to ensure secure travel for passengers heading home during the Holy Week celebrations. LTO 7 Regional Director Atty. Wendel C. Dinglasan spearheaded the initiative, leading thorough inspections of public utility vehicles to mitigate risks and enhance passenger safety.
LTFRB Clarifies No Approved Fare Increase Matrix
In a related development, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 Director Abosamen Matuan clarified that their agency has not released any official fare matrix or tariff permitting fare hikes. The LTFRB's proposal to Malacañang for a fare increase was previously suspended by President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. As of this reporting, no new directives have been issued regarding fare adjustments.
"We will try to validate that report because if it happens, that is a clear violation of their terms and conditions of their CPC," Mantuan stated to reporters on March 25, 2026. He emphasized that any unauthorized fare collection by drivers or operators constitutes a breach of their Certificate of Public Convenience.
LTO 7 Pledges Support Amid Fare Hike Violations
Meanwhile, LTO 7 Director Wendel Dinglasan assured the public that their office will assist in apprehending public utility vehicle drivers and operators who charge unauthorized fare increases. "We can help but since it is relating to fare, the proper jurisdiction is LTFRB," Dinglasan explained, highlighting the collaborative effort between transportation agencies to address the issue.
Passengers Express Confusion Over Unauthorized Fare Hikes
Commuters in Cebu have reported confusion following the president's cancellation of the fare hike on March 19, 2026, with some drivers already implementing increased rates. A student from Cebu Technological University expressed surprise when her fare to Toledo City rose from P60 to P80, despite public utility jeepneys only increasing by one peso officially.
Another passenger, Pilar Goopio from Barili City, shared her experience with SunStar Cebu, noting that the regular fare for Ceres buses from Barili to Cebu City, typically P117, has recently surged to P170. This unauthorized increase has prompted questions from passengers, as no official tariff has been approved by the relevant agencies.
Goopio added that she usually opts for regular buses over air-conditioned ones but now faces forced travel to the city for essential purchases due to the fare spike. Passengers are frustrated by this development, especially in the absence of an official fare matrix from the LTFRB.
The situation underscores the need for clear communication and enforcement to protect commuters during peak travel periods like Semana Santa.
