The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Central Visayas has officially received the notice for the relief of its regional director from his position.
Official Confirmation Received
LTFRB 7 Director Eduardo Montealto Jr. confirmed via a Viber message on Thursday, December 18, 2025, that he had received the official communication regarding his relief. When asked for confirmation, Montealto gave a brief reply: "Yes, I have received it."
The agency has not yet released additional details concerning the reason for his relief or who will be appointed as his replacement as of the time this news was written.
Background of Tension and Protests
This development follows a period of significant tension. In 2023, conflict escalated between public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and LTFRB 7 when members of the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston-Cebu) called for Montealto's removal from his post.
According to reports from SunStar Cebu, Piston-Cebu President Greg Perez stated that their protest stemmed from what they perceived as Montealto's failure to address the challenges faced by drivers and operators in the region. The group also criticized the official for allegedly showing favoritism towards certain corporations and transport groups.
Petition and Alleged Biases
Perez revealed that more than 500 members, including drivers and operators, signed a petition to oust Montealto. He highlighted the difficulties traditional jeepney operators faced when transacting with the LTFRB 7 office, contrasting it with the perceived more accommodating treatment the agency gave to modern PUVs and buses.
The Piston-Cebu president explained that Montealto's propensity for issuing "provisional authority" and "special permits" to modern vehicles began during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group claimed this was one reason for the shortage of PUVs on the road, which resulted in passengers being stranded, especially during rush hour.
SunStar Cebu attempted to contact Montealto by phone several times, but he did not respond prior to the publication of this news.
