LTO on 'heightened alert' status starting March 31

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 27) — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced Monday that the agency will be on heightened alert status starting March 31 in preparation for the Holy Week and the start of summer vacation.

In an advisory, the LTO said the status will last until April 10 and will cover weekends as well.

"Ayon kay LTO chief Jay Art Tugade, tututukan ng LTO ang pangkalahatang kaligtasan sa lansangan kabilang ang roadworthiness inspection sa mga bibiyaheng public utility vehicle (PUV) gayundin ng mga terminal at ang pag-alalay sa mga motorista," said the LTO.

[Translation: According to LTO chief Jay Art Tugade, the agency will focus on overall road safety and roadworthiness inspections of public utility vehicles plying their routes, as well as terminals, and assisting motorists.]

The agency added they would also perform random drug tests on drivers and conductors of public utility vehicles during this period.

"Maliban sa mga pangunahing lansangan sa Hilaga at Katimugang bahagi ng National Capital Region, kikilos at magbabantay sa mga istratehikong lugar o terminal ang mga tauhan ng LTO sa iba't-ibang rehiyon sa bansa," the agency also said.

[Translation: Apart from major roads north and south of the National Capital Region, LTO personnel will also monitor strategic areas or terminals in different regions nationwide.]