MANILA, Philippines — Nearly all buses inspected at Metro Manila terminals passed roadworthiness checks ahead of Undas 2026, offering some reassurance to passengers preparing for the annual rush to the provinces. But with holiday travel approaching, authorities are continuing efforts to ensure that buses and their drivers are ready for the road.
The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that 51 of 52 buses inspected at Metro Manila terminals passed the Land Transportation Office’s (LTO) roadworthiness checks. The result highlights the importance of vehicle inspections as authorities prepare for increased passenger traffic during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
The LTO’s safety campaign is part of the government’s preparations for Undas, when many Filipinos travel to their home provinces to visit cemeteries and reunite with their families.
LTO intensifies bus inspections ahead of Undas
In a separate inspection update reported by Remate and RMN, the LTO said 27 buses inspected at selected terminals in Cubao, Quezon City, and the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) on October 23 and 24 all passed roadworthiness checks.
The inspections covered seven buses at the JVH, RMB, and ELAVIL terminals in Cubao, as well as 20 buses at PITX. The operation was conducted under Oplan Biyaheng Ayos–Undas 2026, with authorities working to ensure that vehicles used by the traveling public are in suitable condition.
The separate 27-bus result should not be confused with the Inquirer report’s 52-bus inspection total; the available reports do not establish that these figures cover the same group of vehicles.
Vehicle safety is only part of the equation
Passing a roadworthiness inspection is an important safety measure, but it does not guarantee that a bus will remain free from mechanical problems throughout its journey. Safe travel also depends on proper vehicle maintenance, responsible driving, compliance with passenger limits, and the physical and mental readiness of drivers.
The LTO has also announced plans for random drug testing of public transport drivers as part of its Undas preparations. According to Radyo Pilipinas and Philstar, drivers who test positive in an initial screening will not be allowed to drive and will be referred for confirmatory testing.
Authorities are also monitoring possible overloading and illegal, or colorum, transport operations as part of broader enforcement efforts.
More buses expected as Filipinos head home
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has also been preparing for increased holiday travel. GMA News reported that the agency received 356 applications for special permits covering 1,003 bus routes or units for Undas 2026, reflecting the need to prepare additional transport capacity for travelers.
Special permits and terminal inspections are intended to help ensure that operators meet applicable requirements and that sufficient buses are available during the holiday period.
What passengers should remember
Before boarding, passengers should pay attention to visible safety concerns and follow instructions from transport personnel. They should use authorized terminals and operators, avoid overcrowded vehicles, and report suspected unsafe driving or vehicle conditions to the appropriate authorities.
A high inspection pass rate is encouraging, but public safety requires more than a single inspection. Continued monitoring, proper maintenance, responsible drivers, and cooperation from bus operators remain essential to reducing risks on the road.
As Undas travel picks up, the key question is not simply how many buses pass inspection—but whether safety standards are consistently maintained from departure to arrival.
