The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Wednesday, Dec. 13, ordered regional offices to intensify the inspections of public utility buses (PUBs) in respective terminals following the expected surge of passengers this Christmas season.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza said the directive was needed to prevent fatal road accidents like what happened in Antique when a bus plummeted into a ravine, leaving several passengers dead.

“I am expecting a regular conduct of inspection on all passenger buses leaving their respective bus terminals. We have to do this because what is at stake is the life and limb of the passengers who just want to reach their destination safely,” Mendoza said.

He noted that because Christmas breaks in schools were starting, the agency was expecting more passengers in bus terminals by December 15.

The LTO chief added directing regional directors and heads to ramp up measures in ensuring the mental and physical condition of the drivers since previous accidents tend to lean on them falling asleep during a long trip.

Mendoza’s order also included conducting surprise and mandatory drug tests.