LTO Launches ‘Anti-Sardinas’ Drive vs Overloaded PUVs

By Gerome Dalipe IV

The Land Transportation Office has launched a nationwide crackdown on overloaded public utility vehicles as part of a broader road safety campaign ordered by the Department of Transportation.

In a June 23 memorandum, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II, under the directive of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, instructed all regional directors, district chiefs and law enforcement units to strictly enforce the new “Anti-Sardinas Policy.”

“Crowding passengers in a ‘canned sardines’ manner not only undermines comfort but also compromises road safety,” Mendoza stated.

The policy targets UV Express vans, buses and modern jeepneys carrying more passengers than their indicated seating capacity.

Violators will be penalized in accordance with existing transport laws, including Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

Before the nationwide directive, the LTO Region 6 office, led by Regional Director Gaudioso Geduspan II and Assistant Regional Director Jeck Conlu, began “Night Shift Law Enforcement Operations” on Iloilo City’s busiest roads starting June 10.

Uniformed enforcers and deputized agents operated mobile checkpoints and roving patrols to enforce RA 4136, RA 8750 or the Seat Belt Use Act, and related laws.

More than 2,000 violations were recorded in two weeks, including expired driver’s licenses, unregistered vehicles, motorcyclists without helmets and seatbelt violations.

“These night operations are essential because risky driving behavior tends to increase after dark,” said Relin Reyes, chief of LTO-6’s Regional Law Enforcement Section.

“Our goal is to keep our roads safe at all hours.”

Conlu stressed the agency’s zero-tolerance stance against unsafe and illegal driving practices.

“Whether it’s day or night, we will not tolerate these violations,” he said.

In a separate June 16 memorandum, Mendoza also launched a nationwide campaign starting August 2025 to apprehend unregistered or unsafe vehicles.

Citing Joint Administrative Order 2014-01 and RA 4136, the LTO warned of stiffer penalties, including fines of up to PHP10,000 for expired registration, immediate impoundment of unregistered vehicles and mandatory inspection at accredited Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers for units deemed unfit for road use.

LTO-6 said operations across Western Visayas will continue regardless of weather conditions.

The agency urged motorists and operators to strictly comply with road safety laws—not just to avoid penalties, but to help save lives and ensure safer roads for all.