LTO 7 ranks top in Gatusan's week-long operation during Holy Week
During the Easter week, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7 issued temporary operator's permits (TOPs) to motorists due to the congested traffic conditions. After wrapping up their road safety initiative, "Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa and Summer Vacation 2025," on April 22, 2025, the authority handed out 68 manual TOPs and 93 electronic TOPs, as stated by LTO 7 Director Glen Galario on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
"Our intensified enforcement operations aim to promote road safety and discipline among motorists, particularly during peak travel seasons like Holy Week and summer vacation when more people are traveling to different destinations," Galario explained.
LTO states that one must obtain a driver's license from the LTO but can be issued a TOP instead. These temporary licenses serve as a sort of pink slip or traffic ticket for drivers caught by the LTO or its deputized agents for breaking traffic laws.
This temporary permit allows the operator to drive a non-motorized vehicle on public roads for 72 hours, enabling them to continue operating their vehicle while they sort out the underlying issues that led to the TOP's issuance. Meanwhile, they also get time to rectify their documentation issues with the LTO.
Issues Encountered:
A major issue found during the 12-day campaign was the operation of utility vans without a valid permit, known as 'colorum' vehicles.
During the inspections, the LTO 7 inspected 2,153 vehicles at terminals and along roads. Out of these, 114 vehicles were issued citations, with public utility buses making up the majority, constituting 76 units.
The LTO called on the public to obey traffic regulations, ensuring that their vehicles are well-maintained, and that all necessary documents are in order to ensure safe travel. Although these vehicles were allowed to operate with TOPs, the LTO emphasized the importance of adhering to traffic rules and regulations.
- The Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7 is emphasizing the importance of enforcing traffic rules and regulations, even during the peak travel seasons like Holy Week and summer vacation, as highlighted by LTO 7 Director Glen Galario in reference to their intensified enforcement operations.
- During the Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa and Summer Vacation 2025, a substantial number of public utility buses were found to be operating without valid permits, accounting for 76 units, as reported by the LTO 7 during their inspections.
- Motorists who have been issued temporary operator's permits (TOPs) by the LTO 7 are required to rectify any underlying documentation issues within 72 hours and adhere to all traffic rules and regulations, including the proper maintenance of their vehicles, as stated by the LTO.
