MANILA, Philippines — Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has threatened to implement a strict one-strike policy against bus operators and drivers caught overcharging passengers along the EDSA Busway, warning that violators risk losing their jobs and operating franchises.
Dizon revealed that four bus companies have been flagged for allegedly collecting fares exceeding the rates authorized by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB): Royal Transport Corporation, Arvinyard Transport Corporation, Joycel, and Panama Bus Company.
The owners of the implicated companies have been summoned to explain the complaints next week. Dizon emphasized that the crackdown extends beyond the capital’s major thoroughfare and will apply nationwide.
“Ito talaga sasabihan ko na sila, ‘di lang EDSA Busway, buong bansa. Pag merong report ng overcharging, one-strike policy kayo sa akin,” Dizon said.
Should the allegations be substantiated, the drivers and conductors involved face termination, while the bus companies could face franchise suspensions.
In a separate development, Dizon inspected the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) following the Manila International Airport Authority’s formal handover of its security camera network to the New NAIA Infra Corporation, the airport’s private operator.
The transition grants the private operator operational control over more than 2,100 CCTV cameras across the complex, making them directly accountable for monitoring security footage and coordinating with law enforcement during investigations.
Dizon noted that the transfer establishes a unified system for airport security and coordination.