DOTr ensures 'zero obstruction' on highways, prepares for millions of Holy Week travelers

Passengers arrive at a bus terminal in Cubao, Quezon City to take their early trip for the Holy Week break on April 11, 2025. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has assured the public of "zero obstruction" along major highways and transport hubs as millions of Filipinos begin their Holy Week exodus.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the agency is coordinating closely with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to keep roads clear and respond quickly to any vehicle breakdowns.

READ: DPWH suspends all road works nationwide during Holy Week

"Usually, ang ating expressway lang ang parating masasabi natin na safe. Pero ngayon, ang utos ng ating Pangulo, we have to extend this also to the entire, 'yung kahabahan ng ating highway dito papuntang norte at papuntang south end," Lopez said.

Authorities will remove illegally parked vehicles along highways and ensure faster response times for stranded motorists.

AIRPORTS, SEAPORTS READY

Lopez also highlighted preparations at airports and seaports ahead of the influx of passengers.

At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), daily passenger traffic is expected to reach around 150,000, while the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) anticipates about 3 million travelers from March 28 to Easter Sunday. 

Seaports are also expected to handle 2.6 million passengers.

"Kasi alam naman natin na naging kultura na rin, na tradisyon natin, na pagdating ng Semana Santa, talaga po tayo umuwi sa mga probinsya para makapiling ating pamilya," Lopez said. 

To manage maritime travel, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed 17,000 personnel on full alert, with vessels strategically positioned at high-traffic ports such as Batangas, Marinduque, and Calapan to assist stranded passengers. 

Lopez advised travelers to plan ahead and use online booking systems for ships to avoid long waits.

READ: Government implements half-day work from home scheme on Holy Wednesday

"Last year, wala tayong problema sa presyo ng langis. So inaasahan natin ngayon na magkakaroon din tayo na kung hindi man kakulangan, paghaba ng biyahe. Hinihikayat natin ang ating mga kababayan na talagang gumagamit nitong mga barko na meron naman online booking ang ating mga shipping lines," Lopez advised. 

PUBLIC TRANSPORT, SAFETY MEASURES

Although LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 will suspend operations from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday for annual maintenance, Lopez assured the public that the EDSA Busway, taxis, and ride-hailing services will continue running around the clock.

Special permits have also been issued by LTFRB for 1,300 additional buses, with more available if passenger demand exceeds expectations. 

READ: MMDA to lift number coding, ease EDSA bus restrictions on Holy Week

"Nagpa-deploy na tayo mismo ng LTFRB doon sa PITX. Mas marami kasi 'yung talagang pumupunta na lang at nagiging chance passenger na nag-aantay. So kapag tingin naman namin meron talagang kailangan ng karagdagang buses at wala pang permit rider and then po mag-i-issue ang LTFRB," Lopez said. 

On-site monitoring and surprise drug testing of drivers are being conducted at major terminals to ensure safety, Lopez added. 

Drivers who test positive are immediately replaced and undergo confirmatory testing with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

BUS OPERATORS SUPPORT HOLY WEEK TRAVEL

Lopez said the government coordinated with bus operators to avoid cutting trips despite the recent rise in fuel prices. 

"Nung nagsimula talaga tumaas ang presyo ng ating krudo at langis, halos lahat nagpahiwatig na sila ng kanilang plano na magcu-cut sila ng mga buses. But when we started giving the subsidy at nung nakiusap na ang ating pangulo sa kanila, kami naman ay nagagalak na andyan 'yung mga terminals natin, mga buses natin, and they make sure that we have enough supply also especially provincial buses," Lopez said. 

Some companies, including Valia Car Bus Company, are offering discounts from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday in support of government efforts to ensure safe and affordable travel.

RELATED VIDEO: