Bus terminals under tight watch

With the expected influx of passengers during the holiday season, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) will conduct on-the-spot inspections on all bus terminals in the 17 cities and municipalities of Metro Manila.

DOTC spokesman Thompson Lantion said the inspection team, which is composed of maintenance and technical experts, will keep a tight watch on numerous provincial bus terminals in the metropolis, particularly in Pasay City and Quezon City.

He said the move is aimed at preventing possible bomb attacks as well as deter petty criminals who prey on passengers while waiting for rides going to their provinces.

Lantion said DOTC personnel will also be dispatched to all the ports and airports to determine if safety measures are being implemented.

"If there are defects in the engines of the vehicles that are to be used, then it will not be allowed to travel until after repair works are done," he said. "We have to make sure that all engines being used by land, sea and air transportation are in good running condition."