On July 1, 2026, the Department of Transportation, through the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), issued show-cause orders (SCO) to 34 PUV operators due to their failure to serve the commuting public.
The accused operators were seen at a rally in Quezon City on June 30, effectively abandoning their regular routes. According to the LTFRB, “the decision of the operators not to operate on Tuesday affected the availability of public transportation service to the riding public.”
The 34 issuances notably included operators of buses and UV Express services. The official hearing is set for July 9, by which time the operators will need to explain why their permits should not be suspended or completely cancelled.
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The SCO further states that the absent PUV operators violated paragraph three of the LTFRB’s Memorandum Circular No. 2011-004:
“The PUV operator shall not resort to cessation of service as a sign or demonstration of protest against any government decision or action under pain of suspension or cancellation of the authority to operate granted by the Board nor shall the PUV operator tolerate, allow or authorize personnel to join others committing acts prejudicial to the riding public, including, but not limited to, paralyzing transport services by intimidation, coercion or violence.”
The ongoing rally is expected to continue until Friday, July 3. While it originally started in White Plains Avenue, Quezon City, it has since moved to the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila. The local government unit of Manila City encourages motorists to take alternative routes when traversing the area. A rerouting scheme is currently in place, as segments between C.M. Recto Avenue, Legarda Street, Magallanes Drive, and the Ayala Bridge are closed.
