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dcott

‘Byaheng Ayos’

by Rhoda Grace Saron April 1, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

130 drivers tested in Davao terminals ahead of Holy Week surge

TO ENSURE passenger safety during the Holy Week and summer travel rush, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency XI randomly tested 130 bus and van drivers for illegal substances on Wednesday, April 1.

Led by assistant regional director Christy E. Silvan, PDEA XI coordinated with the Land Transportation Office XI, headed by Atty. Ernesto Rafael V. Robillo, and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board XI under Nonito A. Llanos III, for the operation.

The inspections, part of “Oplan Byaheng Ayos,” targeted the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal in Ecoland and the Gaisano Mall Transport Terminal in Bajada.

The initiative aims to guarantee that public transport operators are drug-free and fit to navigate the long weekend’s increased road traffic.

The PDEA XI’s Preventive Education and Community Involvement Section and the Gender and Development were on-site to provide immediate counseling and health interventions.

Strict penalties and rehabilitation

Drivers who fail the random drug screening will undergo a confirmatory test. A second positive result will lead to the confiscation of their license by the LTO XI. The agency may still reinstate their driving privileges, provided they undergo comprehensive rehabilitation, including:

Health awareness sessions and counseling.
Moral recovery and values formation.
Life skills development, facilitated by their respective Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADACs).

A similar operation was conducted on March 31, 2026, at the Tagum City Overland Transport Terminal, as part of a regional strategy to secure major travel hubs.

Byaheng Ayos is anchored on Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Republic Act No. 10856 (Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013). Both laws empower the state to prevent road accidents caused by drivers under the influence.

April 1, 2026 0 comments

News

DCOTT gears up for Holy Week passenger influx

by Nova Mae Francas March 26, 2026

written by Nova Mae Francas

THE DAVAO City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) is gearing up for the expected rising number in commuters for the upcoming Holy Week.

“We are expecting an influx in our bus terminal this upcoming week for the observance of the Holy Week for the Catholics, and the upcoming summer vacation of schools,” DCOTT manager Aisa Usop said during the iSpeak media forum on Thursday.

Usop said part of the preparations is the special permits for buses wishing to service destinations outside their usual routes, as an influx is expected to start from March 27. The Holy Week is observed from March 29 to April 5.

The LTFRB is also asked to establish a station in DCOTT to cater to special permits for buses.

While the management observed a reduced bus trip, according to recent monitoring, the terminal is bracing for one of the busiest months of the year when travelers go home to their provinces.

Average bus trips daily range from 700 to 800 on regular days, but since the surge in fuel prices, the trips have decreased to 500.

Usop said this was the measure of some bus operators to address the financial strain from the rising fuel prices.

To note, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced on Saturday, March 14, that it approved the implementation of a P0.35-P1 fare increase for provincial buses, it was cut short as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the suspension of the fare hike on March 18.

Usop said bus drivers prefer to load passengers before they enter the terminal bays to maximize their trip.

The DCOTT charges P75 to P200 for every bus trip, depending on the passenger capacity, and mandates a 30-minute interval for every bus.

At present, the terminal management has yet to receive a petition from bus operators in terms of extending the interval time to maximize every bus trip.

Ceres Transport Incorporated, a sister company of Mindanao Star, Rural Transit, and Bachelor Express, joins the group and will start operating at DCOTT after securing approval from the LTFRB.

This is on top of the bus companies operating for northbound and southbound trips, such as Metro Shuttle, LCI, ECF, among others.

Usop said that apart from the usual measures, they are strengthening the CCTV monitoring force along with the X-ray baggage machine at the passenger entrance.

The baggage machine is placed beside the two existing walk-through machines, which will help manage the long queue during peak periods.

March 26, 2026 0 comments

News

DCOTT expects an influx of passengers for Kalag-Kalag

by Nova Mae Francas October 17, 2025

written by Nova Mae Francas

THE DAVAO City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) management is bracing for the rush of travelers going home to their provinces for All Souls’ Day and All Saints’ Day.

DCOTT manager Aisa Usop said the “Ber” months are the busiest of the year, beginning on Oct. 30, when people go home to visit their loved ones.

During Kalag-Kalag season, the daily bus trips double from the usual 700-800 daily to 1,000-1,500. Passengers, on the other hand, range from 50,000 to 80,000 daily compared to the usual 35,000.

“We cannot pre-empt the exact date of the influx, but we are expecting it as we approach the last week of October,” Usop said.

Usop encouraged commuters to secure bus tickets online before their scheduled trips to avoid congestion at ticketing lines. Travelers who secured tickets will be prioritized at the gates.

The Southern Mindanao Bus Operators Association is also told to coordinate with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to request special permits for additional routes.

The LTFRB is also asked to establish a station in DCOTT to cater to special permits for buses wishing to service destinations outside of their usual routes.

Usop added that DCOTT will conduct a surprise drug test for bus drivers to ensure the safety of the passengers.

“We are aware that the lives of the passengers are in the hands of the drivers,” she added.

At present, there are 21 bus companies operating for northbound and southbound trips, such as Mindanao Star, Metro Shuttle, Rural Transit, Bachelor Express, LCI, PhilTranco, ECF, among others.

October 17, 2025 0 comments