Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez forecasts more than five million passengers per day during Holy Week amid ongoing preparations, including LTFRB's special bus permits.
MANILA, Philippines — "We have a large number of passengers because as we all know, it has been a tradition when it is Holy Week, we go to our provinces," Lopez said at a press briefing.
Of the projected volume, about three million passengers are expected at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), 2.6 million through seaports, and around 150,000 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Despite fewer bus units due to rising fuel costs—following LTFRB's issuance of 1,297 special permits—Lopez assured there would be enough supply to meet demand.
He warned of possible longer waits or limited slots at seaports due to fuel constraints affecting vessels, advising travelers to book tickets early. Additional vessels have been positioned in Marinduque, Batangas, and Calapan to assist stranded passengers.
Rail operations for LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 will be suspended from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday for maintenance, while the EDSA Busway will remain operational. Meanwhile, government offices will implement a half-day work schedule today under Memorandum Circular 116 issued by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.
