IMPROVED MAHARLIKA HIGHWAY PROMISES LOWER BUS AND PUV MAINTENANCE, SAYS LTFRB

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said the planned end-to-end repair of the Maharlika Highway will significantly reduce maintenance costs for buses and other public utility vehicles across the country.

LTFRB Chairman Vigor D. Mendoza II noted that the highway’s poor condition has long caused vehicle damage, operational problems, and even road accidents.

President Marcos has directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to prioritize full rehabilitation over minor repairs, with the project expected to cost around P16 billion and cover 3,500 kilometers from northern Luzon to southern Mindanao.

The highway serves not only buses but also jeepneys, trucks, UV Express vehicles, and provincial tricycles, making its improvement a boost for road safety nationwide.

Mendoza emphasized that the project reflects a transparent, no-nonsense approach to infrastructure that is expected to benefit the transport sector and public safety.

Source: PhilNews24 | January 19, 2026