THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) plans to establish a national Driver’s Academy to institutionalize regular education for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers as road crash numbers hit alarming levels.
The initiative directly supports the President’s marching order to implement long-term solutions in reducing fatalities and ensuring commuter safety.
To ensure accountability, the Driver’s Academy will also include behavioral assessments and digital attendance tracking.
“This is not just another seminar. We envision a national institution that will define what it means to be a responsible, professional driver in the Philippines. If we want to save lives, we need to invest in the people behind the wheel,” said LTFRB chairperson Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III in a statement yesterday.
In recent months, there has been a growing concern over the rising number of road accidents across the country, with many reports pointing to an alarming increase in both fatalities and injuries.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has rejected the explanation and apology of Florida Bus Co. following the viral video of their drivers racing on the National Highway in Cagayan on June 8, 2025.
With this, the LTFRB immediately suspended the franchise of 15 Florida Bus Co. units for 30 days.
“Just because no one was hurt or injured doesn’t mean we’ll just let it go. I saw the statement and apology of Florida Bus Co., and I’m telling them now: ‘apology not accepted,’” said Dizon.
The 15 suspended buses operate the routes from Sta. Ana to Sampaloc in Cagayan and from Baguio to Apayao.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) also suspended the licenses of the drivers involved for 90 days, while all drivers of the company will be required to undergo mandatory drug testing.
“To the drivers of those buses — we know it’s hard to lose a job nowadays. But because of the reckless act you committed, you’ll be out of work for 90 days. And if we catch Florida Bus Co. still letting these drivers operate, then we won’t hold back,” the Secretary added.
Transportation analysts likewise flagged the absence of structured, continuous education for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and many professional drivers who work without undergoing standardized training beyond their initial licensing.
There is currently no national requirement for refresher courses, behavioral monitoring, or updated traffic law briefings once a license is issued.
Engr. Danilo Reyes, a road safety specialist, said there is a “deeply rooted problem” in the way professional drivers are “prepared and regulated.”
“There’s no continuing education, no behavioral monitoring, and no refresher courses on updated traffic laws. This creates a culture of recklessness and impunity,” he said.
According to a recent survey by the Transport Reform Coalition, seven in 10 commuters believe PUV drivers should be required to undergo periodic training as a condition for renewing their franchise or operating permits.
Lawmakers have taken notice as well, with a bill reportedly in the works that would mandate Driver’s Academy certification for all PUV operators, a policy move aligned with President Marcos’ directive to reform the country’s public transport standards.
Dizon emphasized that the Department of Transportation is fully committed to implementing programs that comply with the President’s vision for a safer, more reliable, and commuter-focused transport system.
The Driver’s Academy, backed by both data and public support, is seen as a foundational step in raising road safety standards.
