MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III has issued directives to various government agencies to ensure the safety and convenience of commuting Filipinos during Holy Week, Malacañang announced on Friday, March 27.

Palace Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said in a note released to reporters that the directives range from renovating bus terminals, ports, and airports; to installing public assistance desks in terminals to serve the thousands of expected travelers.

Aquino gave the following directives to the corresponding government agencies:

• Toll Regulatory Board:  Ensure the speedy and orderly payment in tolls and expressways (SLEX, STAR, CAVITEX, COASTAL HIGHWAY, NLEX, SCTEX, TPLEX) 
• Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB):  Ensure sufficient public transport without overloading, orderly terminals, special permits for traveling buses, and no travel for colorum buses
• DOTC, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Coast Guard: Ensure pier is in top form, no overloading, complete manifesto, safety devices in ships, and presence of Public Assistance Centers or desks
• DOTC, airport authorities: Ensure repaired airports, neat lines for travelers, working V-ray machines, sufficient personnel to assist travelers’ needs, presence of Public Assistance Centers or desks, ensure what happened over Christmas holidays will not happen again (READ: Cebu Pacific fined P52.11M for botched holiday flights)
• Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH): Ensure roads are in good condition, no hassle or roads in repair that could increase traffic
• DPWH and Philippine National Police (PNP): Establish public assistance centers in strategic places inside expressways and other busy areas for motorists, while PNP should deploy sufficient personnel in all ports, airport and terminals to ensure order, peace, and safety
• Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and PNP: Ensure quick deployment in case of emergency especially after accidents, fires or crimes
  
• Department of Health (DOH) and government hospitals: Be ready to respond to  road accidents or diseases that may be caused by excessive summer heat 
• Department of Energy (DOE) and National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR): Ensure sufficient electric supply and avoid power outages

The government also reminded the traveling public to take care during their commute and to follow all laws. It also asked the public to always stay sober and calm, to ensure the homes they will be leaving are safe, and to pack emergency kits as needed. 

Holy Week begins on Monday, March 30, and ends on Sunday, April 5. Expressways are expected to start to swell on the afternoon of Holy Wednesday, April 1. – Rappler.com