The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has apprehended 9,736 trucks nationwide for overloading from January to July this year.
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said the intensified campaign is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to strictly enforce road safety laws, under the leadership of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon.
“We have to make our presence felt because what is at stake are the lives and safety of all road users. Karamihan diyan mga breadwinner ng pamilya na kapag na-disable o namatay, ang magdurusa ay ang buong pamilya,” Mendoza said.
He emphasized that while many operators comply with the law, some continue to ignore regulations. “While most in the trucking industry comply with what is stipulated in the laws, especially on overloading and roadworthiness, there are still a number of them who blatantly disregard these laws. Sila ang target natin dito,” he added.
Under the law, trucks and trailers caught overloading face penalties equivalent to 25 percent of the Motor Vehicle Users Charge (MVUC). Mendoza explained that overloading compromises the integrity of a truck’s engine and braking system, which has led to deadly road crashes in the past.
According to LTO data, most of the apprehensions were recorded by the agency's Central Office, followed by the National Capital Region and Northern Mindanao.
To strengthen enforcement, Mendoza said the LTO is coordinating with local government units and other agencies to add manpower and establish more weighing bridges on major highways.
