Officials are conducting inspections and drug tests on bus drivers and conductors at public transport terminals in Metro Manila to ensure public safety during the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day exodus.
Meanwhile, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is confident that Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is fully prepared for the anticipated surge of air travelers during the Undas holiday break.
This initiative is being carried out by various government agencies, including the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the Department of Transportation, the Land Transportation Office, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, the Highway Patrol Group, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation.
By implementing strict safety protocols and monitoring measures, authorities hope to encourage more people to use public transport during peak travel seasons.
On Wednesday, officials assessed the conditions of passengers at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) where they also carried out mandatory drug testing among some 200 drivers.
David Angelo Vargas, MMDA assistant general manager for operations, said the drug tests serve as a deterrent against illegal drug use among mass transport drivers, thereby reducing drug-related road accidents.
“These collaborative efforts aimed to improve the overall security and reliability of transportation systems, thereby providing peace of mind to travelers,” he said.
Drivers who tested positive for illegal substances will be prohibited from rendering service, and their licenses will be confiscated by the LTO. They are required to undergo a rehabilitation program before their licenses could be reissued.
The teams also checked the first aid desk at PITX, meant to offer medical assistance to those in need.
Traffic started to build up Thursday afternoon along the northbound elevated lanes of the South Luzon Expressway, particularly from Alabang to Magallanes.
Along NAIAX, a one-kilometer queue was reported eastbound toward Makati.
An accident was also recorded near the Carmona Exit, but was immediately cleared.
In the Calamba area, a stalled vehicle was reported. Northbound traffic below the Skyway is also building up, especially near the Sucat and Bicutan exits, as motorists take local routes.
At Stage 3 Northbound, Del Monte Toll Plaza, a slight build-up was noted, but traffic remained generally manageable.
During this Undas weekend, authorities expected 100,000 to 300,000-increase in vehicle volume.
On a regular day, SLEX caters to about one million vehicles. Traffic volume is expected to peak on Thursday evening for both southbound and northbound lanes.
MIAA general manager Eric Jose Ines said close coordination with the Department of Transportation and the airport’s private operator, the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), ensures full readiness across all terminals during the holiday rush.
“With the joint efforts of DOTr, MIAA, and NNIC, we are ready to make travel safe, smooth, and convenient for all passengers this Undas. Our goal is to deliver a world-class airport experience even during the busiest days of the year,” said Ines.
NNIC projected that more than 1.3 million passengers will pass through NAIA’s three terminals from Oct.27 to Nov. 5, averaging about 135,000 to 140,000 passengers daily.
To manage the influx, Oplan Undas 2025 was activated, deploying additional staff for passenger assistance, security screening, and crowd management. Coordination with airlines, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and other government agencies has been strengthened to maintain efficient terminal operations and on-time flights.
To ensure a smooth journey, passengers are advised to arrive early, three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures, and to pack smart by avoiding prohibited items. Power banks must be hand-carried; units up to 100 Wh are allowed, those from 100 Wh to 160 Wh need airline approval, while anything above 160 Wh is prohibited. Use or charging of power banks during flight is not permitted.
“These improvements are part of a broader modernization effort to make NAIA more efficient, reliable, and passenger-friendly, not just for Undas, but for the long term,” Ines said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Airports ready for Undas exodus this long weekend—MIAA”
