MANILA—Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has revoked the franchise of Elavil Bus Co. after the company was again caught operating an illegal terminal on a vacant lot in Pasay City, in defiance of a previous cease-and-desist orderissued by former Secretary Vince Dizon.

During a surprise inspection on Monday morning, Lopez personally discovered that Elavil continued to use the unauthorized terminal, prompting him to permanently cancel the company’s franchise.

The move follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure passenger safety and convenience, particularly ahead of the Undas 2025 travel rush.

Lopez explained that illegal terminals pose risks because the government cannot inspect the roadworthiness of vehicles parked there. “When a terminal is illegal, it means the buses operating there are effectively colorum,” he said.

He also ordered the impoundment of three buses found at the site and directed the LTFRB to issue a show-cause orderagainst the bus operator. Passengers affected by the cancellation were refunded and assisted in transferring to legitimate terminals.

Aside from Elavil, Lopez inspected other terminals—including JVH Transport, JRV Pamar Line Inc., and Baclaran Metrolink Bus Corp.—where he noted several deficiencies such as the absence of all-gender restrooms, poor driver rest areas, and lack of posted fare matrices.

At the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), Lopez observed weak air conditioning but was assured by management that repairs were underway.

The DOTr will also form a steering committee to regularly monitor transport terminals and deploy additional personnel from the LTO, LTFRB, PCG, PNP, and SAICT to ensure passenger safety throughout the holiday season.