In a significant leadership change for Central Visayas, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region 7 has a new director at the helm. Eugenio Ibo Jr. officially took office on Thursday, December 18, 2025, with a clear promise to prioritize convenience and quality service for the riding public.
An Unexpected Appointment for a Seasoned Official
In an interview, Director Ibo revealed that his appointment by Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez came as a surprise. He stated he had neither applied for nor anticipated the position, which took effect immediately. With a career spanning 25 years within the LTFRB, Ibo has held key technical positions such as financial analyst and transportation development officer. He believes his extensive technical experience and long tenure were likely the decisive factors in his selection for the top regional role.
Key Priorities: Modernization, Safety, and Libreng Sakay
Ibo outlined his primary focus areas, which align with national transport agendas. He pledged to advance key initiatives under the Public Transport Modernization Program. This includes the service contracting program and fuel subsidy schemes designed to improve the public utility vehicle ecosystem.
He emphasized his commitment to providing quality service not just to commuters, but also to CPC (Certificate of Public Convenience) holders and operators. A major operational priority will be the continued implementation of the government's "Libreng Sakay" (Free Ride) program and the strict enforcement of the "anti-sardinas" policy. This crowd-control measure is a critical public safety directive aimed at preventing dangerous overcrowding in public transportation.
Collaboration and Enforcement
To strengthen discipline and compliance, the new director vowed to work closely with transport operators. He also encouraged commuters to actively report any violations directly to the agency, fostering a collaborative approach to rule enforcement. As a certified public accountant, Ibo brings a strong financial management perspective to the regulatory position.
Ibo succeeds Eduardo Montealto Jr., who served as regional director from 2018 until 2025. In earlier statements, Montealto clarified that his replacement was not politically motivated and that he had anticipated the change after his lengthy service. He also asserted that his term was free from any corruption or misconduct.
The transition marks a new chapter for LTFRB Region 7, with the incoming director leveraging a quarter-century of institutional knowledge to tackle enduring challenges in public land transportation.
