The Ilocos Norte government has allowed public utility buses (PUBs) travelling to and from Metro Manila to operate anew starting January 31.

Executive Order No. 113-21 signed by Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc states that provincial buses with Manila to Laoag City (vice versa) and Manila to Pagudpud (vice versa) routes will be allowed to operate starting at the end of January.

Initially, 20 buses a day will be allowed entry to the province, which can be increased based passenger demand.

“Only those operators with routes permitted to travel to and from Metro Manila shall be allowed to operate subject to the issuance of corresponding Quick Response (QR) Code by the LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) Central Office. Those PUBs found to have violated the requirements will be apprehended accordingly,” Manotoc’s order stated.