MANILA, Philippines — Philtranco, recognized as one of the oldest bus companies in the Philippines, announced that it will be ceasing its operations on March 30, 2026.
In a memorandum circulating online, Philtranco President and CEO Michael Sabban said, “It is with a heavy heart and deep regret that I announce the Official Business Stop Operation of Philtranco Service Enterprises, Inc., effective March 30, 2026.”
“For years, we have fought an uphil battle to keep our wheels turning. However, due to serious business losses, we can no longer sustain our business operations,” the memo added.
Sabban further explained, “Due to the severity of these losses, the company is no longer in a position to sustain payroll.”
The memorandum issued by Philtranco president and CEO, addressed to employees of Philtranco, announcing its “official business stop operation” on March 30, 2026.
Recognized as the oldest bus operator in the country, Sabban said, “Philtranco is more than a bus line; it is a century-long legacy.”
On its final trips
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, Philtranco changed its profile photo to a dimmed version of its logo, marking its imminent closure.
The Philtranco president, in the memo, called his drivers and conductors “the heartbeat” of the company’s service.
Sabban added, his maintenance and office staff “were the backbone that kept this complex operation alive.”
“We are grateful for the years you gave to this journey,” Sabban thanked his team.
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A trip down memory lane
Philtranco, formerly known as Albert Louis Ammen Transportation Company (Alatco), began its operations in 1914.
It was founded by the American soldier A.L. Ammen, and became the first American-owned bus company in the Philippines before it was purchased by D. Tuason, Inc., which marked the beginning of its transformation into a Filipino-owned corporation.
In 1949, the company began acquiring other regional bus lines. It was bought by the Mantrade Group in 1971 and renamed Pantranco South Express, and later became Philtranco Services Enterprises, Inc. in 1985.
Initially serving Iriga to Naga routes, its website now listed more than 100 destinations which it served with 200 plus trips daily. /das