DOTr eyes simplifying LTFRB TNVS accreditation process — official

QUEZON CITY, Philippines —  The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is looking into ways to simplify the process for accreditation as transport network vehicle services (TNVS) units at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), an official said Monday.

“May instructions na si DOTr Secretary Tugade na tingnan kung ano yung mga requirements, ano ‘yung mga proseso mga na pwede nating bawasan para mas mapabilis itong pagprocess nitong provisional authority (PA) at certificate of convenience (CPC) ng mga TNVS,” Transport Undersecretary Mark de Leon said in a press conference here.

“Nandito yung DOTr naman to provide guidance dito sa LTFRB para lalong makapagbigay ng mabilis na public service,” he added.

He urged the TNVS drivers and operators to call off the ongoing “transport holiday”, urging them to attend the dialogue set by the LTFRB on Tuesday, July 9.

Drivers and operators temporarily stopped their operations and went offline from their ride-sharing platforms starting 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. as protest against the “inconsistent and problematic” policies of LTFRB.

“‘Wag muna tayong magtigil pasada, wag muna tayong magtransport holiday, umpisahan natin sa dialogue,” De Leon urged.

“Bukas magpunta kayo sa dialogue sa LTFRB, i-presenta natin kung ano ‘yung pwedeng middle ground para mas lalo natin makamit itong kailangan ng mga commuters natin ngayon,” he added. 

He said the department will be present at the dialogue to “push LTFRB to simplify and further improve the process” by reducing requirements.

Hatchback units

The Transport undersecretary also urged the LTFRB to implement its Memorandum Circular (MC) 2018-005 which allows hatchback units to operate as TNVS.

Hatchback drivers and operators have decried the refusal of the LTFRB to process their application documents as their units were earlier deemed unsafe as TNVS units, which ultimately led to their deactivation from a ride-sharing platform.

“May MC na kailangan ipatupad, so kung wala namang MC na nire-repeal ‘yung MC na yun, ay kailangan ipatupad ng LTFRB kung ano yung nakasaad sa MC,” De Leon said.

“So kung ‘yung hatchback, pwedeng bumiyahe based on this 2018-005, payagan nating bumiyahe yung ating mga driver,” he added.

Continue protest

For its part, the TNVS community said it will continue protesting against the LTFRB until they see documents that assures them of the simplified process for accreditation.

“Masaya tayo doon sa binanggit ni Undersecretary De Leon na papaigsiin (ang proseso) pero hindi tayo titigil hangga’t walang papel sa harapan natin,” Jun de Leon, chairman of the Metro Manila Hatchback Community, told reporters in an interview.

“Iskrimahan lang ng laway po yan eh, kailangan maglabas sila ng memorandum na pinapatigil yung hulihan,” he added. (Editor: Julie Espinosa)