LTFRB to PUV drivers, operators: No such thing as temporary permits

MANILA, Philippines—The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Monday reminded public utility vehicle drivers and operators that it does not issue temporary permits to operate, noting that it is among the “sources of corruption” within the agency.

“There is no such thing as tempo or temporary permits. This so-called tempo is fake. The LTFRB either only issues provisional authority or authority to operate,” LTFRB Chairperson Vigor Mendoza II said in a statement.

He stressed that public transport or Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers who claim to have a temporary permit are engaging in “clear and simple illegal operations.”

Mendoza called on transport network companies (TNCs) to “police their own ranks” and ensure that all TNVS under their respective platforms comply with government regulations.

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“We already put a stop to this illegal practice right after my meeting with TNCs last month. But we keep on receiving complaints that there are still a handful of TNVS defying our warning on the use of this so-called tempo,” Mendoza said.

According to the LTFRB, the issuance of temporary permits is “one of the sources of corruption” within the agency and a “rampant” modus operandi among erring personnel. 

The agency noted that the illegal practice has been a “major complaint” among transport groups, which claimed that LTFRB personnel would issue temporary permits in exchange for a fee or regular commission. 

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Transport groups pointed out that having these supposed permits is tantamount to being a colorum vehicle, or those that operate without a permit or proper authorization.

The LTFRB said estimates from transport groups show that colorum vehicles take away around 30-percent of their daily income.

To address the issue, Mendoza said the LTFRB has begun cracking down on those issuing temporary permits while conducting “more aggressive” anti-colorum operations across the country. 

He added that the agency is also fast-tracking the approval of pending applications, saying that authorities are operating as fast as possible to prevent TNVS from resorting to illegal practices.

Mendoza also warned LTFRB personnel engaging in corruption that they “would not only be dismissed, you would also face criminal charges once we catch you.” /gsg