TNVS drivers, operators push for law on TNVS policies

MANILA, Philippines — A group of transport network vehicle (TNVS) drivers and operators has sought the help of congressmen for the creation of a law that would institutionalize TNVS policies.

Laban TNVS brought their concerns to the House of Representatives as they staged a transport caravan protest on Friday.

Drivers and operators have been decrying the inconsistent and problematic, or what they dubbed as “pahirap” policies of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in terms of registration and application.

“Humihingi tayo ng tulong sa ating mga kongresista na gumawa sila ng batas para sa TNVS para hindi po basta basta na kung ano ang maisip ng ahensya ng LTFRB ay ‘yun ang pinapatupad,” Laban TNVS Jun de Leon told reporters in an interview at the House.

“Hindi naman kasalanan ng mga TNVS drivers and operators na hindi sila maka-renew ng kanilang mga papeles, ng provisional authority (PA) ,ito’y kasalanan ng LTFRB dahil sinabi nga ni chairman Delgra na kulang sila sa tao,” he added.

This difficulty in securing required documents for TNVS accreditation drivers led to the deactivation of drivers and operators from ride-sharing platforms.

The TNVS drivers and operators started their caravan protest from the People Power’s Monument along Edsa to the LTFRB main office and the House of Representatives where they sounded their horns simultaneously in protest.

They also urged the LTFRB to decide whether it will implement a moratorium on apprehensions on TNVS with incomplete registration requirements.

READ: Drivers, operators urge LTFRB to decide on moratorium on TNVS apprehensions 

During a dialogue with TNVS drivers and operators last Tuesday, Delgra said the agency would decide on the moratorium within the week.

READ: Delgra: LTFRB will decide on TNVS apprehensions before week ends

“Dapat ipahinto nila yung panghuhuli nila sa mga kawawang operator and driver ng TNVS. Moratorium po muna itigil muna ang hulihan habang may backlog ang LTFRB,” De Leon said.

The drivers are also calling for the LTFRB to accept the applications of hatchback-type vehicles as TNVS, following the Memorandum Circular 2018-005 which allowed hatchbacks as TNVS.

De Leon said their protests will continue as the LTFRB’s decisions will not benefit them. /muf