(DC file photo)
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has extended by another 30 days the application period for the regularization of temporary Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) units, giving thousands of drivers additional time to secure the necessary operating permits.
Acting LTFRB Chairperson Greg Pua Jr. said Friday that the extension was ordered by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon to help drivers who had been operating under the so-called “tempo” arrangement.
The initiative seeks to provide affected drivers an opportunity to legalize their operations and maintain their livelihoods.
“Our regularization move is aimed at helping thousands of TNVS drivers whose only fault was that they relied in good faith on their onboarding and assumed substantial financial commitments in the process,” Pua said.
The regularization program began accepting applications on October 8, with the original 30-day application period scheduled to end on November 6.
Under the extension, qualified applicants will have an additional 30 days to complete and submit their requirements.
According to the LTFRB, a total of 13,216 applications have been received, with 5,091 applicants already issued provisional authorities.
The agency said it is accelerating the processing of pending applications to accommodate more drivers seeking regular operating status.
The program covers TNVS units operating under the “tempo” practice, which refers to vehicles onboarded by transport network companies onto digital ride-hailing platforms without the required authorization from the LTFRB.
However, the agency clarified that the regularization program is limited to unauthorized units included in validated masterlists previously submitted by transport network companies.
Applicants must also undergo and pass a roadworthiness inspection at an LTFRB-recognized inspection center.
Vehicles exceeding the seven-year age limit are not eligible for regularization.
Pua reminded applicants to prepare and properly upload all required documents, warning that incomplete submissions or unresolved vehicle ownership issues could result in the cancellation of applications.
He encouraged drivers experiencing difficulties with the requirements to visit the LTFRB for assistance.
The agency also reiterated that the three-year vehicle model limitation and five-vehicle cap prescribed under an earlier memorandum circular will not apply to applications submitted through the regularization program.
The LTFRB said the extension is intended to give qualified drivers sufficient time to comply with regulatory requirements while allowing them to continue pursuing legitimate livelihood opportunities.
