LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III (second from right) leads a dialogue with TNVS operators at the LTFRB central office in Quezon City. (PNA photo)
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has simplified the process of obtaining franchises for transport network vehicle services (TNVS).
LTFRB technical division head Joel Bolano, in a dialogue with TNVS groups in Quezon City, discussed changes in the process of getting franchises, known as provisional authority (PA) and certificate of public convenience (CPC), for TNVS drivers and operators.
The LTFRB will add more hearing dates to meet the big number of TNVS applications starting the third week of July. “The usual one, two days hearing for TNVS will be extended to three to four days,” he said in Filipino.
However Bolano reminded the TNVS groups: “Siguraduhin lang po natin na complete requirements na po tayo. (Just make sure that the requirements are complete).”
LTFRB will be open two Saturdays a month for follow-ups on applications for all types of transport services.
The shortened process was in response to appeals for LTFRB to simplify the process of franchise application, as the old one resulted in some drivers being deactivated from the mobile app Grab for their inability to get permits to operate.
LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III said, “On behalf of the board, humihingi ako ng paumanhin (I ask for forgiveness).”
In reaction to the LTFRB move, Janina Pineda, president of the TNVS group Road Grabbers, said, “Lahat ng operator nagkaroon ng chance na mag-speak up regarding their concern (All operators got a chance to speak up regarding their concern).”
Jun de Leon, leader of the Metro Manila Hatchback Community and Laban TNVS, however expressed dissatisfaction, saying “Hindi naman dialogue yung nangyari dito (This was not a dialogue).”
Unfortunately for his group, the LTRFB did not change its decision banning hatchback operators and drivers from TNVS operations.
“’Yung gusto pa rin nila ang nasunod, (What was followed was only what the LTFRB wanted),” he added, “For review, e hanggang kelan ‘yung for review? (For review, when will this review end?)” (Jojo Mangahis)