The Land Transportation. Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has opened more than 4,000 slots for transport network vehicle service (TNVS) amid the reported shortage of vehicles in urban areas, particularly in Metro Manila.
In a resolution dated Dec. 14, the LTFRB said the 4,433 slots which will be available by Jan. 9 next year were actually part of the more than 7,800 TNVS slots that were made available in July this year.
The LTFRB explained that out of the 7,870 slots that were opened for TNVS in July, only 2,567 slots were given due to some issues that include fixing and submission of spurious documents.
This is the reason, according to the LTFRB, why the application for the re-opened slots will undergo a strict screening process.
"The proliferation of fake and spurious documents, particularly Certificate of Conformity (COC), alerted the Board to conduct direct verification from financing/bank companies to check the authenticity of the submitted COC," the LTBRB Board Resolution read.
"The online registration of process of securing TNVS slots had created an opportunity for 'fixers' to victimize applicants who are not knowledgeable in navigating computer application/systems by offering their services and charging exorbitant service fees," it added.
Anti-fixing policy
In the same resolution, the LTFRB has set a guideline for the application that must be strictly followed to prevent fixers from exploiting the situation, especially in the issuance of Certificate of Public Conveyance which is one of the major requirements for operating a public utility vehicle.
First, the LTFRB has cancelled the online application for TNVS and opted for face-to-face application on the first-come, first served basis.
Second, it is the Transport Network Companies (TNCs) which will be responsible for the enrollment and registration of TNVS.
"Each TNC shall be allowed to register 100 slots per day," the Resolution read.
The TNCs, the LTFRB said, will be in charge of preparing the documents. It added that each applicants shall only be entitled to register three vehicles for TNCs application.
The LTFRB also stipulated the documentary requirements and the process in which TNVS application is approved.