LTFRB uses online platform for easier transaction, prevent proliferation of fake authority to operate
Operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) need not to wait for the hard copy of Provisional Authority (PA) to operate as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) made the transactions easier using digital technology.
The LTFRB earlier vowed to make the transactions in the agency digital and right now, it said PUV operators can already operate even if there is still no hard copy of the PA for as long as the document is already in the online verifier.
LTFRB Chairperson Vigor D. Mendoza II said the move is also intended to prevent the proliferation of fake PAs and Certificates of Public Conveyance (CPCs), two documents needed for PUVs to operate.
“We need the Provisional Authority to be uploaded first on the verifier system for the protection of the drivers and operators because in cases that they were flagged down, the enforcers can easily verify that they have legitimate papers to operate,” said Mendoza.
He said the move is part of the agency’s strict compliance to the Republic Act No. 11032, or the "Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018”.
The law promotes streamlining of processes, encompassing a program for the adoption of simplified requirements and procedures that will reduce red tape and expedite business and non-business-related transactions in government.
Through online validation, Mendoza also explained that law enforcement agencies will be able to conduct an efficient crackdown against those using bogus PAs and CPCs.
The Board Resolution covers a significant number of PUVs that include jeepneys, buses and Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS).
The decision was also a product of the commitment of Mendoza to fast track the more than 37,000 backlogs on petitions, motions and applications that he discovered when he assumed the top LTFRB post in October this year.
Aside from addressing the backlogs with the decision for PUVs to operate, he said the move will also benefit the commuters.
“With this decision, we are deploying more PUVs on the road for the benefit of the commuters and this is timely because of the expected influx of passengers for the Holiday season,” said Mendoza.