THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has intensified its crackdown on non-compliant transport network companies (TNCs), revoking the operating authorities and renewal applications of two firms while threatening 19 others with suspension over regulatory violations.
Under the guidance of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Z. “Banoy” Lopez, Acting LTFRB Chairman Atty. Greg G. Pua, Jr. announced that Leggo Information Technology Solutions and Aztech Solutions International Corp. had their accreditations completely revoked.
Investigations confirmed that the two firms were no longer operating and failed to meet mandatory conditions, including providing an active, internet-based technology platform for TNVS partners and clients.
“The granting of the Certificate of Accreditation comes with a responsibility, an obligation and a commitment to provide the best services to the commuting public,” Pua stated.
“When rules are violated, that’s when accountability begins,” added Pua.
The recent revocation follows a series of regulatory actions by the board, including previous suspensions of select TNCs for franchise violations and failure to heed show-cause orders.
Aside from the revocations, the LTFRB has issued show-cause orders to 19 ride-hailing platforms for failing to implement the newly approved fare increases for Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) units, which took effect on September 28.
The 19 are Hirna Mobility Solutions Inc., My Taxi Ph. Inc., Ipara Technologies and Solutions Inc., E-Pick Me Up Inc., Cloud Panda, Joyride Ph Corp., Para Xpress Technology Services Inc., RL Soft Corp. (inDrive), Peek Up Philippines Corp., Taxsee Philippines Inc., Get Express Global Corp., Gocab Corp., Unified Transport Operation Corp., Hail Transport Inc., Metrohills Transport Association Inc., Leggo Information Technology Solutions, Unla La Corp., Pureride Corp., and Lalamove Technology Philippines Inc.
The affected platforms were given three working days to explain why their accreditations should not be suspended or canceled.
A formal hearing is set for October 7.
The authorized fare adjustments raised base fares across vehicle types: sedans moved to PHP 65 (from PHP 45), AUVs to PHP 75 (from PHP 55), hatchbacks to PHP 55 (from PHP 35), and premium TNVS to PHP 165 (from PHP 145).
Monitoring revealed that the summoned TNCs continued charging outdated rates, directly harming drivers who shoulder daily fuel expenses.
Addressing public perception regarding the crackdown on platforms keeping fares low, Pua defended the agency’s stance.
“It is the TNVS partner who shoulders the cost of gasoline and diesel, not the TNCs. So when the fare increase is not implemented for them, they are the ones affected, not the TNCs,” Pua explained in Filipino, noting that the adjustments were meant to assist the public transport sector.
The LTFRB warned that it will not hesitate to suspend or cancel operating authorities if commuter interests and driver welfare are compromised, aligning with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to continuously improve the country’s public transportation system.