The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Monday vowed a nationwide crackdown on widespread Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) violations as it deploys more “mystery riders” to expose erring units and hold Transport Network Companies (TNCs) accountable.

LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said he personally confronted representatives of TNCs in a recent consultation meeting, warning of severe consequences once the mystery riders confirm reported violations.

“We investigated based on the complaints that we have been receiving and we have been monitoring from the social media. And we were able to confirm the violations, through our mystery riders, that include operating the units even without the franchise and provisional authority from us,” Mendoza said.

“But the bigger issue here is that how can these units be included in your service apps when they do not even have a provisional authority from the LTFRB? This is wrong and this must be corrected,” he told the TNC representatives.

Based on its monitoring, the LTFRB discovered the so-called “tempo” modus, in which TNVS units are issued temporary permits allegedly for a fee. Mendoza said some TNCs are enabling the practice by allowing these unregistered units to operate on their online platforms despite lacking permits.

Once the mystery riders confirmed the violations, Mendoza immediately raised the matter with the TNCs for accountability and reform.

“Let us improve our working relationship to improve our services to our kababayan. Let us be partners on this and as a good start, let us strengthen our trust and confidence to each other by telling me the truth about the issues that I am raising with you,” Mendoza said.

TNC representatives committed to cooperating with the LTFRB and said they would study the proposal to link the LTFRB to their online system for real-time verification of TNVS operators’ authorization.

In return, Mendoza vowed to speed up the long-pending franchise applications of TNVS operators and to halt the issuance of temporary permits, which some transport groups allege has been a source of corruption.

“This will be our good start. I commit to releasing all the franchise applications if all the requirements are met and my office is always open to you to look into all your concerns. If you visit my office in the morning, I will make sure that your concerns are addressed in the afternoon and if not, I will tell you the reasons why,” Mendoza said.

“In return, I expect you to tell me the truth and not do anything that would violate our rules and regulations. Otherwise, I will cancel everything,” he emphasized.

Mendoza said the goal is to level the playing field for all transport operators—including jeepneys, buses, and taxis—that comply with requirements and avoid colorum operations.