Ride-hailing driver groups urged the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday to enforce standardized regulations for transport network companies (TNCs), citing concerns over high commissions and inconsistent benefits.

LTFRB chairperson Vigor D. Mendoza II led a consultative meeting at the agency’s headquarters to address grievances from Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) operators, particularly as the board weighs a potential fare increase.

“We want to hear all sides in the spirit of fairness because the discussion on fare increase is a sensitive issue that does not only involve the commuters but our economy as well,” Mendoza said.

Representatives from the TNVS Coalition expressed frustration over fluctuating commission rates and the lack of uniform benefits across different ride-hailing platforms.

“We’ve noticed that this issue regarding commissions has gone on for quite some time, and it has yet to be fixed,” a representative of the coalition said. “We’ve raised it to the TNCs, but it feels like we’re helpless. Hopefully, a law can be passed by the government to address the issue.”

Beyond financial concerns, the groups highlighted a lack of protection for drivers facing negative feedback from passengers, which they claimed often leads to unfair treatment or suspension by the platforms.

While Mendoza cited that some of the specific labor-related issues fall outside the LTFRB’s direct jurisdiction, he assured the groups that their concerns would be referred to the appropriate government agencies.

Mendoza clarified that the board will continue its consultations with various transport sectors to ensure that any future fare adjustments are equitable.

“If there would be a fare increase, we assure that there will be a balance between the commuters’ capacity to pay and the need to attend to the concerns of those in the public transport sector,” Mendoza said. Jerod Orcullo