METRO
LTFRB targets unregistered TNVS under new policy
Board officials reiterated that the practice violates existing transport regulations by permitting unauthorized vehicles to carry passengers.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a new policy governing the regularization of ride-hailing vehicles operating without official permits in Metro Manila, agency officials announced Wednesday.
The directive targets the practice known in the transport industry as “tempo,” where transport network companies onboard ride-hailing units onto digital platforms before drivers secure formal franchises or provisional authorities from regulators.
Board officials reiterated that the practice violates existing transport regulations by permitting unauthorized vehicles to carry passengers.
Under Memorandum Circular 2026-111, the 30-day online application period opens on 8 October 2026, processing submissions strictly through official LTFRB digital portals.
Applications may be submitted directly by individual operators or by accredited transport companies on behalf of eligible drivers across the Metro Manila Urban Transportation Integration Study Update and Capacity Enhancement Program area.
Acting LTFRB chairperson Greg Pua Jr. stressed that the policy applies exclusively to unauthorized units listed in validated masterlists previously submitted by transport companies, clarifying that the window does not constitute a general franchise expansion nor relieve operating platforms of administrative penalties for onboarding unpermitted cars.