TNVS groups welcome TEMPO regularization; community seeks reforms amid fare hike

The Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) community welcomed the fare increase implemented by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), as well as the start of the regularization of qualified “tempo” TNVS drivers on Thursday.

Laban TNVS, TNVS Community Philippines (TCP), and Group of Allied TNVS (GOAT) said the additional fare should directly benefit drivers and not be offset by high commissions and other deductions imposed by Transport Network Companies (TNCs).

“We are grateful to the LTFRB for the fare increase because it is a big help to drivers who continue to face rising fuel prices and other operating expenses,” GOAT President Gary Galamgam said.

“But it should be ensured that the increase is actually implemented by TNCs and benefits drivers,” he added.

The TNVS community also welcomed the start of the regularization of qualified “tempo” TNVS drivers, saying the process is an important step toward giving drivers who have long operated under TNCs legal status and greater livelihood security.

“We welcome the regularization. What is important now is for the process to be fast, clear, and fair so our fellow tempo drivers can finally become legal,” Galamgam said.

Groups push reforms

The driver community also called on the LTFRB to ensure that the regularization process would not impose an additional burden on drivers, particularly by providing clear requirements and reasonable fees.

Laban TNVS President Leonardo De Leon said drivers shoulder fuel costs, vehicle amortization, maintenance, and other daily operating expenses.

“So if there is a fare increase but it is offset by high commissions, the driver does not truly benefit,” De Leon said.

The TNVS groups urged the LTFRB to ensure transparency and fair commission rates, particularly amid rising operating costs.

They also called on the agency to require TNCs to fully implement the new fare rates, including the pickup fare.

The groups said the fare increase should not remain only on paper or in the fare matrix, but should be reflected in actual bookings and drivers’ take-home income.

“It is not enough to have a fare increase on paper. It has to be reflected in the driver’s income. The LTFRB set the policy, so it should also ensure that TNCs comply,” Galamgam said.

The TNVS groups also raised concerns over suspensions and deactivations that could immediately cut off a driver’s primary source of income.

The drivers said vehicle inspections should be reasonable and proportionate. They stressed that they support road safety but said minor vehicle defects should not immediately result in the loss of a driver’s livelihood.

“Drivers are held to high standards. The standards for the service and protection provided to drivers should also be high,” De Leon said.

The TNVS community called for measures that would provide drivers with actual increases in income and greater protection amid rising fuel prices, maintenance costs, vehicle amortization, and other expenses.