Sen. Grace Poe said that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) should consider lifting its ban on hatchback vehicles that are being used as transportation network vehicle service (TNVS) units.
Poe, chair of the Senate committee on public services, said that the LTFRB’s decision to ban hatchbacks is contrary to its own memorandum circular allowing existing hatchbacks to operate for three more years to regain their investment.
“Siguro ay dapat rin nating malaman kung bakit napagdesisyunan ng LTFRB na hindi sundin ang sarili nilang Circular (Maybe we should also find out why the LTFRB decided not to follow its own Circular),“ Poe added.
She said that the regulatory commission should be consistent in implementing regulations, saying it is unfair to both the riding public and the TNVS drivers. “We need to strike a balance on the need to regulate and the need to serve the riding public,” Poe maintained. “While the parties are at the table, we hope that the LTFRB can consider lifting the deactivation on those who failed to comply with the requirements.”
Some transport network vehicle service (TNVS) groups proceeded with their “transport holiday” to protest against LTFRB “pahirap policies (policies causing hardship)” in connection with franchise applications. A number of driver partners mobilized at the Quezon Memorial Circle where, according to an ABS-CBN News report, they complained of difficulty in securing all necessary permits to operate, and demanded a moratorium on apprehensions for drivers who haven’t completed their requirements. Two documents are reportedly particularly hard to secure: the bank conformity, and Proof of Existence and Sufficiency of Garage.
But the group’s 12-hour transport strike was said to have been cut short after a dialogue with representatives of the Department of Transportation, the Civil Service Commission, and Anti-Red Tape Authority.
Meanwhile, Grab Philippines maintained that its operations were not affected despite the group’s transport holiday which supposed to last up until 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Some Grab users said they experienced a spike in booking rates. – With Kap Maceda Aguila