TNVS group to file raps vs. LTFRB over hatchbacks ban, ‘problematic’ processing

A group of transport network vehicle services drivers and operators on Thursday said it will file a complaint against the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) before the Ombudsman on Monday for its supposedly problematic processing of applications and for banning hatchbacks from the TNVS.

Metro Manila Hatchback Community chair Jun de Leon said that under LTFRB Memorandum Circular (MC) 2018-005, hatchbacks should still be allowed to operate as TNVS until February 2021.

However, the LTFRB deviated from its MC when it rejected hatchbacks as TNVS.

“Dahil hindi po kami pinakikinggan dito, nais naming magsampa ng additional case sa Ombudsman upang magkaroon ng criminal case itong mga namumuno sa LTFRB,” De Leon said at a press conference.

Last month, the group filed a mandamus case before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court also in connection with the implementation of the MC. 

Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection (LCSP) president Ariel Inton said at the conference that Regional Trial Court Branch 220 has already issued summons requiring the LTFRB to respond to the mandamus case filed by the group within 15 days.

The TNVS group’s lawyer, Mayor Matahum, said that the new complaint against the LTFRB will not only point out the LTFRB’s alleged failure to stick with their MC, but also its violation of Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, which requires simplified requirements and fast procedures for the public in government transactions. 

“Meron na po tayong ease of doing business na batas na naipasa na. Three days for simple application lang. Seven days kung medyo complicated. Twenty days kung highly technical,” Matahum said.

Members of a TNVS group threaten to file charges against the LTFRB for banning hatchbacks. Joviland Rita

Janina Pineda, president of another TNVS group Road Grabbers, claimed their members submitted their applications to the LTFRB four months ago but they have yet to be approved.

“Nasaan ang hustisya?” she said.

Pineda added that the check-list of requirements that the LTFRB asks from TNVS applicants changes from time to time.

Transport network company Grab Philippines recently deactivated thousands of its TNVS account holders due to lack of requirements. 

TNVS drivers with incomplete requirements but continue to operate will be apprehended.

Because of this, the TNVS groups will hold a “TNVS transport holiday” on Monday to protest against the "problematic" policies of the LTFRB.

LTFRB chair Martin Delgra III told GMA News Online that the regulatory board is ready to explain their policies in connection with the TNVS applications.

“We are ready to explain as regards the application for a franchise including TNVS,” Delgra told GMA News online via text message.

Delgra denied the allegations of inconsistent checklist of requirements for TNVS application.

“The process and requirements are the same before and now. We, in fact, streamline the process flow,” he said.

Grab Philippines said it supports the call for a faster application process for TNVS drivers and operators.

“We recognize the TNVS partners’ right to free speech and peaceable assembly. In many ways, we also support the call for smoother processes and faster timelines,” Grab Philippines public affairs manager Nicka Hosaka said in a statement. — MDM/BM, GMA News