DOTr, LTFRB studying possible amnesty for TNVS drivers with ‘tempo’ status

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are looking into granting amnesty to “tempo” Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers or those who were onboarded despite exceeding the vehicle caps set for Transport Network Companies (TNCs).

In a news release on Saturday, the DOTr said the move is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that drivers can continue their livelihoods and secure their daily income.

During a news forum in Quezon City, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said that some TNCs exceeded their allowed number of drivers and vehicle units.

"What is happening here is that if they [drivers] aren't allowed to onboard, they won't be able to operate. The issue isn't just about not having a franchise at this point in time; what triggers this is the TNC... onboarding them," said Lopez.

The Transportation chief added that drivers cannot simply operate without being onboarded by a TNC.

The DOTr chief said drivers are in a difficult situation because many of them took out loans for the vehicles they use for TNVS.

"If we cut them off right away, all of those [vehicles] will be foreclosed. The problem will only get bigger. And as I said, the timing now—given what is happening in the Middle East—is quite uncertain for them," he explained.

Currently, the DOTr said it is weighing and carefully studying the best course of action for all parties involved. —VAL, GMA News