Ex-LTFRB chief urges updated policies for TNVS, motorcycle taxis amid fuel crisis

A former head of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is calling for clearer and more responsive rules for ride-hailing services (TNVS) and motorcycle taxis, as rising fuel prices continue to strain drivers.

Former LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said some existing regulations are outdated and may unfairly affect legitimate drivers who are already struggling with higher costs.

He also pushed back against claims that transport companies are allowing large numbers of “tempo” or temporary drivers to operate without proper authorization, saying the situation is more complex than it appears.

“The reality is significantly more nuanced than the headlines suggest, and getting the facts wrong will not serve drivers, passengers, or the public interest,” Ginez said in a press release on Wednesday.

According to Ginez, a transport franchise is tied to the vehicle and its operator—not to a single driver. This means one vehicle can have several authorized drivers working in shifts, which explains why the number of drivers on a platform may not match official records of permits.

He added that differences in data may come from how records are organized by regulators (by vehicle and operator), while government programs track individual drivers.

On so-called “tempo” drivers—those with pending applications—Ginez said they should not be labeled as illegal just because their permits are still being processed, especially if they have filed the necessary extensions.

For motorcycle taxis, he said regulators need to update policies to reflect how the sector now operates, with many riders working across multiple services.

He also suggested reviewing the current cap on motorcycle taxi units if it no longer matches commuter demand or the number of qualified applicants.

Ginez emphasized that policies should provide clarity and support workers’ livelihoods, especially amid economic pressures caused by fuel price increases.

In times of crisis, he said rules should help—not add uncertainty—to transport workers who rely on daily income.—MCG, GMA News