TNVS group bucks LTFRB penalties for canceled bookings

A group of Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers on Monday expressed opposition to a recent order by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) that penalizes drivers who cancel bookings without reasonable cause.

In an interview on Unang Balita, Laban TNVS president Leonardo “Jun” de Leon said transport network companies (TNCs) already impose stiff penalties on drivers who cancel bookings without valid reasons.

“Tutol po tayo sa memorandum circular na inilabas ng LTFRB patungkol po diyan sa issue na ’yan dahil po sa transport network companies ay mabigat na ang multa o parusa ng TNC sa ating mga TNVS drivers kapag kami po ay nagka-cancel,” de Leon said.

(We oppose the LTFRB’s memorandum circular on this issue because transport network companies are already imposing heavy fines or penalties on TNVS drivers who cancel bookings.)

De Leon said drivers usually cancel bookings only for valid reasons, noting that habitual cancellations could result in a driver being banned from the platform.

In an earlier statement, LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the memorandum was issued in response to complaints about “rampant booking cancellations in areas with traffic congestion, and in anticipation of the same modus during the holiday season.”

LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2025-055 states that booking cancellations initiated by TNVS drivers are classified as a violation under “Refusal to Convey Passengers,” which is penalized under Section IV.2 of Joint Administrative Order 2014-01.

Under Section IV.2 of Joint Administrative Order 2014-01, the penalties are as follows:

• First offense – fine of P5,000;
• Second offense – fine of P10,000 and impounding of the unit for 30 days; and
• Third and subsequent offenses – fine of P15,000 and cancellation of the certificate of public convenience (CPC) of the authorized unit.

De Leon, meanwhile, appealed for public understanding when drivers cancel bookings, citing heavy traffic during the holiday season.

“Sana maintindihan din po nila kung bakit ito naka-cancel dahil baka sila rin po ay maabala. Lalo po silang magagalit kapag matagal po ang pick-up,” he said.

(I hope they understand why bookings are canceled, as passengers could also be inconvenienced and become more upset if the pick-up takes too long.)—MCG, GMA Integrated News