LTFRB to crack down on PUV drivers, operators using fake documents

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Monday warned public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators against using fake Provisional Authority (PA) and Certificate of Public Conveyance (CPC) documents amid reports of its proliferation, especially in the provinces.

In a statement, LTFRB chairperson Vigor Mendoza II said they are already coordinating with other law enforcement agencies for the conduct of random document checking for PUVs to promote road safety and commuter welfare.

“We have been receiving reports of fake PAs and CPCs and this is actually one of the things that we focused on, including the integration of technology through digitalization aside from aggressive law enforcement that we have been initiating in the past few months,” Mendoza said.

“So we are warning those engaged in this illegal activity to stop and do the right thing. Dahil kapag natyempuhan namin kayo, talagang magsisi kayo dahil katakot-takot na kaso ang isasampa namin sayo,” he added.

(So we are warning those engaged in this illegal activity to stop and do the right thing. Because if we come across you, you will really regret it because we will file many cases against you.)

He cited the case of a transport company whose PA was used by unscrupulous motor vehicle owners for their illegal operations.

Based on the LTFRB’s initial investigation, the PA was found to be bogus as the signatory was no longer connected with the agency. The case is now under investigation.

Mendoza vowed to run after those involved as he stressed that using fake PAs and CPCs is much worse than colorum since it involves deception and falsification of documents.

He added that the LTFRB and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) are coordinating with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to strengthen the government’s anti-colorum drive.

Last week, the DOJ launched a special task force that will handle cases involving colorum vehicles, including case build-up and information dissemination campaigns.

Aside from designating the court as the only entity that could release the impounded vehicle, the LTFRB is also pushing for the immediate detention of those who would be arrested.

In the case of using fake PAs and CPCs, Mendoza said additional charges will be included, which means additional fines and penalties for the falsification of public documents.

“We are now meeting with various stakeholders, including transport groups to intensify the reporting of those using fake PAs and CPCs,” he said.

“This should be a team effort for the government, the transport sector and stakeholders because what is at stake here is the safety of commuters, the common good of our transportation system and the safety of all road users,” he added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News