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Advocates Philippines
LTFRB Cracks Down On Fake 'Tempo' Permits, Warns TNVS Operators
FILE
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is tightening its crackdown on the illegal use of “tempo” or fake temporary permits among Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) operators, stressing that such documents do not exist under Philippine transport regulations.
Following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to take firm action against violators, the LTFRB—guided by Transportation Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez—said it is committed to ending the long-time scheme that has allowed some TNVS units to operate without proper authorization.
LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II reiterated that the agency only issues provisional authority or authority to operate, and that so-called temporary permits are purely fabricated. He urged Transport Network Companies (TNCs) to ensure that all drivers under their platforms are compliant, warning that the agency continues to receive reports of TNVS units still using the fake documents despite earlier notices.
The “tempo” practice was described as a widespread illicit scheme involving unauthorized issuance of permits in exchange for fees and commissions. Transport groups have long complained that this setup enabled colorum operations and cut significantly into the daily earnings of legitimate drivers—by as much as 30 percent, according to their estimates.
In response, the LTFRB has stepped up anti-colorum operations nationwide and intensified intelligence gathering to track down individuals inside and outside the agency who may be colluding with erring operators. The agency warned that TNCs could face suspension or even cancellation of their authority to operate if they fail to curb violations within their platforms.
To help reduce opportunities for illegal practices, the LTFRB is also accelerating the processing of more than 30,000 pending TNVS applications. The agency said it aims to release authorities to operate as quickly as possible so that drivers do not resort to unlawful methods while waiting.
The LTFRB likewise issued a strong warning to its personnel: anyone found involved in the illegal issuance of documents will face dismissal and criminal charges.
The agency assured the public that its intensified enforcement and cleanup efforts will continue as part of broader reforms to protect the income of legitimate drivers and maintain order in the country’s public transport system.
Following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to take firm action against violators, the LTFRB—guided by Transportation Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez—said it is committed to ending the long-time scheme that has allowed some TNVS units to operate without proper authorization.
LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II reiterated that the agency only issues provisional authority or authority to operate, and that so-called temporary permits are purely fabricated. He urged Transport Network Companies (TNCs) to ensure that all drivers under their platforms are compliant, warning that the agency continues to receive reports of TNVS units still using the fake documents despite earlier notices.
The “tempo” practice was described as a widespread illicit scheme involving unauthorized issuance of permits in exchange for fees and commissions. Transport groups have long complained that this setup enabled colorum operations and cut significantly into the daily earnings of legitimate drivers—by as much as 30 percent, according to their estimates.
In response, the LTFRB has stepped up anti-colorum operations nationwide and intensified intelligence gathering to track down individuals inside and outside the agency who may be colluding with erring operators. The agency warned that TNCs could face suspension or even cancellation of their authority to operate if they fail to curb violations within their platforms.
To help reduce opportunities for illegal practices, the LTFRB is also accelerating the processing of more than 30,000 pending TNVS applications. The agency said it aims to release authorities to operate as quickly as possible so that drivers do not resort to unlawful methods while waiting.
The LTFRB likewise issued a strong warning to its personnel: anyone found involved in the illegal issuance of documents will face dismissal and criminal charges.
The agency assured the public that its intensified enforcement and cleanup efforts will continue as part of broader reforms to protect the income of legitimate drivers and maintain order in the country’s public transport system.
Dec 8, 2025
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