The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has warned public utility vehicle (PUV) franchise applicants not to operate or use any vehicle for public transport without an approved permit, stressing that doing so is illegal even if an application has already been filed.
LTFRB Chairperson Vigor Mendoza III issued the reminder as the agency summoned a franchise applicant for illegally modifying and operating a vehicle as a PUV without authority.
Mendoza said the LTFRB has issued a show-cause order against an applicant who was monitored plying a route despite the application for a certificate of public convenience (CPC) still being pending.
“Just because you submitted the documents required for a CPC does not mean you can already use the vehicle for public transportation,” Mendoza said. “Common sense dictates that you still have to wait for the approval and release of the necessary permits.”
The violation involved an applicant for the Imus–Alabang route whose vehicle was seen picking up passengers even without an approved franchise.
Further investigation showed the applicant had modified a delivery van to operate as a PUV, an act Mendoza said is clearly prohibited under existing rules.
“Using a vehicle for public transportation while the CPC application is still pending is tantamount to being ‘colorum,’ and modifying a vehicle to become a PUV without authority is illegal. That is clear,” he said.
The applicant has been directed to appear before the LTFRB on February 18 for the first hearing of the case.
“While we understand the need of our countrymen to earn a living, this should not be done at the expense of violating the law and disregarding regulations governing public transportation,” Mendoza added.
