MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced that it will deploy more ‘mystery riders’ to monitor and address widespread violations among Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) operators.

LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, under the guidance of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez, personally confronted Transport Network Company (TNC) representatives during a recent consultation, warning of strict consequences once violations are confirmed.

“We investigated based on the complaints that we have been receiving and we have been monitoring from the social media. And we were able to confirm the violations, through our mystery riders, that include operating the units even without the franchise and provisional authority from us,” Mendoza said.

He added, “But the bigger issue here is that how can these units be included in your service apps when they do not even have a provisional authority from the LTFRB? This is wrong and this must be corrected.”

Mystery riders discovered TNVS units operating without proper franchises or provisional authority, and also confirmed the so-called “tempo” modus, where temporary permits are allegedly issued in exchange for regular fees. Mendoza criticized TNCs for allegedly condoning these practices by including unlicensed TNVS units in their apps.

“Let us improve our working relationship to improve our services to our kababayan. Let us be partners on this and as a good start, let us strengthen our trust and confidence to each other by telling me the truth about the issues that I am raising with you,” Mendoza said.

The TNC representatives pledged full cooperation and agreed to explore linking the LTFRB directly with their service apps to ensure only authorized TNVS units operate. In response, Mendoza promised to expedite pending franchise applications and end the practice of issuing temporary permits, which some groups have flagged as a source of corruption.

“This will be our good start. I commit to releasing all the franchise applications if all the requirements are met and my office is always open to you to look into all your concerns. If you my office in the morning, I will make sure that your concerns are addressed in the afternoon and if not, I will tell you the reasons why,” he said.

Mendoza emphasized the need for compliance: “In return, I expect you to tell me the truth and not do anything that would violate our rules and regulations. Otherwise, I will cancel everything.”

The LTFRB’s move aims to create a level playing field for all transport operators, including passenger jeepneys, buses, and taxis, and curb colorum operations.