MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Monday clarified that there is no such thing as “temporary permits” for Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) and warned erring drivers and their cohorts against the illegal practice.

LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said the agency only issues provisional authority or authority to operate, emphasizing, “There is no such thing as tempo or temporary permits. This so-called tempo is fake.”

The warning comes amid reports that some TNVS drivers were allegedly using temporary permits in exchange for fees, a practice that transport groups said contributed to corruption and is tantamount to operating colorum vehicles.

Mendoza called on Transport Network Companies (TNCs) to ensure all their TNVS drivers comply with government regulations. “Let this serve as a warning to all TNCs that we will not hesitate to cancel your authority to operate if we find out that you are tolerating and doing nothing to address this. Hindi makaka-operate ang mga ito kung gagawin ninyo ng ayos ang inyong trabaho dahil ginagamit ng mga tiwaling TNVS ang online platform ninyo,” he said.

The LTFRB has launched a crackdown on the illegal practice and intensified anti-colorum operations nationwide, citing that colorum vehicles take away up to 30% of legitimate drivers’ daily income. Mendoza said intelligence-gathering has been strengthened against cohorts of TNVS operators inside the agency.

The LTFRB is also fast-tracking pending applications, which were reported to exceed 30,000 last month, to ensure drivers have proper authorization and reduce incentives to engage in illegal activities.

“And let this warning also reach erring LTFRB personnel that you would not only be dismissed, you would also face criminal charges once we catch you,” Mendoza added.

The move aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to crack down on violations in public transport and protect legitimate operators.