MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a memorandum circular penalizing Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers who cancel bookings without valid reason.

LTFRB Chairman Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said the move responds to complaints about rampant booking cancellations, especially in areas with heavy traffic, and anticipates similar issues during the holiday season.

Under LTFRB MC 2025-055, driver-initiated cancellations are considered a violation under Refusal to Convey Passengers, penalized according to Section IV.2 of Joint Administrative Order 2014-01:

• 1st Offense: P5,000 fine
• 2nd Offense: P10,000 fine and 30-day impounding of the vehicle
• 3rd and subsequent offenses: P15,000 fine and cancellation of Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC)

“Matindi ang epekto ng biglaan at garapalang booking cancellation sa mga TNVS dahil ang pinag-uusapan dito ay kahalagahan ng oras ng mananakay na maaring makompromiso ng ganitong modus,” Mendoza said, emphasizing the impact on commuters’ time, safety, and convenience.

The memorandum penalizes cancellations made to avoid short-distance trips, to discriminate against senior citizens, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable passengers, and patterns of deliberate refusal to serve certain areas or times.

TNVS operators are required to submit monthly reports showing cancellations categorized by driver-initiated, passenger-initiated, system-initiated, and identify drivers with unjustified cancellations and actions taken.

Exceptions include natural calamities, vehicle maintenance issues, and passenger-related concerns. TNVS operators failing to monitor, control, or report cancellations face fines, suspension, or accreditation cancellation.

The memorandum takes effect immediately after publication in a newspaper with general circulation.