Tips - Page 112 - LTO Portal PH

What is MMDA? Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), just like the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), is just one of the many government offices tasked with maintaining good road conditions to ensure road safety in the Philippines.

Created by virtue of Republic Act 7924, the MMDA is best known for its role in metro-wide transport and traffic management and in the apprehension of traffic violators. The MMDA is also well known for its role in clearing side streets, albeit, a bit harshly, in order to improve the flow of traffic. Contrary to popular belief, though, these aren’t the only role that the MMDA plays. In this guide, you can learn more about MMDA as well as all the functions and the different ways that the MMDA offers its service to the Filipino people.

Table of Contents

What is MMDA

MMDA stands for the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority—a development authority for the National Capital Region (NCR), otherwise known as Metro Manila, a special development and administrative region. It was created in 1995, upon the enactment of Republic Act 7924, “An act creating the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, defining its powers and functions, providing funding therefore and for other purposes.” Its function is summed up in the charter itself, viz:

The MMDA shall perform planning, monitoring and coordinative functions, and in the process exercise regulatory and supervisory authority over the delivery of metro-wide services within Metro Manila, without diminution of the autonomy of the local government units concerning purely local matters.”
. . .”Sec. 2. Creation of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. – – -x x x.

By tracing its legislative history to RA 7924, it is clear that the MMDA is neither a local government unit nor a public corporation. It’s chartered as a development authority created to replace the Metro Manila Authority (MMA). Unlike its predecessor, the MMDA has a purely administrative function and doesn’t have any police or legislative power. Its creation was meant to lay down policies and plan, monitor, and coordinate regulatory and supervisory plans and services with various national government agencies, people’s organizations, non-governmental organizations and the private sector. The MMDA is under the direct supervision of the Office of the President of the Philippines in hopes for the efficient and expeditious delivery of basic services in the metropolitan area without diminution of the autonomy of the local government units concerning purely local matters.

MMDA and Frontline Offices Mission and Vision

As a development authority, the MMDA has several frontline offices that offer the services to the people. Both the MMDA and these offices operate with the same vision to make Metro Manila a humane, world-class environment for all.

The MMDA and its frontline offices operates under the guidance of these mission and vision:

Vision

Towards a humane, world-class metropolis with a livable and workable physical environment for all.

MMDA Mission

As a global-oriented metropolis, Metropolitan Manila will evolve into a major business and transaction center in the Asia-Pacific region.

As a center of a growth polygon for Luzon Island, Metropolitan Manila will influence the creation of socio-economic opportunities in the areas beyond its political and administrative boundaries.

Frontline Offices’ Mission

Traffic Discipline Office

To provide better management services resulting from a balanced integration of traffic education, engineering and enforcement services.

Solid Waste Management Office

To promote door to door garbage collection in all LGUs of Metro Manila as a means to achieve litter-free, garbage-free streets, sidewalks, vacant lots and waterways and as a tool in advancing proper collection of recyclable materials thereby reducing the amount of solid waste that would require land filling to the final disposal facilities that MMDA assures to provide.

Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office

To prevent flooding in Metro Manila and to make all roads flood-free and passable to all types of vehicles and pedestrians at all times.

Health, Public Safety and Environmental Protection Office

To safeguard the health and sanitation of the region, enhance ecological balance and prevent, control and abate environmental pollution. To continuously implement programs, policies and procedures to achieve public safety, especially disaster preparedness for preventive or rescue operations during times of calamities and disasters.

MMDA Functions

More than its role in transport and traffic management, the MMDA also has functions in solid waste disposal and management, flood control programs, health and sanitation programs, and public safety programs, such as disaster relief operations.

Section 5 of RA No. 7924 enumerates the “Functions and Powers of the Metro Manila Development Authority” as follows:

To formulate, coordinate, and regulate the implementation of medium and long term plans and programs within Metropolitan Manila for the following:
- delivery of metro-wide services,
- land use
- physical development
Prepare, coordinate and regulate the implementation and government services related to medium term investment programs, sources, including fund use, packaging, and presentation of products to funding institutions metro-wide;
Undertake and manage on its own metro-wide programs and projects for the delivery of specific services under its jurisdiction subject to the approval of the Council.
To create appropriate project management offices;
Coordinate and monitor the implementation of plans, programs and projects in Metro Manila;
Identify bottlenecks and adopt solutions to problems of implementation; and
To set the policies concerning traffic in Metropolitan Manila,
To coordinate and regulate the implementation of all programs and projects concerning traffic management specifically pertaining to enforcement, engineering and education.
To extend assistance and cooperation to traffic management programs and projects, including but not limited to, assignment of personnel, by all other government agencies and offices concerned.
To install and administer a single ticketing system,
To fix, impose and collect fines and penalties for all kinds of violations of traffic rules and regulations, whether moving or non-moving in nature
To confiscate and suspend or revoke driver’s licenses in the enforcement of such traffic laws and regulations, notwithstanding the provisions of RA 4136 and PD 1605 to the contrary
To enforce all traffic laws and regulations in Metro Manila, through its traffic operation center.
To deputize members of the PNP, traffic enforcers of local government units, duly licensed security guards or members of non-governmental organizations to enforce all traffic laws and regulations in Metro Manila, subject to conditions and requirements.
Perform other related functions required to achieve the objectives of the MMDA, including the following:
- the undertaking of delivery of basic services to the local government units when deemed necessary, subject to prior coordination with and consent of the local government unit concerned.

Institutional Linkages of the MMDA

The MMDA shall, in carrying out its functions, consult, coordinate, enter into contracts, memorandum of agreement, and other cooperative arrangements, and work closely with the following institutions:

Local Government Units (LGUs),
National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) – for integration into the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDD) and public investment program
Department of Finance – to interface with the foreign assistance agencies and obtain financing support, grants, and donations for its programs and projects
Other national government agencies
- Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage (MWSS)
- Department of Transportation (DOTr)
- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
- Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC)
- Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)
Accredited people’s organizations (POs)
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and
Private sector operating in Metro Manila

Scope of Services

The charter documents for the MMDA also details the scope of the metro-wide services it offers. These services are divided under different fields of jurisdiction, though all of them are expected to have metro-wide impact, transcend legal political boundaries, and entail huge expenditures such that it isn’t a viable service that individual local government units (LGUs) can provide.

These services shall include:

Development Planning

preparation of medium and long term development plans
the development, evaluation, and packaging of projects
investment programming
coordination of plans
monitoring of plans
program and project implementation

Transport and Traffic Management

formulation, coordination and monitoring of policies for safe and convenient movement of persons, goods
formulation, coordination and monitoring of standards for safe and convenient movement of persons, goods
formulation, coordination and monitoring of programs and projects for safe and convenient movement of persons, goods
rationalizing the existing transport operations, infrastructure requirements, the use of thoroughfares
promotion of for safe and convenient movement of persons, goods
provision for the mass transport system and the institution of a system to regulate road users
administration and implementation of all traffic enforcement operations, including the institution of a single ticketing system
administration and implementation of all traffic engineering services
administration and implementation of all traffic education programs

Solid Waste Disposal and Management

formulation, coordination and monitoring of policies for proper sanitation and waste disposal
formulation, coordination and monitoring of standards for proper sanitation and waste disposal
formulation, coordination and monitoring of programs and projects for proper sanitation and waste disposal
establishment and operation of sanitary landfill and related facilities
implementation of other alternative programs intended to reduce, reuse, and recycle solid waste

Flood Control and Sewerage Management

formulation, coordination and monitoring of policies for an integrated flood control, drainage and sewerage system
formulation, coordination and monitoring of standards for an integrated flood control, drainage and sewerage system
formulation, coordination and monitoring of programs and projects for an integrated flood control, drainage and sewerage system

Urban Renewal, Zoning and Land Use Planning and Shelter Services

formulation, adoption and implementation of policies to rationalize and optimize urban land use and provide direction to urban growth and expansion
formulation, adoption and implementation of standards to rationalize and optimize urban land use and provide direction to urban growth and expansion
formulation, adoption and implementation of rules and regulations to rationalize and optimize urban land use and provide direction to urban growth and expansion
formulation, adoption and implementation of programs and projects to rationalize and optimize urban land use and provide direction to urban growth
expansion, rehabilitation and development of slum and blighted areas
development of shelter and housing facilities, and
provision of necessary social services.

Health and Sanitation, Urban Protection and Pollution Control

formulation, adoption and implementation of policies for the promotion and safeguarding of the health and sanitation
formulation, adoption and implementation of rules and regulations for the promotion and safeguarding of the health and sanitation
formulation, adoption and implementation of standards for the promotion and safeguarding of the health and sanitation
formulation, adoption and implementation of programs and projects for the promotion and safeguarding of the health and sanitation
enhancement of ecological balance
prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution

Public Safety

formulation, adoption and implementation of policies to achieve public safety
formulation, adoption and implementation of rules and regulations to achieve public safety
formulation, adoption and implementation of standards to achieve public safety
formulation, adoption and implementation of programs and projects to achieve public safety
To promote preparedness for preventive or rescue operations during times of calamities and disasters such as conflagrations, earthquake, flood and tidal waves
coordination and mobilization of resources, and
implementation for rehabilitation and relief operations in coordination with national agencies concerned

MMDA Projects

Some of the current projects undertaken by the MMDA include:

MMDA-Sesame Workshop

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in partnership with Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind the iconic television series, Sesame Street, have signed a three-year partnership to teach children about road safety, waste management, and public safety. The event was graced by Sesame Street characters Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and their friends.

MM Flood Management

The Metro Manila Flood Management Project refers to the Metro Manila Flood Management Master Plan designed to reduce vulnerability to and to strengthen resilience against floods. It specifically addresses the structural measures to improve urban drainage in Metro Manila through the following set of interventions:

to modernize existing pumping stations and make improvements to appurtenant infrastructure;
construct new pumping stations to accommodate urban expansion;
increase short-term water retention capacity in the drainage areas;
reduce the volume of indiscriminately dumped solid waste into waterways; and
support community-driven resettlement of Informal Settler Families (ISF) encroaching in easements for drains and waterways linked to the project pumping stations to safer in-city locations.

MMDA-The Union Project: “Intensified Enforcement of Smoke Free Environment Policy in Metropolitan Manila”

MMDA is a recipient of a grant from The International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, a not-for-profit scientific organization working in the field of lung health worldwide, to ensure the enforcement of local issuances related to the reduction of tobacco use in Metro Manila. The project is managed by the Health, Public Safety and Environmental Protection Office, with The Union Project Management Team and is designed to do the following:

disseminate information
provide education
run communication campaigns
propose advocacy
support policy development,
implement and enforce tobacco control
ensure that Smoke Free Environment policy is put into effect and sustained in the cities

Development Planning: The MRT 7 Extension Project

The MRT 7 Extension project was endorsed by the Regional Development Council for National Capital Region (RDC-NCR) Infrastructure Committee to the RDC-NCR Proper to develop and construct a 22-kilometer, six-lane asphalt road that will connect the North Luzon Expressway to Tala, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. It will run in a northeast direction traversing Quezon City and part of Caloocan City and ending at San Jose del Monte, Bulacan and will have fourteen (14) MRT-7 stations along the road which will be operated by the Universal LRT Corporation (ULC) under a Built-Gradual Transfer-Operate-and- Maintain Scheme.

Pahayagan ng Bayan

The Pahayagan ng Bayan is a public service announcement tool of the Agency where advertising collaterals of events, projects and activities of various national and local government units in Metro Manila as well as non-government or civic organizations are posted. These are steel pylons, measuring 20 ft. high and 6 ft. wide, strategically-placed on different areas in Metro Manila. These ad spaces are under the use, maintenance, and supervision of the Public Information Office of the MMDA.

For a complete list of other MMDA Infra-projects, please check this link here: https://mmda.gov.ph/images/pdf/Home/metromanila77infraprojects.pdf

Sources of Funds and the Operating Budget of MMDA

Upon establishment, the MMDA was allotted a one billion peso (PI ,000,000,000)-budget. To date, the MMDA continues to receive the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) allocated to them.

Other source of funds for MMDA include:

Levy fines
Imposed fees and charges for various services rendered
Five percent (5%) of the total annual gross revenue of the preceding year, net of the internal revenue allotment, of each local government unit payable monthly to the MMDA by each city or municipality.

Note: In case of failure to remit the said fixed contribution, the DBM shall cause the disbursement of the same to MMDA chargeable against the IRA allotment of the city or municipality concerned, the provisions of Section 286 of RA 7160 to the contrary notwithstanding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For your reference, here are some common questions and answers regarding the MMDA:

1. Is MMDA for Manila only?

No. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is a development authority of the Philippine government responsible for the cities and municipalities within the special administrative region of Metro Manila and not just Manila City.

2. What cities are under the MMDA?

The MMDA has jurisdiction over the sixteen (16) highly urbanized cities (HUCs) in Metro Manila, including the City of Manila, Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, and Valenzuela. It also covers one municipality within NCR: Pateros.

3. What is MMDA responsible for?

The MMDA is tasked with transport and traffic management, urban renewal direction, “blighted” slum area rehabilitation, and city diversity progression. These tasks also involved the MMDA in various medium and long-term development projects together with other sectors and government offices on multiple fronts.

4. Does MMDA have police power?

No. The MMDA is not vested with police power. According to the Republic Act No. 7924 which created the MMDA, the MMDA is not to have police power, let alone legislative power, and that all its functions are administrative in nature.

5. Is MMDA deputized by LTO?

Yes. Based on LTO guidelines, active members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and local government units occupying permanent position items and whose work assignments are directly related to traffic management and control can be deputized by the LTO. That said MMDA enforcers may be deputized by the LTO, though that isn’t the only responsibility that the MMDA has.

6. What happens if you ignore MMDA?

Ever heard of the saying, “You can run but you can’t hide?” Well, the same rings true for MMDA. If you try to run away from the MMDA traffic enforcers, if you can even succeed in doing so, the MMDA will simply seek the help of the Philippine National Police’s Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG). You will still be apprehended at the end of the day and the running may even cost you more problems than it’s worth.

7. Can MMDA take your license?

It depends. In the past, MMDA traffic enforcers could confiscate driver’s license, but with the new Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) single ticketing system (STS), traffic enforcers in Metro Manila can no longer do so, except in certain cases.

Summary

While the MMDA is best known for its role in managing traffic, it has a host of other responsibilities aside from its role in catching traffic violators or clearing side streets to improve the flow of traffic. In fact, the MMDA also helps in solid waste disposal and management, flood control programs, health and sanitation programs, and public safety programs, such as disaster relief operations. The MMDA also coordinates services with metro-wide impact especially those that transcend local political boundaries or would entail huge expenditures if provided by the individual LGUs. However, the MMDA capacity has its limitations, including its inability to enact ordinances. It is important to note that the MMDA is authorized by law to enforce a valid law, or ordinance, or regulation arising from a real legitimate source other than itself.

Contact Information

For more information or for other concerns, you may reach out to the MMDA directly, via the following contact information:

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)—Office of the Chairman

Office Address: MMDA Bldg., EDSA cor. Orense St., Guadalupe, Makati City
Tel. No.: 882-0854; 882-0893; 882-0871; 882-2646
Contact Person: Atty. Romando S. Artes, Acting Chairman
Phone Number: 8898-4200 Local : 1901

What is LTFRB? Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board

Ensuring the maintenance of good road conditions, having visible street signs, and regulating and penalizing traffic violations are just some of the things the government needs to do to help ensure road users in the Philippines are safe. Fortunately, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has help from multiple government agencies, including but not limited to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), among others.

As one of the many agencies attached to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) was officially established on June 19, 1987 to promulgate, administer, enforce, and monitor the compliance of policies, laws, and regulations of public land transportation services. As an agency, it has gone through a series of transformations, from being before it evolved into the LTFRB as we know it right now.

What is the LTFRB Philippines

The LTFRB stands for the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. It is an agency of the Philippine government tasked with overseeing all vehicles used for public conveyance. The agency also takes care of the issuance of certificates of public convenience (CPCs) and regulation and adjustment of fares and routes or areas of operations for all public land transportation services—from jeeps, taxis, and buses—as well as the new transport network vehicle services like Grab.

Aside from these, the LTFRB is also the agency in-charge of entertaining and addressing complaints against public transport drivers. In cases of violations or accidents involving public transport vehicles, then it is the LTFRB who mete out penalties, cancels franchises, and revokes driver’s licenses as needed.

LTFRB History

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has a long history dating back to the early 1900s. It started out as the Coastwise Rate Commission, a commission in charge of classifying vessels, merchandise, and passengers and fixing the maximum rates to be imposed on the vessels and merchandise of different classes, and people that are being moved from one point to another. Since then, it has gone through different transformations, starting from becoming the Board of Public Utility Commissioners in 1913 to becoming the Public Service Commission in 1926. Later, it became the Land Transportation Commission and then the

Bureau of Land Transportation, before becoming the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) office as we know it.

LTFRB Scope of Service

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is an agency of the people, just like the rest of the organizations nationwide. However, they primarily serve workers dealing with the following public vehicles:

Public Utility Buses (PUBs)

Mini-buses

Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs)

Utility Vehicle (UV) Express Services

Filcab service

school services

taxies

Transportation Network Vehicle Services (TNVS), and

Tourist Transport Services.

Mission, Vision, and Mandate

Like any other organization, the operations and the execution of the mandate of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is guided by the following mission and vision.

Mission

The LTFRB operates to ensure that the commuting public has adequate, safe, convenient, environment-friendly and dependable public land transportation services at reasonable rates. This, they do by implementing land-based transportation policies, programs, and projects that are responsive to an investment-led and demand-driven industry.

Vision

The agency looks forward to offering world-class land transportation services which will contribute to the overall development of the country, improvement of the socio-economic status of its stakeholders, and the promotion of the welfare of the general public.

Mandate

To achieve such a goal, the agency promulgates, administers, enforces, and monitors compliance of policies, laws, and regulations of public land transportation services.

LTFRB Functions

According to Section 17 (a) of the Public Service Act, the Commission, now known as the LTFRB, shall have power to require any public service to furnish safe, adequate and efficient service as the public interest may required and warrant; to enforce compliance with any standard rules, regulations, order or other requirements of this Act of the Commission, without previous hearing subject to established limitation and exceptions.

The agency was designed to operate with the following functions:

To prescribe and regulate routes of service, economically viable capacities and zones or areas of operation of public land transportation services provided by motorized vehicles in accordance with the public land transportation development plans and programs approved by the Department of Transportation (DOTr);

To issue, amend, revise, suspend or cancel Certificates of Public Convenience or permits authorizing the operation of public land transportation services provided by motorized vehicles, and to prescribe the appropriate terms and conditions therefore;

To determine, prescribe and approve and periodically review and adjust, reasonable fares, rates and other related charges, relative to the operation of public land transportation services provided by motorized vehicles;

To conduct investigations and hearings of complaints for violation of the public service laws on land transportation and of the Board’s rules and regulations, orders, decisions and/or rulings and to impose fines and/or penalties for such violations;

To issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum and summon witnesses to appear in any proceedings of the Board, to administer oaths and affirmations;

To issue preliminary or permanent injunction, whether prohibitory or mandatory, in all cases in which it has jurisdiction, and in which cases the pertinent provisions of the Rules of Court shall apply;

To punish for contempt of the Board, both direct and indirect, in accordance with the pertinent provisions of, and the penalties prescribed by, the Rules of Court;

To review motu proprio the decisions/actions of the Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office herein created;

To promulgate rules and regulations governing proceedings before the Board and the Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office: Provided, that except with respect to the other terms and conditions stated hereof, the rules of procedure and evidence prevailing in the courts of laws should not be controlling and it is the spirit and intention of said rules that the Board and the Regional Franchising and Regulatory Offices shall use every and all reasonable means to ascertain facts in its case speedily and objectively and without regard to technicalities of law and procedures, all in the interest of due process;

To fix, impose and collect, and periodically review and adjust, reasonable fees and other related charges for services rendered;

To formulate, promulgate, administer, implement and enforce rules and regulations on land transportation public utilities, standards of measurements and/or design, and rules and regulations requiring operators of any public land transportation service to equip, install and provide in their utilities and in their stations such devices, equipment facilities and operating procedures and techniques as may promote safety, protection, comfort and convenience to persons and property in their charges as well as the safety of persons and property within their areas of operations;

To coordinate and cooperate with other government agencies and entities concerned with any aspect involving public land transportation services with the end in view of effecting continuing improvement of such services; and

To perform such other functions and duties as may be provided by law, or as may be necessary, or proper or incidental to the purposes and objectives of this Executive Order.

To ensure that vehicles to be utilized for public convenience are roadworthy and properly maintained to enable the public utility operator to provide safe, reliable, comfortable and efficient service.

To ensure that The public utility operator assumes the responsibility for providing and maintaining safe, reliable and efficient service. On the other hand, the government shall allow only those vehicles that meet established physical, technical and service standards to operate.

Initiatives, Projects, and Services

Some of the LTFRB’s projects and services include:

Pantawid Pasada Program (PPP) or Fuel Subsidy (FS) Card under the Fuel Subsidy Program (FSP)

This is a relatively new project of the LTFRB designed to help support the operators and drivers of the public transport sector nationwide in face of the continuous oil hike.

Some of the eligible beneficiaries and the equivalent subsidy they can receive from the program include:

P 10,000.00

Modernized Public Utility Jeepney (MPUJ)

Modernized Utility Vehicle Express (MUVE)

P 6,500.00

Traditional Public Utility Jeepney (TPUJ)

Traditional Utility Vehicle Express (TUVE)

Public Utility Bus (PUB)

Minibuses (MB)

Taxis

Shuttle Transport Services (SHT)

Transportation Network Vehicle Services (TNVS)

Tourist Transport Services (TTS)

School Transport Services (STS)

Filcabs

P 1,200.00

Delivery Services

P 1,000.00

Tricycles

If you are an operator of any of the above-mentioned public transport service and you have a valid Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) or Provisional Authority (PA), you can receive the said subsidy through any of the following:

Existing and Valid Pantawid Pasada Program (PPP) Card;

Existing and Valid Fuel Subsidy (FS) Card; or

Bank Account

Simply contact the LTFRB Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office (RFRO) to check when your PPP o FS Card is available.

PUV Modernization

In June 2017, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) issued the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) or Omnibus Guidelines on the Planning and Identification of Public Road Transportation Services and Franchise Insurance under the Department Order No. 2017-011.

The PUVMP is a hallmark program designed to restructure, modernize, and employ a well-managed and environmentally sustainable transport sector while ensuring that drivers and operators have stable and sufficient livelihood and that commuters get to commute swiftly, safely, and comfortably. It is considered to be revolutionary in terms of road-based public land transportation and is supposed to steer the country to having an improved riding experience that will benefit generations of Filipino passengers.

The basics of the PUVMP are as follows:

The basic policy starts with the DOTr reducing the reliance on the use of private vehicles by promotion of mobility solutions and high-quality and environmentally-sound transportation systems prioritizing the movement of people and goods over vehicles.

The department needs to disseminate, administer, and oversee the compliance of public land transportation policies, laws, and regulations which promote the basic human need for mobility.

LTFRB needs to support and reinforce the operators and establish a bigger and coordinated fleet of PUVs.

The LTFRB also has to incentivize or prioritize the operators with larger fleets of PUVs with higher passenger capacity.

The program also offers a special loan program with coordination with Land Bank and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) to help soften the impact and accommodate the small operators who will be affected by the PUVMP.

Various training and social programs shall be given under this program.

EnTsuperneur Program

The EnTsuperneur Program is a livelihood project jointly carried out by the LTFRB and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The program was designed to serve as the social support component of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). It’s meant to offer additional income to former drivers and operators who were affected by the PUVMP.

Public Utility Drivers Academy Program

The Public Utility Drivers Academy Program is a free seminar designed by the LTFRB, LTO, University of the Philippines, and De La Salle University. It aims to inform and educate drivers of the basics of road safety, driving courtesy, and traffic regulations and regulations. The seminar is composed of four core modules, namely:

anger management

road courtesy

traffic rules, and

terms and conditions of a franchise

Fare rates

The LTFRB is the premiere agency in charge of regulating fares of public vehicles. In 2003, LTFRB granted a 20% fare discount to senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWD) and students to give their needs the utmost priority.

Oplan Balik Eskwela Program

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) offers a 20% discount in fares for students who take the public ride, regardless if it’s a holiday, a weekend, or during vacation in accordance with Republic Act 11314.

Anti-colorum campaign

The LTFRB also established the colorum violation to stop the colorum—unauthorized—public utility vehicles from operation. The LTFRB’s anti-colorum campaign involves the following;

conduct anti-colorum operations more effectively by increasing the presence of intelligence in communities.

The public may engage in the efforts by reporting colorum vehicles on the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic Facebook page.

Regulation of Transport Network Companies (TNCs) and Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS)

The LTFRB is also in charge of ensuring that only those with franchises can operate as a public vehicle. The agency also supervises and regulates ride sharing and imposes punishment for those vehicles illegally operating as a public vehicle without a franchise. This covers both the TNVS and TNCs.

Some of the other services offered by the LTFRB under this program include:

regulating fares of TNVS

application and approval/denial of franchise

setting of fares, routes, and operating conditions

imposition of fines and suspension and

cancellation of franchise

issuance of permits to TNVS drivers – including the provisional authority (PA), the temporary permit valid for 45 days, and the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) franchise which is valid for a year

Other Services

Other services offered by the agency include:

Franchise Verification

Any person who intends to check the details and status of a franchise can go to the LTFRB.

Issuance of Special Permit

Any holder of Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) who intends to request permission to make trips outside of the authorized route for purposes of excursions, educational trips, outings, retreat, or the like may get a special permit from the agency.

Consolidation of case assignment

The agency also serves CPC holders who intend to apply for a single case number assignment (consolidated cases) of their CPC’s having identical or parallel routes or common area of operation per franchise.

Extension of CPC Validity

The LTFRB allows extension of CPC validity to CPC holders who intend to extend the validity of their expiring or expired CPC. Operators can already apply for this service one year prior to expiration of their CPC.

Confirmation of Unit registrations

Any holder of CPC who intends to have the authorized unit confirmed for the annual registration with the Land Transportation Office.

Provisional Authority

A provisional remedy to any person who intends to operate their unit/s while their franchise applications are pending with the agency.

Motion for Relief

Any person who intends to ask for relief from the assailed decision or order.

CPC holder who intends to register a new unit in lieu of the authorized unit that is not yet registered.

Extension of Validity w/ Dropping and Substitution

Holder of CPC who intends to drop an authorized unit and substitute it with a new unit.

Dropping of Unit

CPC holder or any vendee who intends to drop an authorized unit.

Dropping and Substitution of Unit

Holder of CPC who intends to drop an authorized unit and substitute it with a new unit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For your reference, here are some common questions and answers regarding the LTFRB:

1. What is the difference between the LTO and the LTFRB?

Currently, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is in charge of overseeing private cars in the country, while the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is responsible for public vehicles.

2. Is there a person I can reach out to if I have complaints or concerns?

Yes. You may contact the LTFRB Public Assistance Complaint Desk (PACD) via the following contact:

Summary

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) serves as part of the numerous agencies working with the Department of Transportation (DOTr). These agencies ensure that the roads remain safe both for the drivers, operators, passengers, and pedestrians, through the regulation of drivers and vehicles and their licenses and if they will be allowed on the roads. The LTFRB also mete out penalties, cancels franchises, revokes driver’s licenses, and carry out various programs and services to those who need them.

Contact Information

For more information, you may contact the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) via the following:

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)
Office Address: LTFRB Central Office, Brgy. Pinyahan, East Avenue, Quezon City
Email Address: pacd@ltfrb.gov.ph, complaints@ltfrb.gov.ph
Facebook: fb.com/ltfrb.central.ph
24/7 Hotline: 1342

What is OTC? Office of Transportation Cooperatives

Along with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the other agencies attached to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) support the land transport sector and the jeepney drivers in particular.

The idea for the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) was born in 1973, when the threat of an oil crisis loomed over the land transport sector. The government thought it was a good idea to organize the main stakeholders and the biggest losers in the oil crisis—the jeepney drivers and operators—into cooperatives, making them co-owners of the business, allowing them to own bigger units, get loans, and receive incentives, while making them a priority in the granting of permits and franchises.

Table of Contents

What is the OTC?

The OTC stands for the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC), an attached agency of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) tasked with administering and managing the promulgation and implementation of rules and regulations related to the promotion, organization, registration, accreditation, supervision, and development of the transportation cooperatives nationwide. It was officially created in May 1983 pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 898, even though the original conception was a decade earlier.

Objective

The OTC started out as a ten-member committee that established as many as 11 cooperatives in Metro Manila in its first year. The goal was to direct these cooperative organizations and its systems toward the following:

The integration and rationalization of the public transit and transport system in order to effect economy and efficiency in the movement of passengers and goods,

The amelioration of the social and economic conditions of public utility vehicle drivers, and

The mitigation of the effects of a serious and impending shortage of energy.

Mission, Vision, and Mandate

As a government agency, the OTC operates and carry out its mandate under the guidelines of the following mission and vision:

Mission

To facilitate the transformation of Transport Cooperatives to become highly competitive transport and business organizations through genuine operation.

Vision

By 2040, the OTC visualizes a number of established transport cooperatives enjoying sustainable income and improved quality of life for its members. By then, the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) shall have become a dynamic and responsive government agency providing guidance and sound management, for transport cooperatives to experience increased and sustainable income and social benefits, through the effective and efficient provision of integrated public transport service systems.

Mandate

This mission and vision is what guides the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) as it commits to carry out its mandate as follows:

To promulgate and implement rules and regulations over the public transport service systems

To govern the promotion, organization, regulation, supervision, and development of transportation cooperatives.

To encourage the conversion of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA) into Transport Service Cooperatives (TSCs).

To gear up the transportation cooperatives system towards maximum integration of the public transport system; and

To generally uplift the socio-economic condition of the public utility system and the public utility transport workers, particularly the drivers.

Services Offered

To this end, the OTC offers the following services to both individual and organized groups of operators and drivers in the public transport service system:

Capacity Building Programs

Cooperative Education and Transport Operations Seminar (CETOS)

Cooperative Education and Transport Operations Seminar (CETOS) is a free primary and continuing educational course requirement for new and old members of transport service cooperatives (TSCs) designed to provide basic orientation and appreciation on how TSCs should function/operate as business enterprises and service providers. It also explains the basics of transportation service cooperatives concepts and practices, identifies the legal underpinnings of cooperatives and transport service operations, and highlights the significance of the members’ participation/involvement as a key playing tool in realizing the cooperative’s socio-economic objectives.

There are two types of CETOS offered by the OTC:

OTC-Initiated Activity

OTC is regularly conducting scheduled CETOS activities. This happens every Thursday at its Conference Room on the 2^nd floor of 1184 Ben-Lor Building, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City.

For more information, interested TSCs may inquire/confirm attendees/participants by contacting the following:

OTC Operations Division

Office Address:2^nd floor of 1184 Ben-Lor Building, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City

Contact person: Ms. Emma M. Tagadtad or Mr. Darwin M. Tan

Contact number: 8332-9312

TSC-Initiated Activity

TSC may also request for the conduct of CETOS in their area. They just need to submit the following at least fifteen (15) days prior to the activity:

a request-letter addressed to the Office of the Chairman

the proposed date of activity

venue details

number of attendees (minimum of 30, maximum of 50), and

request for OTC speaker

TC Assess and Assist Program

TC Assess and Assist Program (Inspection & Monitoring)

Under this program, the OTC adopts the appreciative and positive-inquiry approach to ensure the TSCs’ compliance with the set rules, requirements and standards on transport and cooperative concerns. It also highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the TSCs by providing both commending and recommending statements to recognize accomplishments and determine needed actions to be taken through the following activities:

assessment of the transport service Cooperatives’ administrative and operational records

conduct of interview of officer/staff to gather diagnostic inputs

other observations/verification activities with the primary goal of instituting appropriate technical guidance, assistance and coaching engagements.

Technical Development Assistance Services

Endorsement of Franchise & Other Transport Related Transactions

This involves pre-evaluation of TSC documents/other requisites, provision of technical assistance related to the procedures and requirements, OTC validation and recommendation of TSC applications/proposals to concerned governing partner agencies (e.g. DOTr, LTFRB, MARINA) related to the following franchise and other transport operations:

applications for certificate of public convenience (CPC)

dropping and substitution of units

CPC extension of validity

franchise consolidation

route opening/modification

change of motor/chassis, etc.

Financial Management Assistance (FMA) Services

This entails providing orientation, guidance, and coaching activities to TSCs for the following purposes:

establishing appropriate books of accounts

accounting procedures and other financial related aspects/concerns.

For concerned TSC officers/staff: orientation on related rules/regulations

identifying training/educational support; and

monitoring progress/compliance with the rendered proposals/advice

TSC Pre-Accreditation Services

This involves OTC engaging the TSC organizing proponents/applicants and providing them with technical assistance/guidance in the preparation of related documents, orientation on registration/accreditation requirements and identifying the needed supporting actions to be taken. This includes issuance of endorsements for the registration of the transport cooperatives to the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).

Other TDA Services

OTC is engage in providing other types/methods of technical assistance for its accredited TSCs to address relevant issues/concerns/needs not limited to the following:

Business/Socio-Economic Project Evaluation, Assessment and Endorsement

pre-evaluation of project proposals

rendering guidance in the preparation of business plan

providing recommendations to improve project schemes

endorsing the propositions to appropriate government/non-government entities (if requested/required).

Research and Special Studies

conduct of research activities and/or studies for TSCs in aid of policy formulation

conduct of research activities and/or studies for TSCs in aid of project development

TSC Counseling/Mentoring

accommodating and addressing other concerns, issues and matters referred to OTC for some technical advice and guidance.

Other TSC Engagement

engaging, participating and/or initiating activities

observation of the proceedings of the TSC General Assembly Meetings

consultation, dialogue, forum, focus group discussion, workshop sessions in aid of program promotion and development

consultation, dialogue, forum, focus group discussion, workshop sessions in aid of policy promotion and development

consultation, dialogue, forum, focus group discussion, workshop sessions in aid of advocacy promotion and development

Citizen Charter

Aside from the regular TSCs’ compliance with the set rules, requirements and standards on transport and cooperative concerns

Application for Endorsement to CDA

Application for Accreditation

Training Request

Issuance of Certificate of Good Standing

Endorsement to Transport Service Cooperative Business Proposal

Endorsement to LTFRB – Application for Consolidation of Individual Franchise into Cooperative Franchise

Endorsement to LTFRB – Application for Certificate of Public Convenience

Endorsement to LTFRB – Application for Extension of Validity

Endorsement to LTFRB – Application for Voluntary Dropping and Substitution of Units

Endorsement to LTFRB – Application for Involuntary Dropping and Substitution of Units

Endorsement to LTFRB – Endorsement to concerned National Government Agencies, NGO, and LGU

Online Services

Online Koopihan

Online CETOS

Online Board Meetings & continuous TC accreditation

Continuous coordination with CDA to improve transport cooperative registration and accreditation process

Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) Launching Events

Libreng Sakay Program in coordination with DOTr and TCs

TCTV Webinar Series in partnership with Pag-IBIG Fund and Department of Trade and Industry – Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (DTI BSMED)

TCTV with Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP)

Important Reminders

For your reference, here are some important reminders you need to take note of:

The OTC took at least 10 years after its conception and before it was officially established in the Philippines.

It was originally established to protect the most vulnerable sectors of public transport right before the threat of an oil crisis becomes a reality.

The OTC can be considered a standalone government agency, though it serves as an agency attached to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Like any other government offices, you will need to wear proper attire if you ever need to visit the OTC office.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has designated the head of the Operations Division of the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) as the Officer-In-Charge of the agency that is attached with DOTr.

The CETOS is free of charge. That said, no compensation or other fees need to be paid to take it.

Video: Benefits of Joining a Transport Cooperative

In this explainer video posted by the Office of Transportation Cooperatives, you can learn more about the benefits that drivers and operators can get from joining a transportation cooperative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For more information, here are some common questions and answers related to the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC):

1. What is the difference between the Cooperatives Development Authority (CDA) and the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC)?

While the CDA provides necessary technical and professional assistance to ensure the promotion, organization, accreditation, viability, growth, and development of cooperatives with special concern for those related to agrarian reform, fishery and economically depressed sectors, the OTC is one designed to do the same only for the transportation cooperatives.

2. What is the function of the Office of Transportation Cooperatives?

The Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) is an office designed to promulgate and implement rules and regulations to govern the promotion, organization, regulation, supervision, and development of transportation cooperatives.

3. What is the legal basis for the operations of the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC)?

The Office of Transportation Cooperatives was established and to date keeps operating to serve its mandate to its full potential due to the following:

Executive Order No. 898 (May 28, 1983) created the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) to promote the growth and development of transportation cooperatives.

Presidential Memorandum Order No. 116 (September 15, 2003) directed the OTC, as lead agency, to enhance and intensify the voluntary conversion of tricycle operation/associations into transport service cooperatives.

4. What is CETOS?

CETOS stands for the Cooperative Education and Transport Operations Seminar (CETOS). It is a primary and continuing educational course requirement for new and old members of transport service cooperatives (TSCs) designed to provide basic orientation and appreciation on how TSCs should function/operate as business enterprises and service providers. It also explains the basics of transportation service cooperatives concepts and practices, identifies the legal underpinnings of cooperatives and transport service operations, and highlights the significance of the members’ participation/involvement as a key playing tool in realizing the cooperative’s socio-economic objectives. It comes in two different types: The OTC-initiated CETOS and the TSC_initiated CETOS and are now also available online, courtesy of the restrictions brought by the health crisis.

5. Is CETOS free of charge?

Yes. CETOS is free. Anyone who collects compensation or fees of any kind must be reported to the OTC.

Summary

The Office of Transportation Cooperatives is an agency of the Philippine government attached to the Department of Transportation (DOTr). It was originally created to counter the potential damage of a looming oil crisis and mitigate the effects on the most vulnerable of the public transport service sector – the drivers and the operators.

Contact Information

For more information, you may also reach out to the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) via the following contact information:

Office of Transportation Cooperatives

Office Address: 5th Floor Ben-Lor Building, Barangay Paligsahan, 1184 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City 1103

Telephone Nos.: (02) 8332-93-11 / 8332-933-12 / 8332-9313 / 8332-9315

Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/DOTC.OTC/

Email Address: official@otc.gov.ph