MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ramped up its nationwide enforcement operations against privately owned vehicles, trucks, and vans offering unauthorized logistics and delivery services for online shopping applications and social media marketplaces without proper government permits.
The regulatory crackdown comes in response to grievances raised by compliant transport operators concerning the proliferation of illegal or “colorum” transport providers infiltrating the e-commerce delivery market.
Acting LTFRB Chairman Greg Pua Jr. stated that the board’s inquiries verified that various private vehicle owners were unlawfully offering transport services to digital shopping sites and e-commerce platforms absent the mandatory government authorization.
“This is a fair warning to all those involved in this modus. We have already started our operations against you in coordination with law enforcement agencies. Your only options so far are to stop or get the necessary permit for your operation,” Pua stated.
Pua noted that these unauthorized entities create an uneven playing field that penalizes legal businesses abiding by state regulations and paying proper dues. He emphasized that enforcing standard rules is vital to preserving fairness and upholding legal order throughout the transport sector.
Furthermore, Pua highlighted that securing a valid Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) or similar authorization from the agency goes past mere bureaucratic compliance, functioning as a safeguard for public safety.
Commercial transport units are required to pass formal inspections to verify their roadworthiness.
“Our Law Enforcement Unit was already tasked to intensify its anti-colorum operations nationwide, particularly against private motor vehicles engaged in unauthorized Truck-for-Hire Services which cater the online e-commerce marketplaces and shopping platforms,” Pua added.
The LTFRB head cautioned that caught offenders operating without licenses risk vehicle impoundment alongside heavy penalties reaching up to ₱200,000 per unit.
Additionally, Pua referenced the Public Service Act, modified via Republic Act No. 11659, reminding operators that these services must strictly follow Filipino equity guidelines matching the constitutional 60%-40% ownership restriction. Violations tied to these legal mandates can result in prison terms lasting from six years and one day to 12 years, monetary fines mounting up to ₱2 million, or both, depending on the specific legal infractions.
The agency’s aggressive sweep intends to curb illegal truck-for-hire operations while compelling all delivery service providers to meet regulatory requirements regarding standard permits, vehicular safety, and lawful business practices.