Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Winston M. Ginez warned ride-hailing application operator Uber that the government will prosecute its drivers should they continue to operate illegally.
Ginez said his men will go after the transport-network company (TNC) soon. He refused to say exactly when.
“It will be a surprise,” he said in a brief interview, refusing to answer further questions. Uber has yet to apply for a license to operate as a TNC.
Lawrence Cua, Uber Manila general manager, earlier said his company is still finalizing the paperworks for his firm’s accreditation.
The Philippines is the first country to legally recognize ride-hailing services. The Department of Transportation and Communications issued a department order in May acknowledging the need for such innovation.
A TNC is an organization that provides prearranged transportation services for compensation using an Internet-based technology application, or a digital platform technology, to connect passengers with drivers
using their personal vehicles.
They will provide the public with online-enabled transportation services, known as Transportation Network Vehicle Service, which will connect drivers with ride-seekers through an app.
In a nutshell, TNCs are companies that partner with private-vehicle owners, or even fleet managers, to provide private taxi services to consumers.