By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz/Philippine News Agency
MANILA— Malacañang on Friday belied the existence of a memorandum ordering the no-contact apprehension of illegal transport network vehicle services (TNVS) drivers or operators.
“The Office of the President advises the public that Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea has not signed or caused the release of a particular document, which is labeled as Memorandum No. 636, purportedly adopting a no-contact apprehension for (TNVS) drivers or operators,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement on Friday.
In a text message, Mark de Leon, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure, also confirmed that the memorandum, which made the rounds of social media, is bogus.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chair Martin Delgra III earlier said “colorum” (unregistered) TNVS drivers and operators will still be apprehended by traffic enforcers after the TNVS community complained of the difficulties TNVS operators face in securing documents for their legitimate operation.
He said giving an exception to the TNVS community may force the LTFRB to give immunity, as well to other public transport sectors.
He, however, vowed that concerns of the TNVS groups will be discussed further by the LTFRB.
“The issue that was raised is valid, and that is precisely why kailangan pag-usapan (it needs to discussed). Rest assured that we will address this,” Delgra said.
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