LTFRB vows crackdown vs falsified documents

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December 23, 2025 | 12:21pm

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a warning to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators against the use of falsified documents.

In a statement on Tuesday, December 22, the LTFRB warned drivers and operators against using fake Provisional Authority (PA) and Certificate of Public Conveyance (CPCs) amid reports of their proliferation, especially in the provinces.

“We have been receiving reports of fake PAs and CPCs and this is actually one of the things that we focused on, including the integration of technology through digitalization aside from aggressive law enforcement that we have been initiating in the past few months,” LTFRB Chairperson Vigor Mendoza said.

The LTFRB said that it has begun coordinating with law enforcement agencies to conduct random document checks on PUVs.

“So we are warning those engaged in this illegal activity to stop and do the right thing. Dahil kapag natyempuhan namin kayo, talagang magsisi kayo dahil katakot-takot na kaso ang isasampa namin sayo,” Mendoza said.

(So we are warning those engaged in this illegal activity to stop and do the right thing. Because if we happen to catch you, you will truly regret it because of the serious cases we will file against you.)

One case cited. The LTFRB cited one case for the use of falsified documents, where a transport company’s Provisional Authority (PA) was exploited by unauthorized vehicle owners for illegal operations.

He noted that the agency’s preliminary probe confirmed the document was a forgery, as the individual who signed it, Joshua Viray, was no longer employed by the board.

Mendoza further asserted that the use of fabricated permits is a graver offense than simple "colorum" operations, as it entails deliberate deception and the criminal falsification of official records.

The LTFRB is currently coordinating with the Department of Justice to intensify anti-colorum measures, including a proposal to allow only courts to release impounded units and the immediate detention of offenders.

For those using forged permits, Mendoza also warned of heightened penalties, stating that the act of falsifying public documents would lead to separate criminal charges on top of standard administrative fines.

“We are now meeting with various stakeholders, including transport groups to intensify the reporting of those using fake PAs and CPCs,” Mendoza said.

“This should be a team effort for the government, the transport sector and stakeholders because what is at stake here is the safety of commuters, the common good of our transportation system and the safety of all road users,” he added.