MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has removed the need for qualified Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) operators to file franchise renewal applications, saying the move is part of efforts to simplify government transactions.
In an advisory, the LTFRB said all valid and subsisting Certificates of Public Convenience (CPCs) for TNVS are automatically converted into five-year Authority to Operate Certificates (ATOCs) under Memorandum Circular 2026-049.
The advisory states that all CPCs authorizing the operation of TNVS that were valid and in effect when the circular took effect would be automatically deemed converted into ATOCs without the need to file an application for renewal or a motion for conversion.
The automatic conversion also applies to CPCs covering authorized units powered by non-internal combustion engine (non-ICE) vehicles.
The LTFRB said operators whose CPCs fell under the covered classification and were nearing expiration were no longer required to apply for renewal because their franchises have been converted into ATOCs by operation of Section 14(a) of the circular.
Operators who want a formal copy of their converted ATOC may file a manifestation with the LTFRB Legal Division or the Legal Section of the Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office with jurisdiction over their application.
The LTFRB said no filing fee would be collected for the manifestation or for the issuance of the converted ATOC.
It clarified, however, that the automatic conversion did not apply to CPCs that had expired with pending renewal applications, or those that had been canceled, revoked, suspended, or had otherwise ceased to be valid before the effectivity of Memorandum Circular 2026-049.
