New LTFRB leadership sets out a reform agenda
Newly installed Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chair Vigor F. Mendoza II has laid out a clear mission: accelerate the processing of petitions, motions, and other agency transactions to curb corrupt practices and improve service for the riding public. In a country where delays in routes and public transport approvals can affect livelihoods, Mendoza frames speed and transparency as the antidotes to both inefficiency and malfeasance.
Fast-tracking as a weapon against corruption
Mendoza argued that the best defense against under-the-table deals is a predictable, transparent timeline for every petition and pleading. He noted that the current process often stretches into months, creating opportunities for stakeholders to seek informal favors in exchange for quicker resolutions. By expediting cases, the LTFRB aims to remove the incentive structures that enable corruption and restore trust among operators, drivers, and commuters alike.
Responding to President Marcos’s directive on ease of doing business
The reform drive aligns with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s instruction to implement ease-of-doing-business measures across government agencies. Mendoza emphasized that bureaucratic speed is not merely a convenience but a governance imperative that can reduce red tape, shorten waiting times, and promote fairness in the processing of route applications and other regulatory matters.
Immediate steps and accountability
During a dialogue with transport groups, Mendoza insisted that action must start now. He committed to resolving all pending matters and to prevent recurrence of prolonged petitions, stating that many cases have languished for years, to the detriment of operators and the broader public who rely on reliable, affordable transportation. His target: clear much of the backlog by the third week of November, with a sustained push to ensure that future petitions do not endure unnecessarily long waits.
Engagement with the transport sector
Recognizing the stakes for operators, drivers, and commuters, Mendoza called on the sector to cooperate by listing all pending petitions and pleadings. He urged stakeholders to refrain from “enabling corruption” by submitting illegal or questionable demands and to instead work within a streamlined system designed to deliver timely decisions.
Implications for operators, drivers, and commuters
For operators and drivers, expedited processing can translate into quicker route approvals, better planning for service networks, and more predictable operating costs. For Filipino commuters, the broader impact includes more consistent service levels and enhanced confidence in the regulatory framework that governs public transportation. In sum, a faster LTFRB process, paired with stronger controls, could uplift both the supply side (operators) and the demand side (commuters) of the transport ecosystem.
What success looks like
Success for Mendoza’s initiative will be measured by shorter queue times for petitions, more transparent timelines, and a demonstrable reduction in delays that previously allowed informal pressures to influence decisions. If the targeted November milestone is met and the agency sustains its pace, LTFRB might become a model for how regulatory bodies can balance accountability with efficiency in a sector that touches the daily lives of millions.
Commitment to a cleaner, more efficient LTFRB
Speaking to stakeholders, Mendoza underscored a simple principle: reforms must benefit not only drivers and operators but every Filipino commuter who relies on predictable, robust, and fair transportation services. The promise to end protracted cases and to resist illegal demands signals a reclaiming of the board’s mission — to regulate, not complicate, the everyday commute. If sustained, this reform agenda could redefine how the LTFRB operates in the Marcos era and beyond, aligning its practices with the public interest and the country’s broader modernization goals.
