Manila: The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has summoned nine additional motorcycle taxi platform providers (MTPPs) amid an ongoing investigation into unauthorized ride-hailing units within the industry. This recent action is part of a broader effort to address discrepancies in the number of authorized units reported by these companies.

According to Philippines News Agency, the issuance of the latest batch of show-cause orders (SCO) brings the total number of ride-hailing companies under scrutiny to 30. These companies are being investigated for allegedly onboarding unauthorized units in violation of existing regulations. LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II emphasized the importance of adherence to rules, stating that only vehicles with proper operational authority should be included on these platforms.

The investigation was prompted by inconsistencies discovered during the distribution of fuel subsidies to qualified public transport workers. Lists submitted by TNCs and MTPPs contained more units than were authorized in the LTFRB's database, raising concerns about regulatory compliance.

LTFRB Chair Mendoza remarked, "They have a lot of explaining to do on this matter, and we will make sure that those who defied our regulations will pay the price." He highlighted that the fuel subsidy distribution revealed inaccuracies in the reported number of transport network vehicle service (TNVS) units and motorcycle taxis listed by these companies.

The summons directs the nine MTPPs to provide written explanations as to why their operating authority should not be suspended or revoked due to onboarding rides and vehicles beyond the authorized limit and failing to maintain the originally approved units on their platforms. A hearing for these TNCs and MTPPs is scheduled for May 15.