The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday issued a show cause order (SCO) against nine motorcycle taxi platform providers (MTPPs) over perceived discrepancies in their total operational units compared to authorized units.

Overall, 30 ride-hailing providers were being investigated for alleged illegal Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) and motorcycle taxis in their respective online platforms.

The LTFRB said that when passengers book a ride on Transportation Network Company (TNC) applications, only motor vehicles authorized by the agency can be included in their services and boarded.

“But during the distribution of fuel subsidy, the TNCs and MTPPs submitted lists with more than the number of units authorized in the LTFRB database, triggering an all-out investigation,” it said in a press release.

The nine MTPPs were ordered to explain in writing why their authorizations to operate should not be suspended or revoked despite their onboarding of riders and vehicles beyond the authorized count and failure to maintain the units originally onboarded in their platform, which have since either ceased operations or operated under another platform.

Transportation franchising Chair Vigor Mendoza II said those proven to have been offering the services of unauthorized units will face consequences.

“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,” Mendoza said.

Legal limitations have kept the LTFRB from monitoring TNC and MTPP operations through direct access to the databases of the apps of both.

“Despite the assurance and commitment from TNCs and MTPPs, the fuel subsidy distribution exposed that they are not being truthful, especially to the number of TNVS and motorcycle taxis being allowed to fetch passengers in their apps,” the agency said.

The hearing is set on May 15.