The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered a stop to the onboarding of new Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers and motorcycle taxi riders by Transport Network Companies (TNCs) and Motorcycle Taxi Platform Providers (MTPPs), following reports that some operators have exceeded their authorized driver limits.

In a memorandum issued by Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez, the agency directed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to immediately suspend the acceptance of new TNVS and motorcycle taxi applicants, except for those with valid franchises already approved under existing regulations.

The move comes after data showed that several companies had surpassed the maximum number of drivers allowed under their franchise agreements, resulting in what authorities described as the emergence of “tempo drivers,” or unauthorized or irregularly accredited operators.

The order also reinforces a previous directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to investigate alleged abuses by some TNCs that reportedly exceeded their onboarding limits.

“Malinaw naman ang utos ng Pangulo, dapat umaksyon tayo kaagad para hindi malagay sa alanganin ‘yung mas marami pang drivers at riders. Nararapat lamang na gawing legal ang kanilang onboarding. Hindi na dapat magpatuloy ang maling sistema, aayusin natin ito kaagad,” Secretary Lopez said.

The DOTr is also reviewing possible sanctions, penalties, and fines against TNCs and MTPPs found to have violated onboarding limits for TNVS and motorcycle taxi drivers.

In addition, on-the-spot and same-day onboarding activities for drivers without prior approval from the LTFRB are now prohibited.

Authorities said the suspension aims to ensure compliance with regulatory limits and to address concerns over unauthorized driver accreditation in the transport network sector.