LTFRB asked to increase TNVS operators in Cebu Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon

CEBU, Philippines — Drivers launched an online campaign Thursday urging the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to increase the number of operators of Grab, Uber, and U-hop or transport network vehicle service operators in Metro Cebu.

During the TNVS Unity Day at the Plaza Independencia, hundreds of ride-hailing service operators joined calls for the agency to allow more drivers to hit the streets to cater to the demand instead of implementing a cap of 500.

They also enjoined the public to sign the online petition, “Support TNVS,” on Change.org.

The online petition has so far gathered over 5,200 signatures as of 7:30 last night, on top of the 30,000 signatures gathered during the unity day.

“Inhumane rules and regulation to TNVS operator/drivers. New rules will affect not only the livelihood of all registered with TNC's but also the riding public. Please do your job efficiently, if you cannot, just do not break anything that we believe are beneficial to the people of the Philippines! (Sic),” reads the petition.

The group will submit its petition with attached signatures to LTFRB.

The group, dubbed as TNVS-Cebu, also conducted thanksgiving activity on Thursday night amid LTFRB’s move to review the Memorandum Circular 2018-03, setting a cap on TNVS vehicles.

"Kani among panagtigum isip pasalamat na pud ni nga wala gi-implement sa LTFRB ang maong circular unya gi review pa nila karon," said Raul Marquez, one of the council members of TNVS-Cebu.

Trina Valenzuela, also the group’s council member, said Cebu needs more than 500 TNVS.

For Grab alone, there are already 1,500 operators but only 750 are online per day.

Moreover, those who attended the unity day also took their oath as TNVS operators and vowed to serve the riding public. (FREEMAN)