LTFRB eyes full digital shift of services in 2026

Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon – The Freeman

January 5, 2026 | 12:00am

CEBU, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is pushing for a full digital transformation of its services in 2026 to improve efficiency, curb the proliferation of fixers, and align with the government s broader public transportation modernization efforts.

In a statement, LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said the agency is finalizing preparations for a major shift to fully online applications and verification of all transactions, including applications, petitions, motions, and other regulatory requirements.

With the backing of President Ferdinand  Bongbong  R. Marcos Jr. and the guidance of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez, Mendoza said the digital overhaul forms part of the administration s directive to transform government services.

 We are working under the marching order of the President for the digital transformation of all government services. In the case of the LTFRB, our goal is to fully implement the online application and verification of all applications, petitions, motions, and other transactions,  Mendoza said.

Mendoza said the initiative is meant to prepare the LTFRB for future generations of digitally adept Filipinos, noting that the agency must adapt to a rapidly evolving digital environment to meet public demand.

 In the fast-changing digital environment, the LTFRB must keep up to meet the high demands and expectations of the Filipino people,  he added.

He also said the move ensures compliance with the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Act, as directed by President Marcos.

According to Mendoza, a fully digital system will significantly reduce opportunities for fixers by limiting human intervention in transactions.

 Once we complete this transformation, we will also be able to address the perennial problem of fixers because online transactions will be direct, fast, comfortable, and with less human intervention,  he said.

Mendoza said the LTFRB s digital transformation mirrors the government s push to modernize the country s transportation system and is symbolic of broader reforms underway.

The LTFRB plays a key role in the Public Transportation Modernization Program (PTMP), which is currently focused on route rationalization and fleet modernization.

 The LTFRB digital transformation must be pushed side by side with the PTMP. Hindi naman magandang tingnan na ang pinag-uusapan natin ang public transportation modernization ay makaluma pa ring sistema ang ginagamit natin sa LTFRB para sa pagproseso ng mga transaksyon sa ahensya,  Mendoza said.

He added that while the PTMP is being implemented, the agency will simultaneously roll out its digital reforms, expressing hope that the full transition can be completed within the year.

The LTFRB is currently enhancing its online platform to make it more user-friendly and is rolling out online verification of Certificates of Public Convenience (CPC) and Provisional Authorities (PA) to shorten processing times for applications, approvals, and the release of operating authority for public utility vehicles (PUVs).

Mendoza said the digital shift is expected to deliver faster, more transparent, and more accessible services for transport operators and the commuting public alike.   (CEBU NEWS)