Advertising on public utility vehicles (PUVs) such as jeepneys, buses, and taxis is a common practice as they have long become prime advertising spaces, offering businesses a way to reach a wider audience. This offers an additional revenue stream to operators as well, so it is allowed provided that the operators secure permits from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
PUV operators seeking to install advertising signages must first file petitions to install them. They also need to be designed in accordance with the established LTFRB guidelines to ensure compliance and legality. It is doable, but only if the operators seeking to capitalize on this opportunity understand the guidelines and file a petition correctly. In this guide, we aims to guide PUV operators through the process of filing a petition to install advertising signage on their authorized units, ensuring compliance with LTFRB guidelines and regulations.
Filing a Petition to Install Advertising Signs in PUV Units
PUV operators with valid Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) can file a petition to install advertising on their authorized units. The process involves submitting a formal petition for authority to install advertising signs at the LTFRB, accompanied by the necessary documents, fees, and detailed specifications of the advertising signage. The dimensions, materials, and mounting methods must comply with LTFRB standards to ensure safety and visibility without obstructing essential markings on the vehicles.
While installing advertising signs on PUV units is allowed, the LTFRB has set strict guidelines to ensure that the added income stream does not compromise the PUVs’ main purpose as land transport service provider as well as the safety, comfort, and convenience of passengers and the public in general.
LTFRB Guidelines for Installing Advertising Signs in PUV Units
As mentioned above, the LTFRB has laid out very specific guidelines to installing ads on PUVs. These guidelines vary depending on the type of PUV and are designed to protect the drivers and commuters and the public in general.
- Formal filing of requests with the LTFRB is required
- Filing fees changes depending on the number of units and PUV type
- Validity of authority to install ads is limited to a specified period, subject to renewal upon expiration
- Detailed specifications for advertising signage dimensions, materials, design, and mounting methods must be observed
- Compliance with standards of morality, decency, and public safety.
- Advertising content requires approval of the LTFRB
- Advertising signs that obscuring required vehicle markings is prohibited
Who can Apply
Here’s a list of people who can file a authority to install advertising signs on authorized unit/s at the LTFRB:
- All PUV Operators with valid CPC
Requirements
Before filing the petition for authority to install advertising signs on authorized unit/s at the LTFRB, here are the requirements that interested operators need to prepare:
- Four (4) original copies of the Sworn Petition/Application Form downloadable from the LTFRB website via the following links:
- One (1) Original copy for presentation and one (1) Photocopy of any valid government-issued ID Card
- One (1) Original copy for presentation and one (1) Photocopy of current OR/CR of authorized unit issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO)
- One (1) Original copy for presentation and one (1) Photocopy of Contract between operator and advertising agency ‘s authorized representative (indicate the duration/units to be used)
- One (1) Original copy for presentation and one (1) Photocopy of Official Receipt (after payment of filing fee)
- One (1) Photocopy of the details of the design, dimension, material, and mounting
- Lavender Folder
For Authorized Representatives (Individual Operators)
Personal appearance of the petitioner is required. However, if not possible for petitioner to be physically present, authorized representative is allowed upon presentation of:
- One (1) Original copy for presentation and one (1) Photocopy of Duly notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA)
- One (1) Original copy for presentation and one (1) Photocopy of Valid Government-Issued ID of the applicant and authorized representative
For Cooperatives
- One (1) Original copy for presentation and one (1) Photocopy of Board Resolution authorizing the Installation of Advertising Signs and designating the authorized representative/s to file Petition
- One (1) Original copy for presentation and one (1) Photocopy of Valid Government-Issued ID of the authorized representative
For Corporation and Partnership
- One (1) Original copy for presentation and one (1) Photocopy of Board Resolution/ Secretary’s Certificate authorizing the Installation of Advertising Signs and designating the authorized representative/s to file Petition
- One (1) Original copy for presentation and one (1) Photocopy of valid government-issued ID of the authorized representative
Procedures
For a detailed guide on how to file a authority to install advertising signs on authorized unit/s at the LTFRB, here are the steps to follow:
Step 1. Visit the LTFRB Office
Begin by visiting the nearest LTFRB office to obtain the necessary forms and checklist of requirements.
Step 2. Submit Application
Submit the verified application along with supporting documents to the LTFRB Public Assistance Complaint Desk (PACD) for authentication and completeness check.
Step 3. Fee Assessment and Payment
Upon verification, fees will be assessed, and a payment order slip (POS) will be issued. Proceed to make payments at the designated cashier.
Step 4. Submission and Evaluation
Submit the petition/application along with the official receipt of payment for further evaluation by the Technical Division.
Step 5. Wait for Evaluation
Wait for the evaluation process to be completed by the Transportation Development Officer of the Technical Division and forward the order to the Board..
Step 6. Claim Approved Order
Upon approval, visit the LTFRB office and claim the approved order from the Information Systems Management Division (ISMD) Releasing Unit.
By adhering to the outlined procedures and fulfilling the necessary requirements, PUV Operators with valid CPC can file a petition for authority to install advertising signs on authorized unit/s at the LTFRB.
Validity
The authority to install advertising signs on authorized PUV units has an Initial validity period of one year. It is renewable for an additional year upon expiration and payment of fees. Do note that the validity of this permit is contingent upon compliance with LTFRB guidelines and regulations.
Fees
The petition for authority to install advertising signs on authorized unit/s is not free. When you file a petition requesting for one, you need to be ready to pay the fees which include the following:
- Filing Fee
- PUB Filing Fee:
- PHP 600.00 (1st 2 units)
- PHP 200.00 (excess/unit)
- Taxi Filing Fee:
- PHP 600.00 (1st 2 units)
- PHP 200.00 (excess/unit)
- PUJ Filing Fee:
- PHP 600.00 (1st 2 units)
- PHP 200.00 (excess/unit)
- PUB Filing Fee:
- Advertising Permit Fee:
- PUB
- PHP 10,000.00 (1st 5 units)
- PHP 1,000.00 (excess/unit)
- Taxi
- PHP 7,500.00 (1st 5 units)
- PHP 500.00 (excess/unit)
- PUJ
- PHP 5,000.00 (1st 5 units)
- PHP 400.00 (excess/unit)
- PUB
- Legal Research Fee: PHP 10.00
- Franchise Verification Fee: PHP 40.00
Processing Time
The processing time is estimated to be at least eighteen (18) days, though it may vary depending on the evaluation and the completeness of the submitted application. Having incomplete documents may also affect the time needed for the approval of the petition.
Penalties for Violations
Operators must ensure strict adherence to LTFRB specifications and standards to keep the authorization for advertising signage installation valid. Non-compliance may also entail penalties.
- First violation incurs a fine of Php 10,000.00
- Subsequent violations could lead to revocation of authority
Summary
Filing a petition to install advertising signs in authorized PUV units requires careful adherence to LTFRB guidelines and regulations. PUV operators must ensure compliance with specifications, obtain necessary approvals, and maintain standards of decency and safety to avoid violations and penalties as well as accidents. Doing so will also help the operators keep the authorization for advertising signage installation.