Filing a Notice of Change of Engine at LTFRB (For PUV Operators)

In an effort to stop PUV operators who are holders of valid Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) from capriciously changing the engines of their unit/s int a new engine without informing the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) the agency has mandated the need to file a Petition for Change of Engine. They are, however, allowed to change an unserviceable engine into a new engine, provided that they file a Notice of Change Engine at the LTFRB Information Systems and Management Division (ISMD) or the Regional Office concerned for data encoding of the new engine. Failure to file the said notice may result in the non-confirmation of the units concerned which may result in being denied registration.

So, if you are a CPC holder who intends to change the unserviceable engine into a new engine, and need to file a Notice of Change Engine, then you can refer to this article for a complete guide on how to do so. This covers all the requirements, procedures and fees that you would need to settle to complete the transaction as well. 

What is a Notice of Change Engine

A Notice of Change Engine submitted to the LTFRB serves as an official notification to the regulatory body about the intention of a Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) holder to change the engine of their public transport vehicle. This notice ensures transparency and regulatory compliance by informing the LTFRB about the modification being made to the vehicle.

Submitting a Notice of Change Engine to LTFRB means that the CPC holder is providing essential information about the new engine, such as its registration details and source. Doing so allows the Board to address the issue of unauthorized engine change while exercising its regulatory authority when it comes to public land transport services. By submitting the notice, the CPC holder provides essential information that allows the Board to maintain an updated record of the vehicles under its jurisdiction and ensures that the changes made comply with the board’s regulations and standards for public transport vehicles.

Who Can File Notice of Change of PUV Engine

Only public utility vehicle operators who are holders of valid Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) are allowed to go and seek authorization to change the unserviceable engine into a new engine at the LTFRB Office closest to them.

Requirements for Filing Notice of Change of Engine

To initiate the process of seeking authorization to change the engine of a PUV unit, CPC holders are required to prepare and attach the following documents to the Notice for Change of Engine:

  • Four (4) original copies of the Sworn Notice of Change Engine Form from the Information Systems Management Division (ISMD) Help Desk  or via the official LTFRB website.
  • 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 Notarized Special Power of Attorney (For Authorized Representatives)
  • One (1) Original copy and one (1) Photocopy of  Current Official Receipt (OR) and Certificate of Registration (CR) issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO)
  • One (1) Original copy and one (1) Photocopy of LTO Certificate of Stock Report
  • One (1) Original copy and one (1) Photocopy of Official Receipt of payment for Change Engine

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, Corporations, and Partnerships

  • One (1) Original copy for presentation and one (1) Photocopy of Board Resolution/ Secretary’s Certificate authorizing the Change of Engine 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 Filing Notice of Change of Engine

For a detailed guide on how to file a request to change names due to a change in civil status at the LTFRB, here are the steps to follow:

Step 1. Visit the LTFRB Office

Begin by visiting the nearest LTFRB office and securing the Notice of Change Engine form and checklist of requirements at the LTFRB Information Systems Management Division (ISMD) Help Desk.

Step 2. Submit Application

Submit the request form along with supporting documents to the Technical Division for verification and completeness check.

Step 3. Fee Assessment and Payment

Wait for the assessment of fees to be completed and the payment order slip (POS) to be issued. Then, proceed to make payments at the cashier.

Step 4. Submission and Evaluation

Submit the request along with the official receipt of payment at the ISMD Help Desk for further evaluation by the Technical Division.

Step 5. Wait for Evaluation

Wait for the IT officer to complete the procedure and update the information in the Franchise Processing System. 

Step 6. Claim Updated Franchise Verification

Upon approval, visit the LTFRB office and claim the updated Franchise Verification from the ISMD Releasing Unit.

By adhering to the outlined procedures and fulfilling the necessary requirements,  all CPC holders can efficiently seek authorization for change of name due to change of civil status at the LTFRB. 

Fees

The request to update names due to change of civil status 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: PHP 50.00

How Long Does it Take to Process a Notice of Change of Engine

The processing time is estimated to be at least seven (7) hours and fifty-five (55) minutes, though it may vary depending on the completeness of the requirements submitted. Having incomplete requirements may also cause delays in approval of change engine request.

Summary

CPC holders planning to change their vehicle engines must adhere to the guidelines set forth by the LTFRB. By following the prescribed procedures and submitting the required documents listed in this guide, they can ensure a smooth transition and compliance with regulatory standards, ultimately contributing to the efficiency and safety of public transport services.