Surrendering plates of PUV units to regulatory authorities like the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) or the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is a necessary procedure if a PUV operator wants to drop or substitute units from public service legally. It is a particularly important procedure as it helps the Board manage and monitor public utility vehicles (PUVs) in operation while preventing unauthorized use of license plates on the roads.
That being said, this procedure is unavoidable as PUVs, like any other type of vehicles, are subject to wear and tear. It is unavoidable for some PUVs to be dropped or substituted, hence the need to understand the importance and to learn the procedures of surrendering plates to the LTFRB. In case you need a more detailed form of help, then keep reading as this guide should be the help you need.
Surrendering Plate/s of PUV Unit/s at LTFRB
Surrendering plates refers to the act of returning license plates, typically to a regulatory authority such as the LTFRB or the LTO. This process usually occurs when a vehicle is being taken out of service, replaced, or no longer meets the requirements for operation. Surrendering plates ensures that the vehicle is properly accounted for and that its identification is removed from circulation, preventing unauthorized use or confusion. Additionally, surrendering plates may be a prerequisite for certain administrative procedures, such as dropping or substituting units in the case of public utility vehicles, as outlined by transportation regulations.
Surrendering plates of PUV units that are being dropped at the LTFRB is necessary as it ensures that the Board maintains accurate records of vehicles in operation and their corresponding plates. It also serves as a clear mechanism for handling changes in vehicle status. Not only that, it prevents the unauthorized use of plates that have been dropped from public service, ensuring that operators cannot use these plates on unauthorized units to continue offering land transport services, ultimately contributing to safer and more regulated operations.
Legal Bases
The surrendering of plates at the LTFRB is mandated by Joint LTO-LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2004-002-J which states that PUV operators must surrender yellow plates of units proposed for dropping directly to the LTFRB, with surrendered plates cut and handed over to the LTO. Amendments to address unauthorized plate use include requiring surrender upon filing of dropping and substitution applications. Additionally, amendments to Memo Circular No. 2008-022 allow surrender before the release of Resolution/Order, with presentation of a Receipt of Return Plate required for processing. In cases of lost plates, operators would need a certification from the Highway Patrol Group as well as an Affidavit of Loss. Airport taxi operators with pending applications for dropping and substitution of units not exceeding ten years old may also surrender their yellow plates before the decision’s release, without needing a Return Receipt of Plate License (RRPL) upon application/petition filing.
Purpose
Surrendering plates of PUV units that are being dropped at the LTFRB serves several crucial purposes within the regulatory framework of public transportation.
- Ensures operators follow LTFRB rules for changing units
- Keeps transportation sector honest and responsible
- Stops people from using surrendered plates illegally
- Makes public transport safer
Eligibility
Surrendering the plate/s of unit/s that are being dropped at the LTFRB can be done by the following:
- Any Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) holder who intends to drop his/her unit
Requirements
Before filing the request to surrender plate/s of dropped 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
- 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 LTO OR/CR of authorized unit
- One (1) pair of license plate to be surrendered
- One (1) original copy of the Franchise Verification (to be provided by the LTFRB)
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 surrender of plates 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 request to surrender plate/s of dropped 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 Technical Division for authentication and completeness check.
Step 3. Wait for the RRPL
Wait for the evaluation process to be completed and the RRPL to be signed and forwarded by the Chief Transport Development Officer to the Technical Division of the Board.
Step 4. Claim RRPL
Upon approval, visit the LTFRB office and claim the RRPL from the Technical Division Releasing Unit.
By adhering to the outlined procedures and fulfilling the necessary requirements, PUV Operators with valid CPC can surrender the plate/s of the unit/s they are dropping at the LTFRB.
Fees
Surrendering the plate/s of unit/s that are being dropped is free. You would, however, need to pay fees when processing the dropping of unit/s at the LTFRB office.
Processing Time
The processing time is estimated to be at least five (5) hours and fifteen (15) minutes, though it may vary depending on the foot traffic in the LTFRB office where you will be completing the procedures. Bringing incomplete documentary requirements may also cause delays.
Summary
Surrendering plates to LTFRB helps follow rules for changing units and keeps the transport sector more honest and safer by ensuring that only legal vehicles with proper certification from authorities can operate. By following the steps listed in this guide, then the operators can properly surrender plates of dropped units at the LTFRB while contributing to a safer and more strictly regulated public transport system.