LTFRB allows PUVs to carry political ads

MANILA, Philippines – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has allowed operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) to post political advertisements on their units after the Supreme Court (SC) nullified the Commission on Elections order that disallowed transit advertisements.

In a memorandum circular published in The STAR, the LTFRB stated that it amended Memorandum Circular 2009-016 on transit advertisement “by lifting the prohibition of political advertisements on public utility vehicles.”

The LTFRB said operators need to apply for a permit before they are allowed to post transit ads.

The LTFRB’s decision came after the SC granted the petition filed by transport group 1-United Transport Koalisyon against the poll body’s Resolution 9615, which states that “it is unlawful to post, display or exhibit any election campaign or propaganda materials in public utility vehicles.”

LTFRB board member Ariel Inton said ads should not be posted in front of public buses and should not cover the vehicle’s plate number.

“The LTFRB has no say in what has to be placed in the advertisement. What is to be politically advertised depends on the operator and advertiser. The LTFRB does not favor any political party or candidate,” he said.