LTFRB suspends operations in Metro Manila; 20 employees infected

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s offices in Metro Manila will not be accepting transactions during the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), the LTFRB announced over the weekend.

The transport regulator said aside from restrictions under MECQ, at least 20 employees of the LTFRB’s central office in Quezon City have been infected with COVID-19.

“The LTFRB has a limited capacity during MECQ, but will continue servicing the public,” the agency said.

The LTFRB will continue accepting online transactions for correction of typographical errors, confirmation of units for franchise verification, issuance of provisional authority as well as concerns about the Information Systems Management and Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.

The LTFRB said online hearings would proceed as scheduled and its 24/7 assistance hotlines would remain open.

“For the sake of employees and stakeholders, the agency is strictly implementing health protocols,” the LTFRB said.

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will resume its operations in Metro Manila, Laguna and Bataan beginning today.

LTO offices will be operating at 50 percent capacity.

“We remind the public to follow COVID-19 protocols to prevent the transmission of the virus and to allow transactions to continue,” the LTO said.