New Applications for Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC)
- Effective January 1, 2014, only brand new units are allowed for new CPC applications.
- This rule applies nationwide, including Central Office and all Regional Franchising Regulatory Boards (ARMM, CARAGA, CAR).
- Vehicle age is determined by the year of manufacture as indicated in the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Certificate of Registration.
Implementation Timeline
- New age limit for vehicles effective January 1, 2014, for new applications.
- Confirmation of units over 15 years may still be allowed in 2014 if CPC is valid, to allow transition time for operators.
- Starting January 1, 2015, strict enforcement of the 15-year age limit will be implemented with no confirmation granted for units exceeding this limit even with valid CPC.
Legal Authority and Amendments
- The guidelines are pursuant to the powers vested in the Board under Section 5 of Executive Order No. 202.
- This circular supersedes any inconsistent previous issuances or parts thereof.
Public Notice and Filing
- The memorandum circular is to be published in at least two newspapers of general circulation.
- Three copies are to be filed with the UP Law Center pursuant to Presidential Memorandum Circular No. 11 dated October 9, 1992.
Safety and Policy Rationale
- The reinstatement of the mandatory age limit is part of the DOTC's modernization program.
- The policy emphasizes passenger safety, particularly for school children who are the primary users of this transport service.
- The duty of operators to provide safe, adequate, and convenient service is highlighted as a guiding principle.