The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has taken a significant step to clarify its rules and reduce public inconvenience. On Friday, January 16, 2026, the agency issued a memorandum that clearly defines all compliance periods in its policies as "working days."
Clearing Up Confusion for the Public
LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II stated that Memorandum Circular 2026-001 was created in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to prioritize Filipino welfare in government services. Mendoza explained that the previous, unclear prescriptive period was causing confusion and inconvenience for the agency's clients and the general public.
"This is to avoid confusion among our clients because the existing prescriptive period is also causing inconvenience to the public, especially to our clients," Mendoza said. The newly signed memo, dated January 15, 2026, provides a concrete definition to eliminate any ambiguity.
What Constitutes a 'Working Day'?
The memorandum provides a clear and straightforward definition. According to the LTFRB, "working days" are now defined as any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or a declared non-working holiday. This standardization applies to all compliance periods, including the settling of fines and other regulatory processes.
"We hope that this will clear the confusion for all the people, especially our clients," Mendoza added, emphasizing the board's goal of creating fair and understandable regulations.
Immediate Effect and Broader Transport Reforms
The new policy is set to take effect immediately after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation and the filing of three copies with the University of the Philippines Law Center. Mendoza stressed the importance of clarity, stating, "It is crucial in every policy or order that the prescriptive period of compliance must be clear, just, and equitable to avoid any confusion and inconvenience to all the stakeholders."
This move by the LTFRB follows a related order from Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez on January 9. Secretary Lopez directed the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to adjust the lead time for settling traffic violations to 15 working days and to suspend the confiscation of physical driver's licenses during apprehensions.
Together, these measures represent a concerted effort by the nation's transport agencies to streamline procedures, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and foster a more client-friendly environment for Filipino motorists and operators.
