DOTr: Consolidation for PUV modernization program non-negotiable

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) may consider granting the demands and requests of transport groups on the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP), but not the call to scrap the consolidation requirement.

As this developed, transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) ended a three-day jeepney immobilization yesterday with a vow to continue holding decentralized activities with similar organizations until the government heeds their call.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista yesterday said the consolidation of PUV operators and drivers into cooperatives or corporations is “non-negotiable.”

“We are ready to address all their demands. But one very important issue that we said is non-negotiable is the industry consolidation, because we really need the players to consolidate into cooperative or a corporation,” Bautista said.

“We cannot grant their call to not consolidate. We see this as an important component of the PUVMP,” he added.

Transport groups resisted the consolidation requirement, which they said might result in the monopoly of public transportation.

As to the demand of Piston to extend the validity of PUV franchises to five years, Bautista said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has set the guidelines on franchise extension.

Bautista also addressed a concern of Piston on the inability of PUV drivers to avail of the fuel subsidy while the vehicle franchise is being transferred.

Bautista said that PUV drivers and operators should only show valid documents of the franchise’s transfer to avail themselves of the subsidy.

“We are ready to talk to them (transport groups) anytime. Open communication is very important, but we should be honest and serious about the intentions. LTFRB is always welcome to talk to anyone, the same with my office, that is why we encourage to continue the dialogues,” he said.

Piston said the collective struggle against the mass phaseout of the livelihood of public utility vehicle drivers and operators would continue.

It said transport organizations will hold a series of decentralized, coordinated activities at different strike