DOTr to go on with PUVMP amid Senate resolution

MANILA, Philippines — The public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) will go full speed ahead despite a Senate resolution calling for its suspension, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Transport Undersecretary Jesus Ortega said they will proceed with the PUVMP upon the directive of President Marcos.

“On the part of DOTr, we were given a marching order by the President, this is a 100 percent go,” Ortega said.

The majority of the sector has already consolidated and signed up for the program following the April 30 deadline, he noted.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista has written to Senate President Francis Escudero as he tries to allay concerns over the program.

He warned that the suspension of the PUVMP “could disrupt services for many who depend on its benefits.”

The suspension would also undermine progress and damage relationships with transport stakeholders who have already consolidated, he added.

He noted that the government has already allocated a P1.6-billion budget for the program.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said that the PUVMP, renamed the public transport modernization program (PTMP), will continue as he allayed the concerns of operators that have consolidated.

“We assure the drivers, operators and stakeholders who participated in the PTMP that it will proceed as long as there is no directive coming from the President and the DOTr to halt the program,” said LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz.

Guadiz said they respect the Senate and their call based on concerns raised by some drivers and transport groups.

The government will continue to implement the PTMP as it will help address aggravating transport-related problems, he maintained.

The LTFRB clarified that the low number of authorized units in some routes prompted the agency to allow unconsolidated jeepneys and UV express units to operate.

This will help ensure that there is a stable supply of public transportation in some routes without filing for consolidation, the agency said.