Extend PUJ consolidation deadline, govt pressed

SENATE minority leader Aquilino Pimentel III yesterday urged the government to extend the deadline for the consolidation of traditional public utility jeepney (PUJ) franchises by six months to one year, saying it is apparent that authorities are not yet ready to implement the program.

In an interview with CNN Philippines, Pimentel said the consolidation of the PUJ franchise is forced upon drivers and operators since there is a deadline imposed which will “force people to go into debt.”

He said pushing back the deadline by six months to one year “and then advertising the program” will “attract people to join” the consolidation scheme.

“Improve first on their program then see if they can attract jeepney operators, and then determine if that is the model or make that will be acceptable to the people,” Pimentel said.

Pimentel said implementing the modernization program would bid “goodbye” to the iconic Philippine jeepney, which is known worldwide.

“So, goodbye to the iconic Philippine jeepney if that is the plan,” he added.

He said replacing the iconic Philippine jeepneys with modern vehicles appears not to have been discussed by concerned officials.

“That is one angle they failed to talk about. The iconic jeepneys are part of Philippine image and culture, and artistic creation and they will replace them with ‘box’ vehicles that look like mini buses. That’s part of our creative domain. Is that the plan?” he added.

Pimentel said he and his staff members are now studying a proposed bill on PUV modernization.

In a statement, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) yesterday said a “significant number of applications for consolidation was observed before the December 31, 2023 deadline.

“An LTFRB resolution allowed applicants to beat the deadline even if payment of pertinent fees has not been made.

“Today, January 2, 2024, the first working day after the deadline, LTFRB is calling those applicants to settle the fees so they can be included in the final consolidation report.

“In the meantime that the figures are being finalized, all unconsolidated PUVs may continue operating until January 31, 2024. The LTFRB will issue an appropriate resolution to