No extension of deadline for PUV consolidation – Marcos

MANILA, Philippines — Days before the planned transport strike, President Marcos announced that the deadline for the consolidation of public utility vehicles (PUV) operators would not be extended, emphasizing that the program that seeks to modernize the sector should not be hampered by a minority.

The decision not to prolong the consolidation period was made during Marcos’ meeting with transport officials yesterday.

“Adhering to the current timeline ensures that everyone can reap the benefits of the full operationalization of our modernized public transport system. Hence, the scheduled timeline will not be moved,” the President said in a Facebook post.

Marcos disclosed that 70 percent of operators have committed to and consolidated under the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP).

“We cannot let the minority cause further delays, affecting majority of our operators, banks, financial institutions and the public at large,” he said.

Transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) has announced plans to hold a transport strike from Dec. 14 to 15 to express its opposition to franchise consolidation, a key component of the PUVMP.

Piston, which also staged a three-day transport strike last month, claimed that the PUVMP would deprive thousands of transport operators and drivers of livelihood.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said the PUV modernization program seeks to make commuting and public transportation operations “more dignified, humane and at par with global standards” and provide a “safer, more efficient, reliable, convenient, affordable, climate-friendly and environmentally sustainable” transportation system.

Under the program, launched in 2017, transport cooperatives will be formed and will be entitled to benefits like state subsidies and access to credit facilities to aid in modernizing their fleets and run them in a “systematic and predictable manner.”

Transport operators are required to consolidate by the end of the year.

As Marcos bucked the extension of the yearend deadline for consolidation, over 68,000 public utility vehicles stand to lose their franchises by the new year.

The LTFRB said 70