Partial victory in fight vs PUVMP 'won through collective action,' says PISTON

MANILA, Philippines — Groups welcomed the government's three-month extension for public utility vehicle (PUV) consolidation, but said that it's still a long way to go before the repeal of the "corporate-driven" phase-out and modernization program.

This comes after Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil on Wednesday night confirmed President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos' extension to April 30, giving thousands of drivers and operators of jeepneys and UV Express a chance to avoid unemployment.

"[T]housands of jeepney drivers and operators as well as millions of commuters gained a partial victory," said progressive transport group PISTON in a statement last night.

"Our relentless collective action and determination to defend our public transport has compelled the Marcos regime to extend the deadline for franchise consolidation to April 30."

The president's decision came after a series of transport strikes, protests and filing a Supreme Court petition were earlier arranged by PISTON and MANIBELA after the government earlier set a December 31 deadline for drivers and operators to consolidate into cooperatives and corporations.

Prior to this, unconsolidated drivers and operators were only given until January 31 to operate. After which, erring jeepney units will have to be impounded for being considered "colorum."

The consolidation process is one of the state's requisites under the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP). Under this, operators are only given 27 months before old jeepneys and UV Express units are phased out in favor of more "eco-friendly" e-jeeps and minibuses, vehicles that could cost up to P2.8 million each.

"However, a deadline extension is not enough. PISTON will continue mobilizing until the corporate-driven PUV modernization program is repealed and until a progressive public mass transport system is in place," the group said.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), on the other hand, gave their word that they will comply with the president's latest order.

"The LTFRB will adhere to President 'Bongbong' Marcos's directive to extend the consolidation of [PUVs] until April 30, 2024," said LTFRB chairperson Teofilo