Application for PUV consolidation ends

The submission of applications for public utility vehicle (PUV) operators to consolidate operations as part of the PUV Modernization Program ended late Sunday afternoon.

In a Super Radyo dzBB interview, Office of Transportation Cooperatives Chairman Jesus Ferdinand "Andy" Ortega said his office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) would only be open to accommodate jeep consolidation papers until 5 p.m. on Sunday.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. earlier declared that there would be no extension of the December 31, 2023 deadline for the consolidation of PUV operators.

Ortega stressed that jeepney operators who failed to beat the year-end deadline would no longer be given the chance to consolidate.

“For the past six months, talagang na-mention na namin, paulit-ulit naming sinasabi na talagang firm ang deadline. Umabot pa nga tayo sa Pangulo na talagang mapakita sa mga kasamahan natin na ang desisyon ay buong buo na,” he said.

(In the past six months, we repeatedly said that the deadline was firm. The President himself even announced that the decision was final.)

“Unfortunately, kung hindi sila aabot by today, wala na silang pag-asa na mag-consolidate,” he added.

(Unfortunately, if they don't meet the deadline today, they already have no chance of consolidating.)

The PUV Modernization Program, which started in 2017, aims to replace jeepneys with vehicles that have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution and replace PUVs that were not roadworthy by Land Transportation Office (LTO) standards.

Each modern jeepney unit, however, would cost over P2 million, an amount that even state-run banks LandBank and Development Bank of the Philippines said was too expensive for PUV drivers and operators.

Ortega said franchises of PUV operators who were unable to consolidate before the December 31 deadline would no longer be valid, but they would be given due process.

“Sa panig ng LTFRB, may tinatawag silang show cause. So titignan ang mga hindi nag-apply or umabot and then bibigyan naman sila ng dokumento at within that month of January, bibigyan sila ng pagkakataon na magsabi kung anong nangyari…and then eventually, mapo-formalize ang pagtanggal ng kanilang prangkisa,” he added.

(The LTFRB would issue show-cause orders. Those who did not apply or were not able to meet the deadline would be given a chance to explain their side in January, and then eventually, the removal of their franchise would be formalized.)

The LTFRB earlier issued guidelines on the implementation of the PUV Modernization Program beyond the deadline for consolidation application.

In a five-page circular, the agency stated that individual operators in routes without a consolidated transport service entity (TSE) "shall be allowed to operate until 31 January 2024” so as "not to hamper the operation of public transportation routes without consolidated TSE."

During that one month period, however, the LTFRB and its regional offices would still be issuing show-cause orders in compliance with the Public Service Act.

Furthermore, Maki Pulido reported Sunday on 24 Oras Weekend that though those who failed to apply for consolidation would no longer be allowed to operate starting Monday-January 1, 2024, especially in routes where 60% of PUVs had applications, those who operate in routes with less than 60% consolidation or with zero consolidation would still be allowed to ply their routes until January 31.

Cooperatives with consolidation applications or have signed an undertaking have 60 days to complete the requirements. They would be allowed to operate in the meantime.

Meanwhile, transport group PISTON stood firm they would not file for consolidation.

While they were not against modernization, they were against the manner by which this was carried out as they would be left buried in debt, with each modern jeep costing P2.8 million.

"Bagamat naroon talaga yung pangamba na mawawalan sila ng kabuhayan, pero ang sinasabi nila mahirap nga naman na pumasok sila sa andana ng modernization kung mababaon naman sila sa utang, ay mas lalong masakit sa ulo," said PISTON National President Mody Floranda. — DVM, GMA Integrated News