AMID allegations of graft surrounding the PUV Modernization, the government decided to set aside road restrictions for traditional jeepneys which failed to beat the deadline set by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for the consolidation of public utility vehicles (PUVs).
According to Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil, President Marcos has issued a directive extending the consolidation period until April 30, 2024, adding that the extension gives those who could not meet the deadline enough time to do so.
“President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista's recommendation, granting an additional three months until April 30, 2024, for the consolidation of public utility vehicles,” she said.
“This extension is to allow those who expressed intention to consolidate but did not make the previous cut-off,” she added.
Interestingly, what Marcos did is the exact opposite of his previous announcement where he stood affirm against any extension, citing a “commitment made by 70 percent of operators.”
“We cannot let the minority cause further delays, affecting the majority of our operators, banks, financial institutions, and the public at large,” Marcos was quoted as saying in published reports.
“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,” he added.
Based on the guidelines issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in 2017, PUV operators and drivers must form transport cooperatives or similar legal entities under the PUV modernization program.
They will be entitled to government subsidies, access to credit facilities, and other assistance to help modernize their vehicles.
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