Jeepney drivers and operators in the Philippines have taken their plea to the Supreme Court to halt the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) before the April 30 franchise consolidation deadline.
Transport group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON) held a protest rally in front of the SC building in Manila, expressing their concerns over the program. Piston deputy secretary general Ruben Baylon emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Let’s not wait for more PUV operators to be deep in debt due to consolidation and other inhumane schemes under the PUVMP.”
President Marcos has already announced that the franchise consolidation deadline will not be extended. Jeepney units that are not consolidated into cooperatives or corporations by May will be considered colorum and prohibited from operating.
The PUVMP, initiated in 2017, aims to modernize the public transportation sector by replacing jeepneys that are 15 years old and older, as they are considered not roadworthy by the Land Transportation Office.
PISTON filed a petition for a temporary restraining order (TRO) with the SC in December 2023, but the high court has yet to issue a decision on the matter.
In another development, police have filed criminal charges against Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena and other members of the group for organizing a two-day transport strike in Quezon City. The charges include violations of public safety laws and disturbance of public order.
The rally organized by Manibela in protest against the PUVMP caused significant inconvenience and disruption, as it involved around 70 public utility jeepneys and 600 demonstrators blocking major roads in the city. Authorities also noted that the group did not obtain a permit for the assembly, further complicating the situation.
