A transport group has called on the Supreme Court to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) against a controversial policy a week before the franchise consolidation deadline set for jeepneys and UV Express units.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that there would be no more extensions regarding the franchise consolidation under the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program. Units that remain unconsolidated into cooperatives and corporations after May 2024 will be deemed colorum and prohibited from operating their routes.
PISTON deputy secretary general Ruben Baylon expressed concern about the financial burden and uncertainties faced by poor drivers and operators as the deadline approaches. Under the PUVMP, operators are required to transition from old jeepneys and UV Express units to modern PUVs 27 months after the consolidation deadline, with a cost of over P2 million per unit.
Although Filipino manufacturers offer modern jeepneys at around P985,000, this price is still higher compared to traditional jeepney units priced at only around P200,000 to P600,000 each. PISTON and its legal counsel Neri Colmenares filed a petition for a TRO with the SC last December, but a decision from the high court is still pending.
Baylon urged the Court to understand the plight of operators and prevent the Department of Transportation and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board from imposing a deadline that could affect their livelihood.
