Jeepney drivers from the transport group PISTON have taken their plea to the Supreme Court to delay the enforcement of the public utility vehicle (PUV) consolidation, just a day before the deadline. In a petition filed on Monday, the group urged the SC to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the memorandum circulars issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) regarding the consolidation deadline.
According to the petition, the government issued a department order (D.O.) on Dec. 29, 2023, just two days before the original deadline of Dec. 31. The move was criticized by Neri Colmenares, one of the lawyers of PISTON, who argued that the government was not prepared for the implementation of the consolidation program.
Under the PUV modernization program (PUVMP), jeepney operators are required to consolidate into corporations or cooperatives to continue operating on their routes. However, many drivers are concerned about the financial burden as they would need to acquire “modern jeepneys” with prices as high as P2.8 million.
The deadlines for the PUV consolidation have already been adjusted several times, with the most recent deadline set for April 30, 2024. Failure to comply with the consolidation requirements will result in drivers being considered “colorum” and unable to operate on their routes.
PISTON, along with other transport groups, are holding a transport strike to protest the implementation of the consolidation program. The fate of the drivers and operators now rests on the decision of the Supreme Court regarding the issuance of a TRO on the memorandum circulars.
