President Marcos Jr. Extends PUV Consolidation Deadline to April 30
Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has announced the extension of the deadline for the consolidation of public utility vehicles (PUVs) to April 30, 2024. This decision, as communicated by Malacañang on Wednesday, comes after considering recommendations from the Department of Transportation.
According to Philippines News Agency, the extension was approved following Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista’s recommendation. This three-month extension aims to accommodate those who intended to consolidate but missed the previous deadline. Last month, President Marcos had rejected proposals to extend the December 31 deadline for PUV consolidation.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) reported that 145,721 units, or 76% of PUVs and utility vehicle express services, have already completed the consolidation process. PUVs that did not consolidate under cooperatives by December 31, 2023, and those operating on routes without cooperatives, were initially allowed to operate only until January 31.
Under the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), the organization of operators and drivers into cooperatives or corporations is a key strategy. This approach is expected to enhance the efficiency of public transportation services with an upgraded fleet featuring low-carbon emission and safe PUV units.
LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz affirmed the Board’s commitment to adhering to President Marcos’s directive, encouraging operators and drivers to utilize this extension period effectively.
Speaker Martin Romualdez expressed support for the President’s decision, highlighting that it demonstrates responsiveness to the sentiments and concerns of those in the transportation sector. This decision is particularly significant as it arrives during a period of challenges in the transport industry.
Following a meeting between House leaders, transport group representatives, and LTFRB officials, Romualdez emphasized the prompt attention given to the concerns raised, leading to the immediate extension. He also stressed the cultural significance of jeepneys in the Philippines, underscoring the commitment to preserving this iconic aspect of Filipino culture.
The House Committee on Transportation has adopted a resolution urging President Marcos to reconsider the December 31 consolidation deadline. In a recent hearing, the panel called for an extension until a concrete plan is developed to address major issues in the implementation of the PUVMP. The resolution underlines the importance of executing these reforms lawfully and with due process, ensuring the protection of stakeholders and the public.