There will be no longer an extension of the franchise consolidation under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday.
The President told the Bagong Pilipinas Townhall Meeting in San Juan that the franchise consolidation will no longer be extended after he earlier approved an extension last January to provide an opportunity to those who want to consolidate.
“At ang kahuli-hulihan ay asahan po ninyo wala na pong extension ‘yung modernization (PUVMP). Kailangang na kailangan na natin ‘yan,” President Marcos said.
“Aayusin… tinitiyak lang namin na hindi mapabigat pa ang babayaran at ang iuutang ng drayber, operator kaya’t ginagawa nating maayos at ginagawa nating well-organized ‘yung sistema na ‘yan,” he said.
The President expressed gratitude to transport organizations for helping the government in addressing traffic congestion in Metro Manila and for improving the transport system in the metropolis, promising to act on the present challenges through various measures.
To address the illegal operation of vehicles without necessary permits or authorization, Marcos said he has tasked the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to carry out appropriate measures through law enforcement.
“Napakarami pala at hindi ko akalain na 30 porsiyento ng pumapasada ay colorum pala kaya’t ipapasa ko ngayon kay DILG Secretary ang problema dahil ang pulis ang mag-eenforce n’yan at titiyakin na may prangkisang tama, may kasama sa kooperatiba, lahat ng inyong grupo at ‘yung ibang mga transport groups, mga TODA (transport organizations), lahat ay kinikilala ang mga papasada,” Marcos said.
“Kaya’t maraming salamat sa inyong tulong at sana ‘wag ho kayong magsawa na magsabi sa amin kung ano pa ang naiisip ninyo na maaaring gawin upang pagandahin ang sitwasyon sa trapiko,” he further stated.
President Marcos approved the recommendation of Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista last January granting an additional three months until April 30, 2024, for the consolidation of public utility vehicles.
At the same time, the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said public utility vehicles totaling 190,000 units, comprising of UV Express, PUJs, mini-buses and buses, have availed of consolidation.
The government is carrying out the PUVMP to address both the aggravating transport-related problems and the future transportation demand of the country.
The program aims to fundamentally transform the public transport system in the Philippines, making both commuting and public transportation operations more dignified, humane, and on par with global standards. PND
