THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced that it had relaxed the requirements for the consolidation of Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers
The announcement came after the LTFRB and transport group PISTON agreed to have less stricter requirements of consolidation as the deadline for cooperatives or corporations under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) draws nearer to just a few days away.
“Sa ngayon po ang kailangan na lang isumite ng unconsolidated operators ay tatlong dokumento na lang po. Ang latest na OR-CR ng kanilang saakyan, ang registration document ng kooperatiba na kanilang sasaniban o bubuuin, at ang attestation na sila ay sasali sa kooperatiba na ‘yun,” Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary and Spokesman Timothy John Batan aaid in an interview today.
Usec. Batan added that the LTFRB and Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) have extended their office hours to accommodate PUV operators trying to meet the December 31 consolidation deadline.
During Thursday’s meeting between LTFRB and PISTON, the two camps have clarified that at least two to three transport cooperatives will be allowed to travel on routes with a high volume of passengers, Usec. Batan said.
The LTFRB also has issued a Memorandum Circular waiving the penalties for those who failed in their requirements in 2020 to 2022, while the minimum number of units to consolidate was lowered to 10 from 15, according to the transport official.
However, Usec. Batan said the government stands firm on the December 31 deadline for consolidation, as announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday.
“Lahat ng ito ay ang tugon po natin sa direktiba ng Pangulo na nagsabi na hindi na ii-extend, hindi na natin palalawigin pa ang deadline para sa consolidation sa December 31 at nang sa ganoon ang kapakanan ng mas nakakarami na atin pong nais benepisyuhan dito sa ating programa ay hindi na maantala dahil sa iilan,” said Usec. Batan.
Allaying fears of a supposed transport crisis after the consolidation deadline lapses, Usec. Batan stressed that modernizing a jeepney unit will be implemented two to three years after consolidation.
“Meron na pong nakahandang pamamaraan ang LTFRB tulad ng pag-issue ng special permit sa mga consolidated operators ng jeep o bus para po sigurado na patuloy na mayroong tatakbo sa ating mga lansangan itong January 1,” Usec. Batan said.