Considering the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong expressed support to the transport sector’s plea for the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board to delay implementation of the public utility vehicle modernization program.
The mayor said he recently met with members from the transport sector, who requested the timeline for the PUV modernization program be pushed back to allow them to recover from the effects of the pandemic as well as the unabated increase in fuel price.
“I am waiting for the transport sector to submit their manifesto so I can endorse it to the Department of Transportation,” Magalong said.
He said the manifesto will reflect the number of years or period the transport sector will ask for the postponement of the PUV modernization program.
“Our transport sector, jeepneys and taxi, will not be able to comply with the PUV modernization program and we are hoping for the consideration of the DOTR,” Magalong said.
Earlier, the city council passed Resolution 671, s. 2020, asking the LTFRB to take into consideration the various issues and concerns raised by local transport groups on the effect of the modernization plans to ensure that no PUV will be displaced.
Department of Transportation Department Order 2017-11 issued on June 19, 2017 requires that supposedly by the end of December 2020, bus, taxi, utility vehicle express, and jeepney operators and drivers must have consolidated their fleets under the public utility vehicle modernization program, otherwise, their franchises will be expired. – Jessa Mardy P. Samidan
April 26, 2024
