President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said there will no longer be an extension on the April 30 deadline for the consolidation of franchises under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
“There will no longer be an extension…. We really need that (modernization of PUVs),” the President said during the Bagong Pilipinas Town Hall Meeting on traffic that was held in San Juan.
Marcos initially extended the consolidation period in January to provide an opportunity to PUV franchise holders who want to consolidate.
Marcos said the government will ensure modernization is well organized and that the fees to be paid for the modernized vehicles would not become a burden to the PUV operators and drivers.
The President also vowed to help address the issues in the transport sector including the illegal operation of vehicles without permits or authorization or those known as “colorum”.
He said he was surprised to learn that about 30 percent of PUVs that are plying the roads are “colorum.”
Marcos said he has tasked the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to carry out appropriate measures through law enforcement.
A report by the Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board said 190,000 units – consisting of UV Express, PUJs, mini-buses and buses, PUVs have already consolidated.
The PUVMP aims to transform the public transport system in the Philippines, making both commuting and public transportation operations more dignified, humane, and on par with global standards.
