Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 8) — The consolidation of franchises of public utility vehicles as part of the government’s modernization program is still a priority for the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) pending the results of its review of guidelines it will conduct in the following days, an official said Wednesday.
“Sa ngayon [For now], we are focusing on the industry consolidation at yung [and the] timeline based on the commitment ng LTFRB ‘yun pa rin sa ngayon [will be followed for now],” LTFRB Technical Division head Joel Bolano told CNN Philippines’ The Source.
He was referring to the deadlines earlier announced by the LTFRB, including the Dec. 31 deadline for franchise consolidation.
After a two-day strike, groups which participated decided to end the transport protest. Manibela Chairperson Mar Valbuena said they are holding on to the commitment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that the provisions of the modernization program will be reviewed so jeepney drivers and operators can keep their livelihood.
Bolano said they were already ordered to review the guidelines and have consultations with transport stakeholders.
New policy guidelines will be issued after issues are settled, he noted.
Under the current rules, franchise owners are required to consolidate or join existing cooperatives.
While they will be consolidated, Bolano explained that the members will still be involved in managing the cooperative. There are provisions in the guidelines that allow the conduct of a mediation or hearing if there will be complaints, he added.
Consolidation is also a requirement to be able to avail of loans to purchase the modernized jeepney units, he noted. A franchise owner will not be able to avail of this assistance if he will not join a cooperative, he said.
