Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 19) — Manibela Chairman Mar Valbuena said on Tuesday they will continue operating even after authorities revoke their permits once the consolidation requirement under the government’s Public Utility Modernization (PUV) modernization program ends on Dec. 31.
“Plano pa rin po nating pumasada, ‘yun nga lang nakakatakot na dahil kolorum na kami,” Valbuena told CNN Philippines’ The Source.
[Translation: We still plan to ply the roads, there’s just fear since we are already illegally operating.]
“Bakit kailangan may deadline? Bakit kailangang i-revoke ‘yung aming mga franchises na wala naman kaming nilalabag na batas?” he added.”‘Yung hindi namin pagsunod sa consolidation tingin ko ay karapatan namin ito.“
[Translation: Why should there be a deadline? Why should they revoke our franchises when we are not violating any law? I think it is our right not to complying with the consolidation.]
Manibela and Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide extended their transport strike this month to protest the consolidation requirement under the government’s modernization program.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has said the consolidation deadline will no longer be extended. Permits of those who will not consolidate will be revoked on New Year’s Day, authorities warned.
Valbuena pointed out that consolidation is not needed to modernize jeepneys. Without government subsidy, they were able to upgrade some of their units, he noted.
For around ₱400,000 to ₱500,000, they can already avail of locally made jeepney units that are compliant with the government’s standards, he added.
He said the government’s ₱200,000 subsidy is not enough for them to purchase the mini buses that cost ₱3 million, but it will be enough for modernized jeepney models.
Instead of giving cash subsidy, the government can instead provide compliant engines from Japan or locally made ones if they are available, he added.
The Manibela leader earlier called for the provision of assistance to local manufacturers so that good quality but less expensive units than the government’s preferred ones will be available.
Instead of consolidating, Valbuena urged the government to extend the validity of their single franchise.
