The deadline for the registration for the franchise consolidation under the PUV modernization program ended on Dec. 31. 2023. Some of those who failed to consolidate will be allowed to ply their routes until Jan. 31. Unconsolidated PUVs will be considered colorum starting Feb. 1.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 14) — Manibela will hold a nationwide transport protest on Jan. 16 against the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, chairman Mar Valbuena announced on Sunday.
The group told CNN Philippines that aside from conducting a transport protest, PUV drivers and operators will march to Malacañang to protest the government’s PUV modernization program.
The march will start at the University of the Philippines-Diliman to Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City and then proceed to Mendiola, Manila.
“Sunod-sunod ang meeting namin nitong nakaraang araw para mapaghandaan ang malaking protesta,” Valbuena said.
[Translation: We had several meetings these past days to prepare for the big protest.]
Valbuena said at least 10,000 PUV drivers and operators in Metro Manila will join the protest, and they are expecting triple the protesters who joined the five-day strike in December.
PUV drivers and operators from Calabarzon and Central Luzon, and other sectoral groups will join the protest, he added.
Valbuena said simultaneous protest actions will also be held in the provinces.
“Sana hindi lamang i-extend ‘yung mga provisional authority kung hindi ipabasura talaga itong pagpapatupad muna ng PUVMP dahil kapos sa pondo, kulang sa pag-aaral, at nandyan ang iniipit, puwershan, ginigipit at sapilitan,” Valbuena said.
[Translation: We’re hoping that they don’t just extend the provisional authority (of operators) but that they stop the implementation of the PUVMP because the program lacks funds and was not studied thoroughly, and also there is the use of force, coercion and pressure.]
“Ang pakiusap natin sa ating mga congressman ay hindi extension ng deadline of consolidation ang aprubahan, kung hindi extension ng aming mga franchise. Ibalik ng five years na validity habang-uusapan ito (PUV modernization program),” he added.
[Translation: We are requesting our congressmen to extend the validity of our franchise, not the deadline for franchise consolidation. Revert to the five-year validity while we are discussing the PUV modernization program.]
Speaking to CNN Philippines’ Newsroom Weekend, Office of Transport Cooperatives head Andy Ortega said it’s their right to protest.
“Karapatan nila ‘yon magprotesta, ngunit sabi nga ng mananakay parang nagsasawa na sila. Ang importante dito, tapos na ‘yong consolidation,” Ortega said.
[Translation: It’s their right to protest, but commuters said they are getting tired of it. The important thing is that the consolidation is done.]
He said around 76% of PUV operators nationwide have consolidated.
During a hearing on Wednesday, Santa Rosa, Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez proposed that the House transport panel ask President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to allow unconsolidated PUVs to ply their routes after Jan. 31.
