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Advocates Philippines
DOTr: Consolidation Non-Negotiable For PUV Modernization
Photo credit: Kabataan Partylist FEU
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has emphasized that the consolidation of jeepney operators and drivers into cooperatives or corporations remains a pivotal and non-negotiable aspect of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista reiterated the government's stance during the Stratbase ADR Institute Pilipinas Conference on Wednesday.
Bautista underscored the significance of industry consolidation, stating, "One very important issue that is non-negotiable is industry consolidation because we really need the players to consolidate into cooperatives or corporations." He further emphasized that unwillingness to consolidate would not be accommodated, as the government sees it as a crucial component of the PUVMP.
Addressing the demand of the striking transport group PISTON for a 5-year extension of PUV franchises, Secretary Bautista clarified that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has already set guidelines for franchise extension. "For example, the 5-year franchise, when the vehicles are really new, we can give them a franchise," he explained.
PISTON also raised concerns about PUV drivers' inability to access fuel subsidies during the franchise transfer process.
Bautista responded by stating that drivers and operators need only present valid documents indicating the franchise's transfer to qualify for the subsidy.
"If they can show the documents correctly, even if the franchise hasn't been transferred yet, we will give them the fuel subsidy," he affirmed.
Sec. Bautista assured that the DOTr has the support of various transport groups and expressed openness to dialogue.
"Many groups are supporting our program. We are ready to talk to them anytime. My office is open for dialogue with anyone, and we are ready to engage in a discussion," he concluded.
Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista reiterated the government's stance during the Stratbase ADR Institute Pilipinas Conference on Wednesday.
Bautista underscored the significance of industry consolidation, stating, "One very important issue that is non-negotiable is industry consolidation because we really need the players to consolidate into cooperatives or corporations." He further emphasized that unwillingness to consolidate would not be accommodated, as the government sees it as a crucial component of the PUVMP.
Addressing the demand of the striking transport group PISTON for a 5-year extension of PUV franchises, Secretary Bautista clarified that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has already set guidelines for franchise extension. "For example, the 5-year franchise, when the vehicles are really new, we can give them a franchise," he explained.
PISTON also raised concerns about PUV drivers' inability to access fuel subsidies during the franchise transfer process.
Bautista responded by stating that drivers and operators need only present valid documents indicating the franchise's transfer to qualify for the subsidy.
"If they can show the documents correctly, even if the franchise hasn't been transferred yet, we will give them the fuel subsidy," he affirmed.
Sec. Bautista assured that the DOTr has the support of various transport groups and expressed openness to dialogue.
"Many groups are supporting our program. We are ready to talk to them anytime. My office is open for dialogue with anyone, and we are ready to engage in a discussion," he concluded.
Nov 22, 2023
