House transpo panel asks Marcos to 'reconsider' PUV consolidation deadline

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 24) — The House Committee on Transportation wants President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to "reconsider" the public utility vehicle (PUV) consolidation deadline, which lapsed on Dec. 31, 2023.  

The panel on Wednesday approved a resolution urging Marcos to "extend" the consolidation period "until the government comes up with a concrete plan to address major issues" in the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP).

The resolution proposed by Santa Rosa Rep. Dan Fernandez was introduced at the panel's last inquiry on Jan. 10, but it was archived as not enough lawmakers were present to call a quorum.

"While the intention of the PUVMP is beyond question and considering that the modernization of public transportation is long overdue, the needed reforms must be done in accordance with law and due process to ensure the protection of the affected stakeholders and the riding public in general," the resolution read.

It added that the government should launch an information drive to ensure the seamless implementation of the program, but it "should defer from prematurely implementing directives or orders which carry irreversible consequences."

Lawmakers also stressed the urgent need to pass the resolution as unconsolidated PUVs will be considered colorum, or illegal PUVs, starting Feb. 1

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said unconsolidated PUVs will be banned from plying their routes after Jan. 31. The LTFRB warned they will be apprehended if they continue to operate.

Last week, the LTFRB revealed that hundreds of PUV routes nationwide still have no consolidated entities despite the lapse of the franchise consolidation deadline last Dec. 31, 2023.

READ: Hundreds of PUV routes still have no consolidated entities after deadline