31 Mayo 2024, Biyernes
Happy 48th Anniversary Mariveles Baptist Church, Mariveles, Bataan
City of Makati, France in June
supports World Press Freedom Day, May 3
Register now and vote in midterm polls
supports International Nurses’ Day
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
supports May, Cardiac Illness Prevention Month
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Impounding, P50K fine on unconsolidated jeeps begin
By J.Lo
“Even two weeks after April 30 deadline, Marcos government has yet to lay out concrete plans for supporting and sustaining livelihoods of PUV drivers and operators who fail and refuse to consolidate their franchises,” Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON) said government had started impounding traditional jeepney units as it continues implementing controversial Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), leaving some passengers stranded.
This is after expiration of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) 15-day leeway for thousands of unconsolidated jeepneys, all are now considered “colorum” by state.
“Authorities will check serial number on document issued by LTFRB displayed on their jeepneys during operations that started on May 16,” said LTFRB in statement.
They also reminded drivers and operators to display their franchise documents on their dashboard or windshields to avoid apprehension.
Government earlier gave jeepney and UV Express units only until April 30 to consolidate into cooperatives and corporations under PUVMP. Those who would fail to do so would no longer be allowed to operate their routes.
Said jeepney drivers and operators should however start transitioning their old units into Euro-4 or electric engines three years after consolidation deadline. However, many couldn’t afford modern PUVs could cost up to P2.8 million each.
Unconsolidated units that would be apprehended by Land Transportation Office (LTO), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Philippine National Police (PNP) starting today may result in:
- one-year suspension for driver
- P50,000 fine for operator
- 30-day impounding of vehicle
While LTO, MMDA and PNP have started apprehension of “colorum” vehicles, LTFRB to this day still cannot give media final number of consolidated and unconsolidated units as of April 30.
Progressive transport group PISTON likewise condemned government’s insistence on much assailed PUVMP and eventual jeepney phaseout, calling it “deliberate massacre of transport workers’ livelihoods and attack on people’s right to accessible and affordable public transport.”
“This underscores failure of corporate-driven and foreign-oriented public transport modernization program, program that has left many transport workers and commuters in dire straits.”
LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III earlier said that around 10,000 jeepney units could possibly be taken out of the roads as per April 23 data. Guadiz however downplayed its possible effect, saying that it won’t lead to transport crisis.
PISTON last December 2023 filed Supreme Court petition calling for certiorari and injunction questioning legality of consolidation deadline, this while seeking for a temporary restraining order to prevent its implementation.
“Marcos regime’s heavy-handed approach cannot be justified… by apprehending jeepney drivers and operators, it exacerbates suffering faced by commuters,workers and students grappling with growing unemployment,” PISTON continued.
“Essential public transport services should not be sacrificed while government clings to delusions of economic growth.”
ISKUP! 