Magalong to endorse transpo sector’s plea to delay PUV modernization

Considering the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong supports the transport sector in their plea to the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LFRB) for the delay in the implementation of the public utility vehicle modernization program.

The mayor said he recently met with members from the transport sector, who requested that the timeline for the PUV modernization program be pushed back to allow them to recover from the effects of the pandemic as well as the unabated increase in fuel price.

“I am waiting for the transport sector to submit their manifesto so I can endorse it to the Department of Transportation,” Magalong said.

He explained that the manifesto will reflect the number of years or period the transport sector will ask for the postponement of the PUV modernization program. 

“Our transport sector, jeepneys and taxi, will not be able to comply with the PUV modernization program and we are hoping for the consideration of the DOTR,” Magalong said.

Earlier, the city council passed Resolution No. 671, series of 2020, asking the LTFRB to take into consideration the various issues and concerns raised by local transport groups on the effect of the modernization plans to ensure that no PUV will be displaced.DOTR Department Order No. 2017-11 issued on June 19, 2017 requires that supposedly by the end of December 2020, bus, taxi, utility vehicle (UV) express and jeepney operators and drivers must have consolidated their fleets under the public utility vehicle modernization program, otherwise, their franchises will expire. – Jessa Mardy P. Samidan