Court thumbs down transport group’s plea vs. PUV modernization program

A Quezon City court has denied a transport group's plea to stop the government's public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

In her three-page order, Judge Charito Gonzales of the QC Regional Trial Court Branch 18 said she found "no compelling reason for the issuance of a [temporary restraining order]." 

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) posted photos of the judge's order on its official Twitter account.

The Angat Tsuper Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator ng Pilipinas - Genuine Organization Inc. (Stop & Go) was among the transport alliances that protested the then proposed PUV phaseout in February.

The Stop & Go was seeking a TRO against the implementation of Department Order No. ‎‎2017-011, otherwise known as the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG).

Reacting to the court order, Transportation Undersecretary Reinier Paul Yebra said there was no urgency that would merit the issuance of the TRO, and no irreparable damage would be inflicted if the order would not be issued.

Anyway, Yebra added, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has not issued necessary memos as basis of specific implementation schedules.

The PUV modernization program's major component introduces the reforms in granting of franchises by implementing new rules in planning routes and improving standards for operators and vehicles.

"The release of the OFG has paved the way for the lifting of the moratorium on the acceptance of new applications for the issuance of [Certificate of Public Convenience], which was in force since 2003," the DOTr said on the release.

"This forms part of the PUVMP that seeks to provide safer, more comfortable and environmentally sustainable mode of public transport to commuters by upgrading vehicles to meet international safety, energy efficiency and emission standards," it added.

The DOTr's Legal Affairs and Procurement chief also reminded PUV operators that the issuance of a CPC was "not a right, but a mere privilege, subject to police power of the state through the DOTr and the (LTFRB)." — Margaret Claire Layug/MDM, GMA News