FEJODAP seeks deadline extension for PUV modernization cooperatives, corporations

A group of jeepney operators and drivers are calling for an extension on the March 2023 deadline for public transport franchise holders to consolidate into a single entity - cooperative or corporation - under the PUV Modernization Plan.

In an interview on Dobol B TV on Saturday, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP) President Boy Rebaño said the group is asking to “extend for the meantime itong nalalapit na March 31 na posibleng mawala itong mga existing document na hawak ng mga individual operator.”

Rebaño explained that the first step in the modernization program is “pagsamahin ang mga existing document sa isang entity.”

“‘Yung consolidation, 'yan 'yung ipinairal ngayon... Lahat ng bumibiyahe sa isang ruta, kailangan magsama-sama at magtayo ng isang entity either corporation o cooperative,” he said.

“Kapag hind ito nagawa, 'yung posibilidad na hindi na pagkalooban ng prangkisa o renewal of franchise, doon mangyayari,” he said.

Rebaño, however, said the group asked the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for an extension, “at mukhang mapagbibigyan naman kami para itong mga operator ng traditional jeepney ay may panahon pa para makapag-decide.”

“Ang nababanggit kahapon, kahit isang taon na i-extend,” he said.

Rebaño said that drivers of traditional jeepneys are worried that they would be phased out if they fail to consolidate.

“Sa ngayon, hindi kami naniniwala na mape-phaseout ang mga tradisyunal na jeep,” he said.

“Kapag sinabing phaseout, totally mawawala sa kalsada, kaya lang. hindi natin ito naririnig sa pamahalaan,” he said.

The transport leader said that FEJODAP has 70,000 to 80,000 units of traditional jeepneys nationwide among its members.

In Metro Manila alone, the group has 40,000 units of traditional jeepneys. — DVM, GMA Integrated News