No fees collected for PUV franchises, Poe reminds public

Senator Grace Poe over the weekend reminded the public that only administrative fees are charged for public utility vehicle (PUV) franchises, and that these charges do not reach P250,000.

In a radio interview, Poe—who chairs the Senate Public Services Committee—said the public should not be paying for PUV franchises, which are a privilege given by the government.

"Gusto kong ipaalala sa ating mga kababayan na wala pong binabayarang prangkisa sa gobyerno. Iyan po ay isang pribilehiyo na binibigay ng gobyerno kung karapat-dapat silang bigyan ng prangkisa," she said.

Her remarks come after it was found at a recent Senate hearing that several individuals claiming to be connected with the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) were asking operators to shell out P250,000 for a franchise.

"Kung may nangongolekta man mula sa [Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board] ay bawal po 'yan," said Poe.

"Dapat 'yan isumbong sa otoridad para masampahan ng kaso at maparusahan ang mga gawa niyan," she elaborated.

In a separate advisory, the LTFRB clarified that PUV franchises are "not for sale" and "it does not allow outsiders or fixers to intercede in the regular processing of the franchise issuances."

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) earlier announced it would open 20 new routes for public transport vehicles in the PITX, in response to the public's needs. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA News