SC asks DOTr, LTFRB to comment on petitions seeking to stop PUV modernization

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to comment on pending petitions seeking to stop the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

The High Court was referring to the December 19 petition filed by Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) chairman Modesto Floranda, Jason Jajilagutan, Bayan Muna party-list coordinator Gaylord Despuez, Para-Advocates For Inclusive Transport member Edric Samonte, No to PUV Phaseout Coalition of Panay member Elmer Forro, and Komyut spokesperson Ma. Flora Cerna.

“Considering the allegations contained, the issues raised, and the arguments adduced in the petition, but without necessarily giving due course thereto, respondents DOTr and LTFRB should comment on the petition and on the urgent application for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and/or writ of preliminary injunction within a non-extendible period of 10 days from notice hereof,” the SC said in its order dated December 28.

“Now, therefore, you, respondents DOTr and LTFRB are hereby required to comment on the petition and on the urgent application for a TRO and/or writ of preliminary injunction within a non-extendible period of 10 days from notice hereof,” it added.

The PUV modernization program, which dates back 2017, seeks to replace jeepneys with vehicles that have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution and replace PUVs that are not roadworthy by the standards of the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Each unit, however, costs over P2 million.

The same SC order said the respondents should personally file their comments before the High Court as well as personally provide a copy of the said comments to the petitioners.

The SC order was given by authority of Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, the acting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, upon the written recommendation of the Member-in-Charge.

The deadline for consolidation for the enlistment of PUVs under the modernization program has been set on December 31.

The series of transport strikes, however, has prompted the government to provide a one-month grace period for the existing PUV franchise holders to consolidate under one cooperative that will be granted a franchise under the modernization program.—AOL, GMA Integrated News