Jeepney drivers call on SC to issue TRO vs. PUV modernization

Jeepney drivers on Tuesday called on the Supreme Court (SC) to act on their pending petition against the public transport modernization program (PTMP), months since it was filed in December 2023.

Jason Pahilagutan, a PISTON member, said they are asking the Court to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the PTMP, previously called the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

“Kinukumbinsi natin ‘yung mga magigiting na maistrado natin para kahit man lang pansamantala na mag baba siya ng TRO mula doon sa petisyon na finile namin,” Pahilagutan said.

(We are urging the honorable Court to issue a TRO from the petition we filed.)

In their petition, members of transport groups asked the SC to declare null and void several issuances of government transportation agencies, and issue a TRO to prevent the respondents from enforcing the issuances.

Among the issuances mentioned are Department of Transportation (DOTr) Department Order No. 2017-11, which serves as the framework for the PUVMP, and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) MC 2023-051, which set the deadline for the consolidation.

The petitioners are 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.

Pahilagutan said that while the petition is pending, the SC should issue a TRO to allow them to temporarily register.

“Habang pinag-aaralan nila ‘yung petisyon ng PISTON ay dapat magbaba muna ng kaagyat na TRO para samantala muna kami maka rehistro,” he said.

(While they are looking into the petition of PISTON, they should issue a TRO so we can temporarily register.)

In July, 22 of the 23 senators signed proposed Senate Resolution 1096 urging the government to temporarily suspend the implementation of the PTMP.

However, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stood firm behind the program despite the Senate resolution. He stressed that the program was postponed several times.

Started in 2017, the PTMP aims to replace jeepneys with vehicles that have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution. It also aims to replace units that are no longer considered roadworthy.

A modern jeepney unit costs over P2 million, an amount that even state-run banks LandBank and Development Bank of the Philippines said was too expensive for PUV drivers and operators. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News