DOTr on revoking unconsolidated PUV franchises: It's a consequence of their decision

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Tuesday backed the move to revoke franchises of public utility vehicles (PUV) that did not consolidate into cooperatives, saying it was the noncompliant operators and drivers who chose not to follow the order.

DOTr Undersecretary Andy Ortega, however, said his office was still open to any groups or individuals who wish to have a dialogue regarding the government's PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP).

"Sa bagay na gusto ata nilang magpa-register, just to clarify, ang consolidation na hindi tinanggap ng dalawang grupo—, among hundreds, dalawang grupo na lang ang ayaw mag-consolidate, which nag-expire na—, ang resulta ng hindi pagko-consolidate ay talagang hindi ka na pwedeng mag-register kasi kusa kang nag-desisyon na hindi mag-consolidate," Ortega said in an Unang Balita interview.

(Only two groups among hundreds did not want to consolidate. The result of that is that they could no longer register for consolidation because they themselves decided not to consolidate.)

"Hindi ko po nakikita ang bagay na 'yun dahil desisyon na nila na hindi mag-consolidate," he added.

(I don't see that happening because they already decided not to consolidate.)

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero said Monday that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has no authority to revoke the individual franchises of unconsolidated PUVs.

He was referring to the provision of the government's public transport modernization program which requires drivers and operators to consolidate into corporations or cooperatives to be granted franchises to operate.

For his part, Ortega said that transport authorities are not refusing to give franchise to unconsolidated PUV drivers and operators.

The LTFRB is an agency under the DOTR.

"Unang una, hindi natin pinagkait 'yan. 'Yan ay consequence ng desisyon nila na hindi mag-consolidate. I think very clear naman po 'yung programa, 'yung gobyerno sa bagay na 'yan. And I guess we just have to respect their decision and they should also accept the consequence of such a decision," he said.

(We are not denying them a franchise. That is a consequence of their decision not to consolidate. I think the program and the government are very clear on that matter.)

Earlier this month, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. stood firm behind the implementation of the PUVMP despite the Senate resolution calling for its suspension.

Ortega earlier said that unconsolidated operators and drivers will be notified that their franchises are revoked "a week or two" after the April 30 consolidation deadline.

He also assured that the LTFRB will give them due process and will give them show cause in order for them to respond. — VDV, GMA Integrated News