A group of transport cooperatives in Mindanao has urged the government not to extend the April 30, 2024 franchise consolidation deadline.

During a forum in Cagayan de Oro, members of the Mindanao Federation of Transport Cooperative from Davao, Caraga, and Northern Mindanao called on the government to implement the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program fully.

The group also issued a manifesto, which will be forwarded to the Department of Transportation, urging the government to push through with the April 30, 2024 deadline.

The group said individual jeepney operators have already been given ample time to register in a cooperative or corporation.

“Hindi po phase out ang sinasabi namin, phasing out ibig sabihin nun tanggalin mo ang bulok palitan ng bago na PNS compliance. Bilang nag seserbisyo kami na dapat e-deliver natin ang safety, convenient, affordable na pamasahe, reliable na kahit anong oras nandiyan ang public transport,” Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas President, Engineer Orlando Marquez, said.

According to the Land Transportation, Franchising, and Regulatory Board-Northern Mindanao (LTFRB-10), more than 90 percent of PUJ franchises in the region have already been consolidated.

LTFRB-10 also backed the call of transport cooperatives.

“Pagkatapos ng ating deadline diyan po maglalabas ang ating central office ng guidelines o calendar of activities doon sa pagmo-modernized na ng mga vehicle,” LTFRB-10 Director, Abosamen Matuan, said.

LTFRB-10 said it is yet to receive an order from the central office that would extend the franchise consolidation deadline.