At least 500 drivers of unconsolidated traditional jeepneys in Panay Island in Western Visayas were observed to have continued plying their route despite prohibition, saying that they have families to provide. 

“Kung titigil kami, hindi namin alam kung paano bubuhayin ang pamilya namin,” Peter Vigo, a traditional PUJ driver, said.

Unconsolidated traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs) are barred from plying their routes after May 16, 2024 based on an order of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Central Office.

The drivers pursued driving as they have not received any show cause order yet.

“Nang nag-check tayo sa LTO [Land Transportation Office], according sa LTO wala namang instruction sa kanila. So we advised ng members na bumiyahe muna,” Elmer Forro, lead convener of No to PUV Phaseout Coalition Panay, said. 

According to LTFRB 6, unconsolidated units will now be apprehended by LTO 6 because these are already considered “colorum” (a public transport vehicle operating without a franchise, or in violation of it).

 Even without a show cause order, under the Anti-Colorum Operation, the non-compliant units will be apprehended as the provisional authority (PA) of unconsolidated PUJs have already expired on April 30, 2024. Its first deadline on December 31, 2023 was extended based on humanitarian grounds.

Once apprehended, the drivers can be fined P50,000 with one-year suspension and 30-day impounding of units.

“Ang show cause order is very different from PA. Kung expired ang PA, colorum ka na,” Atty.  Jun Altura, LTFRB 6 officer in charge, pointed out.

According to Altura, LTO 6 is designated apprehending agency as there is no deputized personnel at the LTFRB 6. 

LTFRB 6 is set to issue a show cause order to over 3,000 unconsolidated jeepneys in Region 6.

In Bacolod City at least 1,000 PUJ driver-members of Bacon Incorporated have already stopped plying their routes. 

“Hindi talaga kami papayag na sumama sa programa sa consolidation o cooperative; individual ang gusto namin,” Rudy Agsam Catedral, Bacod Inc. president, said. 

Drivers of unconsolidated units in Talisay City, Silay City, and Murcia town in Negros Occidental have stopped as well from serving their passenger routes. 

Data at LTFRB 6 showed that over 600 modernized jeepneys ply in Bacolod City, while over 1,500 traditional units have secured provisional authority. 

Meanwhile, no exact figures were provided on the number of drivers who continued serving their routes in Iloilo City.