MANILA: Senator Francis Tolentino on Tuesday lauded the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for giving drivers and operators a big ‘breathing room’ as the deadline for the consolidation of public utility vehicles (PUVs) had ended.

During his regular radio program in DWIZ, Tolentino interviewed LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III who confirmed that those who will comply with the consolidation at the deadline will be allowed to just submit a letter of intent, proof of cooperative/corporation, and a photocopy of their official receipt and certificate of registration.

“Supisyente na po yun. Although marami pong requirements yan, yun na munang tatlo ang ire-require (That is already sufficient. Although there are a lot of requirements, we will require just the three for the meantime), then we will give them another six months to comply with everything,” Guadiz said.

“Hindi lang po to follow, kundi mahaba-haba po yung period para makapag-comply sila (It’s not just ‘to follow,’ but they w
ill have a longer period to comply).”

Tolentino said the reduced initial requirements will be of great help to the drivers and their families.

“Dapat mapagbigyan din itong mga driver natin at nakakaawa rin. Bigla na lang mawawala sa kalye, mawawalan ng hanap-buhay, pati kapamilya nila ay apektado (The poor drivers should be given consideration. Their families would also be affected if they suddenly disappear from the streets and lose their jobs),” he said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier announced that there would be no more extension after the April 30 deadline for PUV operators and drivers to consolidate into cooperatives or corporations as part of the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP).

Under the PUVMP, operators must consolidate individual franchises under cooperatives or corporations to facilitate the acquisition of new, environmentally friendly transport vehicles.

PUV operators who fail to consolidate will have their franchises revoked by the LTFRB.

Source: Philippines News Agency