Transport group to ply routes while awaiting SC ruling

Transport group Manibela said it will continue operations despite non-compliance with the consolidation requirement under the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP).

- ROMINA CABRERA

Manibela president Mar Valbuena said they are still waiting for a decision from the Supreme Court (SC), thus they will continue to ply the streets.

The transport group said they are only defending their right to make a living that is being prejudiced by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Department of Transportation (DOTr).

They noted that traditional jeepneys are still roadworthy and that their franchises should be given back by the LTFRB.

The group said they have observed lack of jeepneys and options for commuters since the start of the year due to the Dec. 31 deadline for consolidation.

The LTFRB and DOTr have yet to release data on consolidation and the affected routes despite the yearend deadline.

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III joined the call for the government to defer the program to allow stakeholders to collaboratively iron out pertinent issues surrounding the PUVMP.