DOTr forms special review committee for PUV modernization program
ALMOST THERE Modern jeepneys wait for passengers in Cubao, Quezon City, as authorities prepare for the deadline. —Niño Jesus Orbeta
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has created a special committee to review the government’s modernization program for public utility vehicles (PUVs).
Based on a special order signed by Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on Monday, the committee will consult with various stakeholders, evaluate and review the current status and progress of the program, and identify issues and concerns.
It is expected to submit its recommendations on how to proceed with the public transport modernization program (PTMP) to Dizon “within one week” from the issuance of the order, as well as perform other duties necessary to fast-track its implementation.
READ: DOTr urged to name new officials to lead PUV modernization program
The special committee will be chaired by Mark Steven Pastor, DOTr undersecretary for road transport and infrastructure. Its members are Ramon Reyes, assistant DOTr secretary for road transport and infrastructure; former Cainta Mayor Ramon “Mon” Ilagan, the newly appointed head of the Office of Transportation Cooperatives; and Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor Mendoza II.
Also on Monday, Dizon finally met with members of the transport group Manibela, which staged a three-day transport strike last week in protest of the modernization program.
During their meeting, Manibela president and senatorial candidate Mar Valbuena expressed openness to joining the PTMP “if the government can convince us that [it] is really for the good of the public.”
One of his group’s immediate requests to the DOTr was to allow their members to reclaim their old routes either by returning their franchise or granting them a provisional authority.
They also asked that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) allow them to be reconfirmed and waive their penalties so that they could register their vehicles with the LTO.
Solution out soon
Dizon earlier said he would come up with a “solution” in two weeks’ time after the DOTr sits down with various stakeholders to iron out issues regarding the controversial program.
He added that he was also open to changing some provisions of the PTMP “because clearly, there are some issues that need to be resolved.”
Valbuena earlier called for the resignation of LTFRB Chair Teofilo Guadiz III, saying he deceived President Marcos by giving him inaccurate consolidation figures, which led the President to push through with the modernization program last year.
Following the extended Nov. 29 deadline for consolidation, the LTFRB said that 86.23 percent, or 165,334 out of 191,730 passenger vehicles, have applied for consolidation under the PTMP.
