Sore issue

Let's talk about the PUV franchise consolidation which seems to be a complicated, sore issue for drivers and operators of public jeepneys. The government has long wanted to implement that to roll out the so-called "modern jeepney". If you remember, former president Duterte lashed out in 2017 and warned that all those who do not comply with the PUV modernization would be arrested by the end of the year. Duterte said, "Mahirap kayo? P********, magtiis kayo sa hirap at gutom, wala akong pakialam. Do not make the person suffer.” Six years later, the PUV modernization remains a sore issue.

What is franchise consolidation? This means that all PUV operators will be held under one franchise, instead of separately, for a fixed route. Also included in this discussion is the PUV modernization which was opposed by several PUV groups from the beginning. President Bongbong Marcos Jr. issued a deadline on December 31, 2023. But it was extended to January 31, 2024. According to the LTFRB, public jeepneys that have not undergone franchise consolidation on that day will be considered "colorum". In other words, they will be arrested. We will have to see if the government will enforce this deadline this time.

But the Piston group has announced their members will continue to ply their routes even if they have not yet undergone consolidation as an act of defiance against the said consolidation. This has been an issue since 2017 with no agreement in sight. According to the operators and drivers, PUV modernization is “anti-poor” because modern jeepneys are more expensive and they cannot afford them. Even though the government has announced that they will help with easy loans, it still won't convince some groups.

The franchise consolidation and PUV modernization program aim to make public transportation more efficient, safer, and more eco-friendly. Older PUVs are known for their smoke-belching problems. They pose health problems aside from pollution. Accidents involving PUVs are usually due to faulty brakes. According to the government, modern PUVs will ensure proper engines and brakes and offer a comfortable ride for the public. There are already designs for that but still there is resistance. The government claims about 70% of all PUVs nationwide have already submitted for consolidation. Those who are still against the whole idea have taken their fight to the Supreme Court. It will be interesting to see how the high court will decide on this issue and bring the whole thing to an end once and for all.