MANILA, Philippines — Transport group Piston on New Year’s Day said it is hoping that the new year would usher in new perspectives from government agencies on the effects of the PUV modernization program.
“Sana makita ng gobyerno ang kahalagahan ng ating public transport. Kami po ay katuwang ng gobyerno sa usapin ng paghubog ng ating ekonomiya,” said Floranda.
(I hope the government realizes the importance of public transportation. We are partners with the government in shaping our economy.)
Floranda also said that in 2024, they wish for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to see the status of transport workers in the country.
“We hope that BBM (Bongbong Marcos) sees our condition,” he added.
Floranda said that Piston and other transport groups are also hoping for a favorable Supreme Court decision on its petition against the public utility vehicle modernization program.
“Ngayon umaasa po tayo sa kataas-taasang hukuman na sana katigan nila ang mga karapatan at interes ng mga drayber at opereytor sa isang mas maayos na serbisyo para sa ating mga mamamayan,” Piston President Mody Floranda told Inquirer.net.
(Today, we hope that the High Court will uphold the rights and interests of drivers and operators in providing a better service for our citizens.)
Piston, through its legal representatives recently filed an extremely urgent motion seeking to expedite the court’s verdict on the PUV franchise consolidation deadline.
According to Piston, the PUV modernization program will result affect the livelihood of some 86,000 transport workers.
The Office of Transportation Cooperatives, however, previously said that it will find ways to provide employment to PUV drivers who will be displaced by the PUV modernization program.
Floranda’s statement comes one day after the deadline for mandatory franchise consolidation which effectively bars unconsolidated PUV operators in the country from ferrying commuters.
The mandatory franchise consolidation is one of the steps in the implementation of the government’s PUV modernization program.