MMDA gearing up for April 30 PUV consolidation deadline

(INQUIRER / LYN RILLON)

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday said that it will coordinate with other agencies on the apprehension of drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs) that are still unconsolidated after the April 30 deadline.

“Siguro mag-uusap pa kami kasi identified naman na ‘yong mga routes kung saan may mga transport groups na hindi nagconsolidate. So probably magkakasa kami ng joint operations pa rin para mahuli ‘yong mga colorum, hindi lamang ‘yong mga illegally nag-ooperate pati ‘yong hindi nagconsolidate,” MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes in a press briefing,

(I think we will have discussions on this, because the routes where transport groups have not yet consolidated are identified, so probably we’ll launch joint operations to apprehend colorum vehicles, not just those who illegally operate, but those who did not consolidate.)

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said that as of March, 80 percent of PUVs have consolidated, which is the first step in the PUV modernization program of the government.

After the deadline, vehicles that have not consolidated will have their franchises revoked, the LTFRB said.

Some groups have expressed dismay and as such, organized transport strikes to protest the deadline on April 30.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who extended the deadline from December 31, 2023 to April 30, said that the extension of the deadline will be final.