Bongbong Marcos denies extending consolidation order deadline for PUV operators

(Screengrab from Bongbong Marcos Instagram account)

MANILA, Philippines —The December 31 deadline for the consolidation of public utility vehicle operators will not be extended, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced on Tuesday.

Marcos held a meeting with transport officials where they concluded the deadline would not be stretched.

“Currently, 70 percent of all operators have already committed to and consolidated under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP),” he said on social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter).

The President added that the government “cannot let the minority cause further delays” that affect the majority of operators, banks, financial institutions, and the public.

“Adhering to the current timeline ensures that everyone can reap the benefits of the full operationalization of our modernized public transport system. Hence, the scheduled timeline will not be moved,” Marcos said.

On Monday, transport group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide announced a two-day strike starting December 14.

This protest is meant to urge the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to junk the deadline for franchise consolidation applications.

Meanwhile, transport group Manibela also conducted its own strike from November 22 to 24 for the same reason.

On December 7, Secretary Jaime Bautista said over a Radyo Singko interview that the Department of Transportation remains firm with the end-of-year consolidation deadline.