DOTr: No more extension of PUV consolidation deadline after April 30

MANILA, Philippines — There will be no further extension of the deadline for consolidation of public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators past April 30, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said on Thursday.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. approved Bautista’s recommendation for a three-month extension a day prior.

“Ito na ang final extension. In fact, nag-issue nga kami ng statement dati na even with 76 percent [consolidation], we can implement the program. But since mayroon ngang clamor na sana magkaroon ng extension, ang ating presidente ay pinagbigyan itong humihingi ng more time,” he said in a press conference.

(This is the final extension. In fact, we issued a statement before that even with 76 percent [consolidation], we can implement the program. But since there is indeed a clamor for an extension, our president granted the request for more time.)

The country’s overall consolidation rate currently stands at 76 percent, and the DOTr hopes to see it increase to at least 85 percent after April 30, said Bautista.

During this period, transportation agencies will assist drivers and operators who have yet to form or join existing cooperatives and corporations.

“Mayroon na ngang nag file ng motion for consideration na i-consider ‘yung kanilang application. Mayroon ding lumalapit sa akin na grupo na gusto na rin nila [magconsolidate], ang sabi nila hindi nila masyadong naintindihan ‘yung programa but ngayon ay naiintindihan na nila and willing na sila magconsolidate,” the Department of Transportation (DOTr) chief said.

(Someone has already filed a motion for consideration to consider their application. There is also a group approaching me that now wants to [consolidate]; they said they didn’t quite understand the program before, but now they understand and are willing to consolidate.)

READ: Take advantage of extended consolidation deadline, PUV drivers, operators urged

“So ‘yun ang hinahabol namin, ‘yung mga willing mag-consolidate. ‘Yung mga hindi willing mag-consolidate, siguro ‘yun ang hindi nagsusuporta sa programa natin,” he added.

(So, what we’re aiming for are those who are willing to consolidate. Those who are not willing to consolidate might be those who do not support our program.)

READ: Use PUV consolidation respite to review modernization —senators