By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos has called for a Senate inquiry into the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program.
In Senate Resolution 893, Marcos emphasized that “the country cannot afford a transport crisis, especially as the economy is still recovering from the impact of the pandemic.”
She noted, “For traditional jeepney drivers and operators, the deadline is uncomfortably close for complying with consolidation requirements such as necessary documents, membership fees in cooperatives, funds to secure stocks in corporations, and other prerequisites. Moreover, these membership fees or stocks pose a heavy burden for some PUV drivers and operators.”
Marcos expressed concern about the “alarming number of PUVs failing to consolidate,” emphasizing that this issue requires attention as it will adversely impact commuters and the country’s public transportation system.
This call for a Senate inquiry follows Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III’s demand for an indefinite halt to the execution of the PUV upgrade program.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. had previously stated that there would be no extension of the December 31, 2023 deadline for the application for the consolidation of jeepney operators into cooperatives.
(el Amigo/MNM)
