THE public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program’s December 31 deadline for drivers and operators to consolidate will not be extended, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Tuesday.

”Today, we held a meeting with transport officials, and it was decided that the deadline for the consolidation of public utility vehicles (PUV) operators will not be extended,” Marcos said on X, formerly Twitter.

Marcos said 70% of all operators have already committed to and consolidated under the modernization program.

”We cannot let the minority cause further delays, affecting majority of our operators, banks, financial institutions, and the public at large,” he said.

”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,” he added.

Marcos’ statement came a day after transport group PISTON said they would hold a transport strike on Thursday and Friday to oppose the consolidation deadline.

According to PISTON, the President’s statement has only made them more determined to carry out the transport strike.

”Dahil sa pahayag ni Marcos Jr., lalong lumakas ang dahilan para ituloy ang welga. Panawagan namin sa lahat ng mga JODA at maging sa mga komyuter, sama-sama tayong kumilos at igiit ang pagbabasura sa deadline at sa sapilitang franchise consolidation,” it said.

In addition, PISTON said the consolidation figure disclosed by Marcos was ”misleading.”

”Yung claim na 70% na ang consolidated ay misleading. Kabuuang bilang yun ng consolidated para sa lahat ng tipo ng PUVs nationwide kabilang ang mga bus. Pag jeeps sa NCR, 26% pa lang ang consolidated. Pag UVE, 36% pa lang ang consolidated,” the group said.

”Katumbas ito ng mahigit 60,000 na mga tsuper at 25,000 na mga operator na dadagdag sa lumalaking bilang ng mga walang trabaho sa NCR pa lang.”