MEMBERS of transport groups MANIBELA and PISTON held a protest on Tuesday to demonstrate their continued opposition to the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

From the University of the Philippines Diliman, the protesters traveled to Welcome Rotonda where they were stopped by policemen from entering the City of Manila. 

The government is implementing a PUV modernization program that seeks to replace traditional jeepneys with modern jeepneys or minibuses that are environment-friendly.

They are also required to form cooperatives.

The consolidation deadline was December 31, 2023.

MANIBELA earlier said the objective of the transport protest was to convince President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to restore the licenses that were canceled for drivers and operators who were unable to consolidate.

Transport groups have a pending petition before the Supreme Court to declare the PUV modernization program, which they say is costly and threatens their livelihood, unconstitutional.