File photo of ACT supporting jeepney groups in UP Quezon City
TRANSPORT groups on Wednesday asked the Supreme Court to stop the consolidation requirement under the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program.
The petition claimed that it is unconstitutional to restrict the right to freedom of association by imposing a deadline of December 31, 2023, on PUV drivers and operators to establish cooperatives in order to prevent franchise revocation.
The petitioners include PISTON chairman Modesto Floranda, Jason Jajilagutan, Bayan Muna party-list coordinator Gaylord Despuez, Para-Advocates For Inclusive Transport member Edric Samonte, No to PUV Phaseout Coalition of Panay member Elmer Forro, and Komyut spokesperson Ma. Flora Cerna.
Transport group MANIBELA also declared its support for the petition.
On December 12, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government would no longer extend the deadline, noting that 70% of all operators have already committed to and consolidated under the modernization program.
”We cannot let the minority cause further delays, affecting the 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.
PISTON and MANIBELA then held a transport strike to oppose the government’s decision.
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