Drivers, operators of unconsolidated PUVs have options – OTC

MANILA, Philippines — It is the not the end of the line for public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers who were not able to consolidate or apply for consolidation of their franchises before the Dec. 31 deadline, as they still have options to sustain their livelihood, the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) said yesterday.

OTC chairman Andy Ortega said drivers and operators can still remain in the public transport sector by joining cooperatives.

Ortega said cooperatives, whom they have spoken to, have expressed their willingness to absorb drivers of unconsolidated PUVs.

“They will give drivers the opportunity to join their cooperatives,” he said in Filipino in a news forum at the Dapo Restaurant and Bar.

Ortega said drivers can ply their present routes or routes that will be absorbed by cooperatives.

PUV operators can also take a similar option as they belong to the same industry, he added.

By Feb. 1, at least 30,000 public utility jeepneys will be considered illegal and treated as colorum or unauthorized units.

Ortega said operators and drivers of unconsolidated units will be given due process by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in January.

“Eventually the LTFRB will give a notice or decision regarding their franchise, which will be revoked and cancelled eventually,” he said.

For him, the consolidation of franchises under the PUV modernization program is still the better option, as those who will join are going to be entitled to government-mandated benefits from the Social Security System, Pag-IBIG Fund and Philippine Health Insurance Corp. just like other employees.