SC seeks DoTr response on PISTON-led petition vs PUVMP

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court has required the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to comment on the petition filed by progressive transport group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON), assailing the constitutionality of the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP). 

The order follows the resumption of the Supreme Court's en banc session on Tuesday, happening shortly after the high court ended its decision-writing period on May 10.

An order to comment is part of the SC's procedures in handling cases or petitions.

The high court also required the DOTr to comment on the transport groups’ plea for a temporary restraining order (TRO), which seeks to pause the enforcement of the memorandum circulars linked to the PUVMP.

On Tuesday, transport groups PISTON and MANIBELA once again flocked to the SC to ask the high court to issue a TRO before the 15-day leeway given by the DOTr to unconsolidated jeepney drivers.

RELATED: TRO vs PUVMP urged anew as 'grace period' for unconsolidated PUVs nears end

The groups have also lobbied for a TRO against PUVMP during their previous filing of supplemental petitions.

However, the SC has not yet issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the program, which could halt its implementation.

Despite the court's decision not to issue a TRO, SC spokesperson Camille Ting said that the high court did not deny the petition.

“The Supreme Court’s requirement for the Respondent to comment on the prayer for TRO and/or Writ of Preliminary Injunction does not mean that the prayer for TRO and/or WPI was denied,” Ting said in a message to reporters.