Transportation authorities have extended the deadline for the consolidation of public utility jeepney (PUJ) franchise until the end of 2023.
This comes amid the threat of thousands of drivers and operators to stage a week-long 'tigil pasada' or transport strike.
In a briefing on Wednesday, Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III announced the extension of the deadline from June 30 to December 31, citing earlier statements made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.
“Alinsunod po sa advice ng ating Kalihim Jaime Bautista at alinsunod ng pahayag ng ating Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, in-extend po namin ‘yung consolidation po ng mga modern jeepneys from June 30 to the end of December 2023. Ito po ay bilang pagtugon sa kalihingan po ng transport sector,” Guadiz said.
With the development, franchises for all traditional jeepneys are also extended until the end of 2023.
Guadiz said the extension would give the transport sector “more time to consolidate.”
On Monday, transport groups declared a one-week "tigil pasada," or strike of traditional jeepneys and UV Express nationwide, starting March 6.
The strike is in protest against Memorandum Circular No. 013 issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), which extended traditional jeepneys’ provisional authority (PA) or franchise to operate until June 30 only.
However, Guadiz denied that the week-long transportation strike was the reason behind the extension, noting that it was due to President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr., Bautista, and senators who sought a deferment of the implementation of the jeepney phaseout.
“To be honest, there is no pressure for us from the strike because more than 90% of the transport groups have signified their support to the program of the LTFRB,” Guadiz said.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. earlier asked the transport groups to halt its nationwide one-week "tigil pasada" as this move would burden Filipino commuters.
