President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has recently approved the recommendation made by Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista to extend the deadline for the consolidation of public utility vehicles (PUV) until April 30, 2024. The decision aims to provide more time for operators and stakeholders to comply with the consolidation process, ensuring a smoother transition for the public transportation sector.
This crucial development was confirmed by Presidential Communications Operations (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil, who emphasized the significance of the extension in facilitating a comprehensive and systematic consolidation of PUVs across the country.
The move to extend the deadline comes as part of the government’s commitment to modernize and streamline the public transportation system. The consolidation process involves the merging and restructuring of PUV fleets to enhance efficiency, safety, and overall service quality. By granting this extension, President Marcos Jr. acknowledges the challenges faced by PUV operators and recognizes the need for a more gradual implementation of the consolidation measures.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, in proposing the extension, highlighted the complexities involved in the consolidation process, such as the coordination of various stakeholders, the acquisition of new vehicles, and compliance with safety and emission standards. The extension will enable operators to meet these requirements without compromising the quality of service for commuters.
PCO Secretary Cheloy Garafil affirmed that the government is committed to ensuring a seamless transition and urged PUV operators to take advantage of the extended deadline to complete the consolidation process successfully. The additional time granted reflects the administration’s responsiveness to the practical challenges faced by the public transportation sector, with the ultimate goal of providing a more efficient and reliable service for the Filipino people.
While the extension provides relief for PUV operators, it also emphasizes the government’s commitment to its modernization agenda, aimed at transforming the public transportation landscape. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to extend the consolidation deadline underscores a balanced approach, considering both the industry’s needs and the broader objectives of enhancing public transportation infrastructure.
The approval of the deadline extension for the consolidation of public utility vehicles until April 30, 2024, reflects a strategic and responsive decision by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This move reinforces the government’s commitment to modernizing the public transportation sector while acknowledging the practical challenges faced by operators in achieving compliance with the consolidation requirements.