DRIVERS plying the Cubao-Arayat route are working tirelessly. With the high cost of living, their daily earnings are no longer enough.
While they are reluctant to join the cooperative for the PUVMP, they have no choice but to comply with the government’s wishes.
“Instead of being unable to operate, we might as well consolidate because there’s a remaining 3 years that we’re aiming for. But if we have to fight, we will continue to fight that we remain steady with this traditional approach,” according to Ricardo, Driver, San Juan, Malabito, Matulid Jeepney Drivers Association Inc.
Elpidio cannot abandon his jeepney, which has supported his family for 38 years. Fortunately, he managed to meet the last day of franchise consolidation on April 30.
“This jeep has sentimental value. It’s been 38 years, and it’s what put my two children through college,” Elpidio, Driver said.
However, Wednesday, May 15th, was the last day of the grace period given by the LTFRB before unconsolidated jeepneys are apprehended.
This is what concerns not only those who did not join the cooperative but also those who did.
They said they understand the danger of disobeying the government’s orders regarding the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, but they are still risking it because they have families to support.
Rey, despite having proof that he has joined the cooperative, is also worried about his fellow drivers.
“It’s difficult if you get caught because, of course, the jeep will be impounded, and there will be no livelihood,” said Rey, Driver.
Even commuters feel the hardships faced by drivers now because of the PUVMP.
“Their situation is difficult because what we’re used to is the jeep, which is the Filipino way, unlike now that they’re struggling. Yes, I feel sorry for them,” commuter stressed.
Romelito, who did not really join the cooperative for the PUVMP, is also afraid of what might happen on Thursday, May 16.
LTFRB will be stricter with drivers who did not join the cooperative, considering them colorum.
“Of course, we’re worried because it will be difficult for us to send our children to school if we lose our livelihood. Will it be a game of tag tomorrow? Maybe we’ll just find out tomorrow what will happen – who will be caught,” Romelito, Driver, expressed.
1K PUJ drivers were issued show cause orders will be ticketed, impounded on May 16
LTFRB is set for an anti-colorum operation on Thursday, May 16.
According to LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III, about 1,000 PUJs have been issued show cause orders that drivers have failed to respond to.
“Their franchise will be revoked, which means that by May 16 we can now slowly apprehend those who have received notices and have not responded or their response was unacceptable. These are now considered colorum,” according to Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III, Chairman, LTFRB
“If you get caught tomorrow or any date and you’re unable to show the necessary papers, the driver can be, first, issued with a ticket, then their license suspended for one year. The vehicle can also be impounded with a penalty of P50,000,” Guadiz added.
LTFRB will conduct random apprehensions on various routes in Metro Manila.
However, it’s possible that they will catch very few colorum vehicles on Thursday, May 16.
“Right now, the face of the streets reflects post-consolidation. This means that those who did not consolidate are also seeing many voluntarily cease operations,” Guadiz stressed.
LTFRB will also coordinate with other government agencies to finalize the apprehension guidelines.
LTFRB reminds drivers who have consolidated to display a copy of the consolidation petition or LTFRB approval on their dashboard to avoid being caught and ticketed.
