THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on Thursday that unconsolidated public utility vehicles (PUVs) are allowed to ply their routes until April 30, 2024, as long as they are currently registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

"The authority to operate the units of all unconsolidated individual operators is extended until 30 April 2024, provided the unit is currently registered with the LTO and has a valid Personal Passenger Accident Insurance Coverage," LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz 3rd said, citing Memorandum Circular 2024-001.

Traditional and modern jeepneys are seen plying Andrew's Avenue in Pasay City, on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

"Confirmation of units of unconsolidated individual operators may be allowed until April 30, 2024. The said units are allowed to ply the route as PUV only within the said period," he added.

The latest memorandum also sets guidelines for filing applications for consolidation, reiterating that all applications for consolidation shall comply with the documentary requirements and procedures.

Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the recommendation of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista to grant a three-month extension for the Industry Consolidation Component of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.

Meanwhile, Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Lorenzo "Larry" Gadon said on Thursday that the government is after the interest of the general public over jeepney operators opposing the modernization program.

"They have been given more time and now another months of extension, but the government has to implement this program because it is a public transport and the public must always be the priority," he said.

Gadon said the government must maintain a hard stance against those opposing modernization.

"If they could not afford to acquire the modern PUVs, citing financial incapacity, then let others, who are capable, take their place," he said.

"Those excuses that they don't have money to acquire the modern PUV, that's unacceptable because the public transport system is not a charity, as it is the riding public that is directly affected in the long run," Gadon added.

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