MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has clarified that the figures mentioned in relation to the percentage of consolidated public utility vehicles are both true.

This was after Jeepney driver and operators group Manibela said the LTFRB did not give correct information when it announced that 86% of PUV units are now consolidated, while Transport Secretary Vince Dizon mentioned last week that it was 43%, which was much lower.

New LTFRB Spokesperson Ariel Inton said 86.23% are the units with franchise that have applied for the consolidation under the Public Transport Modernization Program as of November 2024. This translates to 165,334 units out of 191,730. These include buses, jeepneys, UV Express vans and mini buses.

While the 43% are those application already approved by the LTFRB. Inton added that all 86.23% can still ply their routes. Only the remaining 13.77% are deemed colorum or illegal.

“When we say 86% filed for consolidation, correct, 43% tapos na sa process of consolidation, tama rin,” Inton said.

“Once na nag file ka na for consolidation ay nandoon na benefits ng nag file. Ano yun? May provisional authority ka na para magbyahe, ma koconfirm na unit mo, meron ka na fuel subsidy etc,” he added.

Inton said there are many reasons why only 43% have been approved. He said there is a study which he will submit to the LTFRB Board on why some drivers and operators have not yet fully complied the requirements.

“There are those requirements operators find difficult to comply—capitalization, financial requirements, fleet modernization, legal administrative barrier,” he added.

The agency will discuss how to make it easier for others to comply, he said. Inton will also suggest to the LTFRB Board to possibly allow the 13.77% to still apply way past the deadline last year. One option is to file a motion to accept late application for consolidation. He clarified he will still proposed this and this is not yet being discussed.

Meawnhile, the LTFRB has also met with some jeepney groups earlier Monday to assure them that the public transport modernization program will continue amid earlier reports that it may be suspended. Pasang Masada President Obet Martin and the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines President Boy Vargas are happy that the program will continue especially since almost 90% of their members have already filed for consolidation.

Martin added that the transport strike being done by Manibela is not relevant anymore, insisting that dialogue should be the way forward.

“Tigil pasada hindi na ho uso ngayon yan, sapagkat yan ay isang perwisyo sa ating mananakay, perwisyo sa kapwa naghahanabuhay,” Martin said.