Members of transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) stage a picket protest outside the House of Representatives on Dec 7, 2023, in Quezon City, as the Makabayan bloc files a House Resolution calling for the deferral of the December 31 deadline for franchise consolidation applications. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News 

MANILA — Transport group PISTON staged a protest in front of the office the transportation secretary Tuesday to protest the new order to reopen the consolidation of Public Utility Vehicles, which is a step to the government’s modernization program and the eventual phaseout of jeepneys.

Mody Floranda, PISTON president, voiced frustration over the new directive, which he said contradicts previous assurances from Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon who told them they would be allowed to renew franchises and go back on the road.

DOTr reopens application for PUV consolidation

“Kaya nagulat tayo dito sa panibagong inilabas nilang order, na kung saan ay binuksan lamang niya ang sapi ng modernisasyon,” Floranda said.

(That's why we were surprised by this new order that only opens the door to joining the modernization program)

PISTON and other groups oppose franchise consolidation because individual operators would no longer own their PUV units. 

Floranda said the latest order pushes the modernization program aggressively and limits their options.

PISTON won't join transport strike, gives Dizon 2 weeks to solve modernization dilemma

Under the rules, unconsolidated jeepneys will be allowed to join existing cooperatives in routes with 60 percent consolidation rate. 

In areas with lower consolidation rates, they will be allowed to form a new cooperative.

He shared that the financial strain on operators participating in the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP) has been overwhelming, with over 60 percent of those who joined cooperatives and corporations unable to meet financial obligations, and less than 40 percent complying with the program.

PISTON says drivers, commuters 'crushed between skyrocketing fuel costs' 

"Ang hinihingi natin ay muling payagan at ibalik sa limang taon ang ating prangkisa. ‘Yun ang inasahan natin sa kanya noong tayo’y nakipagtalastasan,” Floranda added. 

(What we are asking for is to be allowed to ply our routes and to bring back the five-year validity of franchises. That is what we were hoping for when we had a dialogue)

Dizon, who is currently in Sorsogon to inspect the congestion at Matnog Port, has yet to respond to the protesters.