UNCONSOLIDATED units can still operate until the end of April without being classified as a “colorum” vehicle, an official of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) XI revealed.
Engr. Ronnel Victor Panigon, LTFRB XI Public Transport Modernization Program focal person, said they will heed the order from the Central Office extending the consolidation deadline to April 30.
Panigon told TIMES this means unconsolidated units can still use their franchise and will be considered legally operating.
The board revoked its earlier directive to start apprehending operators given their franchise lapsed on Dec. 31, 2023.
“The office is expecting and is open for the remaining unconsolidated to consolidate their franchise,” he added.
The board recorded only about 83% of the Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJ) units operating in existing routes outside Davao City and 89% of the UV Express are consolidated.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced on Jan. 24 that President Ferdinand Marcos approved the recommendation of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) secretary to give an additional three months extension considering the public clamor to allow a late filing.
“A three-month extension is more than enough to consolidate. What we are really after are those who are willing to consolidate,” DOTr secretary Jaime Bautista said on Thursday in a press conference.
“We hope that those who fail will be able to meet these requirements in three months’ time,” he added.
The transportation chief emphasized that after April 30, they will no longer recommend any extension as this was the eighth time the deadline has been reconsidered.
