MANILA – The Supreme Court is still deliberating the petition of transport groups and other individuals against the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
According to SC spokesperson Atty. Camille Ting, the high court justices have yet to issue a ruling; they are on a “decision writing period” from April 22 to May 10.
“The case is still currently under deliberation,” Ting said in a media presser. “The petition is not moot (and academic) despite passing the consolidation deadline.”
She added: “Kung may TRO (temporary restraining order) man, it just means that what they prayed for in their petition for TRO…will be granted as of the day na grinant ‘yung TRO.”
Ting’s statement came two days after the April 30 deadline for unconsolidated PUVs to form or join transportation cooperatives or corporations.
The petitioners filed their plea with the SC last December 2023, asking for a TRO or a writ of preliminary injunction against several issuances related to the PUVMP.
The petitioners are PISTON chairman Modesto Floranda, Jason Jajilagutan, Para-Advocates For Inclusive Transport member Edric Samonte, No to PUV Phaseout Coalition of Panay member Elmer Forro, and Komyut spokesperson Ma. Flora Cerna, and multi-sectoral group Bayan Muna party-list, represented by coordinator Gaylord Despuez.
Under the PUVMP, jeepney drivers and operators are required to join or form cooperatives. They may also apply for new franchises but as part of transport cooperatives./PN
