CALOOCAN CITY, (PIA) –The Department of Transportation (DOTr) successfully conducted its three out of four sessions of consultations on October 5, 9, and 11 via Zoom teleconference for the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), bringing together stakeholders from various national government agencies (NGAs), Congressional Committees, Local Government Units (LGUs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), academe, and the private sector.
The consultations are part of the ongoing policy review and assessment of the PUVMP, which includes revising and updating the Department Order (DO) 2017-011, known as the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG).
The consultations aim to present key provisions in the revised PUVMP Omnibus Guidelines, superseding the OFG. Additionally, part of its objective is to gather comments, inputs, and recommendations from concerned stakeholders which will play a crucial role in shaping the final version of the guidelines, including its consequent implementing rules and regulations.
The consultations were divided into four (4) groups, allowing a more in-depth discussion on various aspects of the guidelines. The panel discussions were spearheaded by DOTr Road Transport and Infrastructure Undersecretary Anneli Lontoc, CESO I, and joined by Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) OIC-Chairman Mercy Jane Paras-Leynes and Board Member Riza Paches, and Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) Chairman Jesus Ferdinand Ortega.
The first part of the consultation welcomed the participation of the representatives of the NGAs and Congressional Committees, including the offices of Senator Grace Poe, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Congresswoman Claudine Bautista-Lim, and Congressman Felimon Espares.
During the session, the panelist addressed concerns and clarifications about the future plans of the Department encompassing all PUV modes, addressing accessibility, increased financing support, and incentivization, among others. A recommendation on the proposed language of the DO, implementing guidelines, and additional efforts that the Department and its attached agencies may undertake to better aid transport stakeholders were also raised.
The second consultation brought together representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), LGUs, and Leagues of Cities, Municipalities, and Provinces. The session primarily discussed Route Planning, focusing on the concerns related to the transition, transfer plans, prioritization of route rationalization, and the revised review and approval process.
In the third consultation, new approval process flow and procedural guidelines, and a new timeline for modernizing the fleet were highlighted. The session engaged stakeholders from the CSOs, academe, banks, Manufacturers, Assemblers, Importers, Rebuilders, Dealers, and Other Entities (MAIDROEs), and other private partners. Concerns and clarifications were discussed, specifically on the transition process, targets, and leasing guidelines.
The panelist assured all the participants that their inputs, comments, and recommendations during the consultations will be taken into consideration for the finalization of the PUVMP Omnibus guidelines.
Looking ahead, the DOTr highly encourages the public transport stakeholders to participate in the final part of the PUVMP consultations which will be held on 27 October 2023. The session will be conducted in a hybrid set-up, with the participants having the opportunity to express their opinions and provide inputs, comments, and recommendations on the revised PUVMP Omnibus Guidelines.
Interested participants may register through this link https://bit.ly/PUVMPConReg to attend the online consultation.
Further, for those who would like to review and provide relevant suggestions or recommendations on the revised PUVMP guidelines, please visit https://bit.ly/PUVMPRevGuidelines or scan the QR code included in the uploaded photos.
The DOTr commits to continuously collaborate with the concerned stakeholders to ensure a more just and humane transition in implementing the PUVMP. (dotr/pia-ncr)
