ILIGAN CITY (PIA) — Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-10 Regional Director Abosamen Matuan revealed during the second episode of Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas that the consolidation process in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte has reached 99 percent completion, indicating that public utility vehicle (PUV) operators have either consolidated or applied for consolidation.
“Nasa 99 percent ang consolidation process, ‘yung mga stakeholders natin doon, transport groups, they are really supportive of us, for consolidation and modernization of PUV in the country,” he said.
(The consolidation process has reached 99 percent, and our stakeholders, particularly the transport groups, are highly supportive of our efforts to consolidate and modernize PUVs in the country.)
He also emphasized the importance of this consolidation in addressing the prevalence of dilapidated PUVs. He said any observed operating units without proper documentation, particularly if they are dilapidated, are likely unauthorized “colorum” vehicles.
Moreover, he stressed that only operators whose vehicles pass through ocular inspections will receive Certificates of Public Convenience (CPCs), which are legal authorizations granted by the LTFRB for operating public transportation services.
He said they are waiting for final instructions from their central office to conduct joint anti-colorum operations in coordination with the Land Transportation Office and the Highway Patrol Group to enhance safety on the roads.
The LTFRB-10 director also shared that in northern Mindanao, only 5 out of the 98 local government units have approved Local Public Transport Route Plans (LPTRPs), namely the cities and municipalities of Cagayan de Oro, Tangub, Gingoog, Manolo Fortich, and Matungao, while 33 LGUs have yet to submit their LPTRPs.
“Right after our battle of consolidation, ang maging focus namin ay (our focus will be the) approved LPTRP of LGU, which will really play a vital role in the modernization of PUV,” he said.
To make services more accessible to the people, LTFRB will be establishing satellite offices in Iligan City, Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Oroquieta City, Malaybalay City, Gingoog City, and Mambajao, Camiguin. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
