THE Supreme Court (SC) has yet to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
This means a nationwide crackdown on unconsolidated public utility vehicles (PUVs) may begin on Thursday, May 16.
Instead, the high court just acknowledged a supplemental petition from transport groups led by the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON), but did not halt the program.
The court directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to respond to the supplemental petition within 10 days, a period that cannot be extended, regarding the request for a TRO or a preliminary injunction.
The court also requested an update from the DOTr and LTFRB on the progress of PUV franchise consolidation in the National Capital Region (NCR) and other areas.
On Tuesday, PISTON and MANIBELA chairperson Mar Valbuena led a protest outside the Supreme Court, urging justices to issue a TRO against the PUVMP.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously announced that there will be no more extension period for consolidation.
metrosundaily
