DOTr insists: Dec. 31 deadline stays

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) said that the December 31 deadline for consolidation of public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers will remain as the agency pushes for the massive modernization of the land transport sector.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista maintained that the consolidation deadline “stays,” pointing out that at least 70% PUV operators and drivers already took part in the consolidation process.

“The PUV consolidation deadline stays,” Bautista said.

“This initiative has gained the support of majority of our PUV operators as around 70% of them have already taken part in the consolidation process,” he added.

Bautista said that the DOTr will make sure that the PUV modernization will be aligned with the goal of easing the plight of commuters by ensuring cleaner and safer means of public transportation for the riding public.