By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez affirmed the city government’s support for the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in enforcing its final policy on unconsolidated public utility vehicles (PUVs).
While Benitez has yet to receive details on the LTO’s final policy, he emphasized that Bacolod would comply with any actions taken, particularly if there are no further extensions for unconsolidated vehicles or those without provisional authority (PA).
“I don’t know yet about their final policy, but if they say there’s no more extension, then so be it,” he said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously stated that the April 30, 2024 deadline for PUV franchise consolidation would not be extended.
Benitez acknowledged that the LTO has the mandate to apprehend non-compliant PUVs, adding that the city government has already done its part in encouraging operators to join the consolidation.
“We will support them,” the mayor said.
He noted that nearly 90% of PUVs in Bacolod have already complied with consolidation requirements.
Under the Public Transport Modernization Program, all traditional jeepneys must consolidate into either a cooperative or corporation.
Failure to meet the consolidation deadline will result in franchise revocation, preventing non-compliant operators from continuing operations.
As of last year, around 1,500 traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs) in Bacolod have joined the consolidation and continue to operate along designated routes.
Councilor Al Espino, chairman of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) Committee on Transportation, stressed that the process must be clearly understood by all sectors involved.
Espino emphasized that before the local government can issue a business permit, operators must first secure a franchise from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
He clarified that the effort is not solely focused on traditional jeepneys but applies to all unregistered vehicles operating in the city.
Additionally, Espino pointed out that only the LTO—not the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO)—has the authority to apprehend unconsolidated PUJs.
“The rule of law must prevail,” he said.
