• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Transport group Piston filed a petition before the Supreme Court Dec. 20, seeking a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Department of Transportation’s Omnibus Franchising Guidelines, and other relevant Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board issuances mandating franchise consolidation by Dec. 31.
The petition argues that the mandatory consolidation requirement infringes on the constitutional right to freedom of association, rendering it unconstitutional, Piston said in a statement, adding “the constitutionally-guaranteed freedom of association includes the freedom not to associate”.
The Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) requires operators to consolidate their individual franchises into a single franchise under a cooperative or corporation. The group’s petition claimed that “the right to freedom of association does not include the right to compel others to form or join (an association).”
Piston national president Mody Floranda said he is concerned about the potential consequences of the Dec. 31 deadline. “Revoking franchises due to non-participation in cooperatives is a violation of the rights of drivers and operators. They will be deprived of their livelihood simply because they didn’t join cooperatives”.
He estimated that around 140,000 drivers and 60,000 small operators could be displaced and lose their jobs if the deadline for franchise consolidation remains in effect. “This could also negatively impact approximately 28.5 million commuters nationwide, potentially leading to a ‘transport disaster’ in January 2024”.
Piston urges the SC to act swiftly to save not only the livelihoods of drivers and operators, but also the well-being of commuters.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier decided not to extend the Dec. 31 deadline for the franchise consolidation.
“Currently, 70 percent of all operators have already committed to and consolidated under the PUVMP,” Marcos said Dec. 12. “Adhering to the current timeline ensures that everyone can reap the benefits of the full operationalization of our modernized public transport system”.
“We cannot let the minority cause further delays, affecting majority of our operators, banks, financial institutions, and the public at large. Hence, the scheduled timeline will not be moved,” Marcos stressed, adding the non-extension was decided in a meeting with transport officials.
Piston conducted a nationwide strike Dec. 14 and 15 to protest Marcos’ decision, but these failed to paralyze transportation services in the National Capital Region and key areas in the country, including Bacolod. | CGC
