BLE participates in Series of Public Hearings on the Motu Proprio Inquiry into the Implementation of PUVMP

The Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) participated in the public hearings called by the House Committee on Transportation. The investigation on the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) was set by the House Committee on Transportation in response to the pronouncement of the Honorable Ferdinand Martin Romualdez for the Committee to conduct an inquiry into the allegations of corruption relative to the implementation of the PUVMP.

The House Committee aimed to discuss the issues and concerns of the PUV drivers and operators in relation to the implementation of the program, such as the industry consolidation. As confirmed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) during one of the hearings, the franchises for PUVs of those who will not consolidate will expire after the deadline of consolidation; thus, they will be considered colorum if they continue to operate.

On 24 January 2024, the President approved the recommendation of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to extend the consolidation to April 30, 2024. The Committee Chairman mentioned that the three-month extension of the industry consolidation will allow the implementing agencies to revisit the guidelines relative to the implementation of the program and for the Committee to look into the several allegations relative to the irregularities in the implementation of the program.

To assist those who will be affected by the program, the DOTr said that they have social support programs with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Through these social support programs, the displaced PUV drivers and operators will be provided with livelihood assistance.

On the other hand, the DOLE through the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC) requested a meeting with the implementing agencies to discuss DOLE’s interventions for the displaced drivers and operators. The BLE also joined the said meeting to lay down the programs of the Bureau that may be availed by the displaced drivers and operators including their families.