Piston urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to immediately release the memorandum it promised to allow registration renewal for unconsolidated public utility vehicles (PUVs), warning that the continued delay is already disrupting drivers’ livelihoods.
The DOTr assured the group earlier this month that it would issue a memorandum after the Holy Week break, allowing the renewal of registration for PUV operators who have not consolidated under the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP). To date, no such memorandum has been released.
“The DOTr made a clear commitment to release this memo after Holy Week,” said Piston National President and Makabayan senatorial candidate Mody Floranda. “That deadline has come and gone, and drivers and operators are still left in limbo, unable to register their vehicles and earn a living.”
PISTON said the delayed issuance is having a real impact on families that rely on daily earnings from public transport. While the group welcomed the government’s previous commitment, it stressed that words must be followed by timely action.
“We’re not asking for favors — just for the DOTr to act on its own promise,” Floranda said. “This delay is already hurting jeepney drivers and operators who only want to provide for their own families.”
The group warned that the continued inaction could spark fresh transport strikes.
“This is not just paperwork. This is about food on the table and school fees for the thousands of transport workers affected by the PTMP,” said Floranda.