SC denies petition vs PUV Modernization Program

The Supreme Court has denied a petition challenging the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), which is being opposed by several transport groups.

In a decision promulgated in July 2023 but released only this week, the SC denied the petition filed by the Bayyo Association, Inc. (Bayyo) and Bayyo President Anselmo Perweg against the Department of Transportation’s Department Order (DO) No. 2017-011, which provides for the implementation of the PUVMP.

The SC, however, said that the petition must be denied due to lack of legal standing and violation of the principle of hierarchy of courts.

“These factual issues should have been first brought before the proper trial courts or the Court of Appeals, both of which are specially equipped to try and resolve factual questions,” the court said.

The PUVMP, which started in 2017, aims to replace jeepneys with vehicles that have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution and replace PUVs that are not roadworthy by the standards of the Land Transportation Office.

Under the program, jeepney drivers and operators are required to join or form cooperatives. They may also apply for new franchises but as part of transport cooperatives.

Other petitions seeking to stop the implementation of the PUVMP have been filed with the Supreme Court in January 2024. —KBK, GMA Integrated News