The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is ramping up assistance for transport cooperatives that have modernized their public utility vehicle (PUV) fleets, emphasizing continued support for those struggling with bank amortization. This develops following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that financial issues do not derail the PUV modernization program.
In line with the President’s resolution, DOTr efforts also encompass addressing broader sectoral concerns, including route rationalization, easing jeepney manufacturing rules, and fast-tracking requirements for PUV consolidation. The transport agency reaffirmed that applications remain open to operators and drivers who have yet to join the modernization initiative.
Assistant secretary Mon Ilagan, executive director of the Office of Transportation Cooperatives and DOTr spokesperson, stressed that consolidation remains accessible to all, allowing operators to gain provisional authority (PA) to continue livelihood operations.
Transport secretary Vince Dizon is committed to ongoing dialogue with stakeholders to ensure the program’s policies uphold commuter safety and driver welfare.
Reaffirming this inclusive stance, the DOTr in May reopened the government’s consolidation program under Department Order No. 2025-009. The order extends eligibility to PUV operators with pending consolidation applications or those yet to organize into cooperatives. It also allows them to join existing Transport Service Entities (TSEs) on routes with at least 60% consolidation, subject to approval.
The sustained policy emphasis reflects the administration’s intent to balance modernization goals with socioeconomic realities, ensuring that no stakeholder is left behind.
