SC urged: Consolidate petitions vs PUVMP
LABOR group Federation of Free Workers (FFW) has requested the Supreme Court to consolidate all the petitions questioning the constitutionality of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
“Drivers and operators group Bayyo Association, through the FFW Legal Center, has called on the Supreme Court to prioritize the resolution of these petitions. The consolidation is supposed to be essential to address the comprehensive issues posed by the PUVMP effectively and to mitigate the severe impact it could have on a significant segment of the Filipino workforce,” according to FFW’s statement on Wednesday.
Furthermore, the FFW said that it also joined and supported Bayyo Association’s call to consolidate, after the transport group filed a motion for reconsideration following the dismissal of its previous petition against the PUVMP.
“This action seeks to unify the legal challenges currently pending against the program to ensure a coherent and expedited judicial process,” the FFW said.
Also, the motion includes a petition filed by Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston) President Modesto Floranda, who also filed a petition questioning the legality and constitutionality of Department Order (DO) 2017-011 issued by the Department of Transportation (DoTr).
The motion raised concerns about the PUVMP’s impact on public transportation and the livelihoods of jeepney drivers and operators in the country.
“The Urgent Motion for Consolidation contends that both petitions address overlapping legal issues surrounding the PUVMP and argue that the consolidation under Rule 31 of the Rules of Court will prevent conflicting decisions and promote judicial efficiency,” the FFW said.
“The motion underscores the substantial legal, financial, and human rights implications of the PUVMP, emphasizing the urgent need for a resolution given the impending deadline for the forced consolidation of jeepney operators into larger cooperatives or corporations,” it added.
Bayyo Association also said around 38,000 jeepney drivers could risk losing their jobs in May once the PUVMP is implemented.
“The deadline of April 30, 2024, marks a significant threat to the livelihoods of these operators, potentially leaving many without a source of income or means to support their families,” the FFW added.