ILOILO CITY – Independent drivers and operators in this city and province of Iloilo are still not giving up the fight against the jeepney phase out to pave the way for the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
The No to PUV Phaseout Coalition-Panay has been holding rallies at the Western Visayas offices of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

INDEPENDENT jeepney drivers and operators hold a rally against the phaseout of traditional passenger jeepneys in Iloilo City on Thursday, December 28. (Tara Yap)
Elmer Forro of transport group PISTON-Panay told Manila Bulletin this is their last stand against the government’s December 31 deadline for individual jeepney operators to join a cooperative or corporation in order to continue operating.
Due to the holidays, Forro noted that the public may not see the impact yet if the government fully implements the modernization program.
Forro said that there is currently not enough modern mini-buses that can cater to passengers in Iloilo, especially during rush hour.
In Western Visayas region, a little over 2,000 old jeepneys are still operating independently and have not yet joined any cooperative.
Salvador “Jun” Altura, LTFRB-6 legal officer, had earlier said that these 2,000 jeepneys may no longer be able to operate by January 1. Their permits will be revoked.