Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista on Monday called for a dialogue between transport groups and officials from DOTr and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to settle some concerning issues.

The call comes after transport groups declared a one-week nationwide "tigil pasada," or strike of jeepneys and UV Express, to protest against LTFRB's Memorandum Circular No. 013, which extended traditional jeepneys’ provisional authority (PA) or franchise to operate until June 30 only.

"You know, siguro dapat pag-isipan natin mabuti 'yung pag-stop ng operations. Dapat mag-usap-usap muna. Let's understand what the issues are, baka hindi tayo nagkakaintindihan. But I think it's important that there is a dialogue between the operators, LTFRB, and this time we will have representatives from DOTr," Bautista said in a video message posted by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

He said he instructed DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor to coordinate with LTFRB and Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) operators.

Bautista also clarified that the phase-out will only be implemented in the areas that have already started the government's PUV modernization program (PUV-MP).

"Wala muna phase out dun sa mga areas na talagang hindi naman kaya pang mag-operate ng mga new units. Pero bibigyan natin sila ng chance to still join [cooperatives], and we will help them acquire new equipment," he said.

The DOTr Chief assured that they are working with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and LandBank to financially assist operators to acquire modernized equipment.

"Reject po tayo ngayon. Hamunan po ang gusto ng mga kasamahan natin sa transportasyon. Parang gusto niya na 'Sige nga pakita mo 'yung strike na sinasabi mo, na pinapatawag mo' Ipakita natin sa Lunes. Wala munang diyalogo," he told reporters.