Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) on Friday, Dec. 29, urged the Supreme Court to expedite its decision on transport groups’ Dec. 19 petition seeking to block the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program’s (PUVMP) enforcement.

PISTON filed a supplemental motion which stated the gravity of PUVMP on drivers’ and operators’ income and livelihood.

"The petitioners likewise pray for the immediate issuance of a TRO to prevent the grave and irreparable injury that the petitioners, the jeepney drivers and operators, their families, the commuters and the public in general will suffer,” the motion stated.

The Supreme Court did not issue a temporary restraining order but sought comments from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) yesterday concerning the PISTON’s pending petition.

The high tribunal ordered the agencies to reply within 10 days.

Meanwhile, DOTr remained firm that the December 31 deadline would push through, stating that about 70 percent of PUV operators have accepted that consolidation process.

“The PUV consolidation deadline stays. This initiative has gained the support of majority of our PUV operators as around 70% of them have already taken part in the consolidation process,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said.

PISTON is holding a protest against PUVM by gathering jeepney drivers, operators, and commuters early Friday to assemble at U.P. Diliman before marching from Welcome Rotonda to Mendiola street.