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MANILA - UV Express units and traditional jeepneys will resume operations in Metro Manila next week, the head of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board said Wednesday.

Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice interpellated LTFRB Chair Martin Delgra during the hearing of the House Committee on Metro Manila Development Wednesday

"Nabanggit na one week after na mabuksan yung mga UV, papayagan na 'yung traditional jeepneys. Tama ba?" Erice asked.

Delgra answered: "Next week for both UV and traditional jeepneys....For Monday, may bubuksan na mga UV, and then followed by the traditional jeepney.”

The LTFRB chief noted vehicles that could accommodate more people are given priority amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The general community quarantine or GCQ of Metro Manila and other urban centers allows the limited operations of trains, buses, taxis, and ride-share services.

During the hearing, FEJODAP Chair Zenaida Maranan called on government to come clean with jeepney operators and drivers as they feel that they will be deprived of their rights.

Maranan said many of them cannot afford to consolidate into cooperatives or corporations as part of the jeepney modernization program.

She added many operators do not feel assured that each operator will get a route.

Senior Citizens Party List Rep. Francisco Datol, meanwhile, said he will file a bill to return to Congress the power to issue franchises to public utility vehicles, which is now currently delegated to the LTFRB.