Transport group PISTON strongly urged the Supreme Court on Monday to continue hearing its petition against the government's mandatory jeepney consolidation policy, arguing the issue remains unresolved and active despite a new regulatory order.

In a nine page compliance and manifestation filed before the high tribunal, the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) maintained that the case has not been rendered moot by Department of Transportation (DoTr) Department Order No. 2023-022, which outlines guidelines for the Public Transport Modernization Program.

The transport group argued that the new DoTr order merely replaced earlier directives while retaining and further institutionalizing the mandatory consolidation requirement they are challenging in court.

"Far from extinguishing the controversy, the Order deepens and institutionalizes the assailed consolidation requirement," PISTON said in its pleading.

The legal challenge centers on the constitutionality of forced franchise consolidation. The group claims the mandate violates drivers' and operators' freedom of association, as well as their rights to livelihood, due process and equal protection.

Under the policy, small operators and drivers must join cooperatives or corporations to continue operating public utility vehicles.

PISTON argued that even if the Supreme Court considers the case technically moot, it should issue a definitive ruling because the issue is "capable of repetition yet evading reviewẠạị

The group cited that the government has repeatedly modified, reopened or extended consolidation deadlines through various department orders, board resolutions and memorandum circulars.