LTFRB: ‘New jeepneys can come from anywhere’
THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) clarified Tuesday it could not dictate the brand or model of jeepney units the cooperatives and operators will acquire in compliance with the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP).
LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III said the LTFRB nor the government has “no” say on what unit and from what company the jeepney operators will choose in purchasing modern jeepneys which will soon ply in different routes in the country.
He pointed out that jeepney cooperatives could buy from any local manufacturers or from Japan, China or any country since the government will not meddle in this process.
The LTFRB also clarified that transportation cooperatives have the autonomy to choose from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-approved manufacturers that adhere to the Philippine National Standard.
“The DTI has a list ng mga nag-comply sa Philippine National Standard. Up to them kung sino ang pipiliin nila. It’s their call. Desisyon ho nila iyon. They have the full autonomy,” Guadiz said.
At present, there are currently 32 models of modern jeepney plying around the country which are either locally manufactured or locally assembled.
