SENATORS expressed mixed emotions on the controversial Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), saying the government should make the necessary consultation to avoid confusion that will create “chaos.”

Senator Nancy Binay pressed transportation officials on their plans for public utility vehicles (PUVs) whose operators would fail to comply with the PUVMP’s consolidation requirement.

During the hearing of the Committee on Public Services on Thursday, March 2, 2023, Binay called out officials for seemingly “beating around the bush” about stopping the operations of traditional and “dilapidated jeepneys.”

“You are trying to sweet-talk us that ‘It’s not a phaseout but a consolidation.’ But the mere fact that they won’t be able to comply with the consolidation, technically, you are phasing them out,” Binay said in mixed Filipino and English.

Following public clamor, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) extended to December its June 30 deadline for PUV operators to join or set up a cooperative or corporation to replace their old jeepneys with modern units.

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada emphasizes the need to “immediately address” the concerns raised by stakeholders in the public transport sector on the implementation of the PUV modernization program to ensure the convenience and safety of the commuting public and protect as well the livelihood of those in the public transport industry.

“I join the committee in identifying the actual problems and coming up with the needed solutions to urgently address the concerns raised by the stakeholders,” Estrada said during the public hearing.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva clarifies that he is “not against” the PUVMP for safer public transport systems that are better for the environment.

Villanueva said a safe and environmentally-friendly transport system must take into consideration the interest of PUV owners, operators, and drivers “as this sector is already going through a difficult time because of the rising fuel prices.”

The plan, he said, must be thoroughly dissected to determine whether the program would work or its implementation would be “too burdensome” on the transportation sector and the commuters.

“We are not against PUV modernization. It cannot be avoided, but it cannot be rushed or forced. Our question is: Is there a ‘mafia’ that is pushing this even though it is obvious that our countrymen are complaining?” the majority leader asked.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros calls for a more effective dialogue between the government and the PUV drivers and operators to resolve hounding issues surrounding the PUVMP.

Hontiveros raised the issue of the financial burden placed upon PUV drivers and operators who are required to shell out or take loans of at least P2.3 million to purchase a modern jeepney.

“We have to give some space and seriously listen to the questions and suggestions of our jeepney drivers, operators, and transport cooperatives,” the Deputy Minority Leader said in Filipino.

Hontiveros also asked the committee, the government officials, and resource persons in attendance if the remaining nine-month timeline given by the government to PUV drivers is “sufficient” enough to come up with a solid modernization plan that is acceptable to all stakeholders.

Sen. Grace Poe called for measures to address the concerns of the operators and drivers as the government goes full steam ahead with its modernization program.

Leading the Committee on Public Services’ hearing on the PUVMP anew, Poe noted that issues and apprehensions remained “unaddressed” since the plan was launched in 2017.

“You don’t need rocket science to know that a jeepney driver who earns about P750 a day cannot afford to buy a vehicle worth P2.3 million,” Poe said as she pitched for increased subsidies for the affected PUV operators and drivers.

“Clearly, there are people still in the [transportation] agencies who have been pushing for something that is not working,” she said.

Earlier, the Senate adopted Resolution No. 44, strongly urging LTFRB to defer its June 30 phaseout of traditional jeepneys that would fail to comply with its consolidation requirement.

The Poe-led committee discussed Senate Bill No. 105, which calls for a “just and humane” PUVMP, including transitory assistance and services rendered to operators, drivers, and other stakeholders.