CONTINUING PROTEST A streamer at a terminal for jeepneys plying the Paco-Rotunda Nagtahan route in Manila expresses the unyielding position of the local transport association about the government鈥檚 modernization program for public utility vehicles, in this photo taken on January 2, 2023. INQUIRER/RICHARD A. REYES
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� The implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) should not be forced on all drivers until it has been perfected by the government, Senate President Francis 鈥淐hiz鈥� Escudero said on Monday.
At a press conference, the Senate chief said his perspective regarding the program has not changed.
鈥淗angga鈥檛 hindi pa napeperpekto, naisasaayos ng pamahalaan yung sistema lalo na yung aspeto ng financing, kaugnay PUV modernization, hindi ito dapat i-require muna sa lahat dahil hindi nila kakayanin yung taas at laki ng presyo ng modernong jeep kahit na malinis pa 鈥榶an sa oras na ito,鈥� Escudero told reporters.
(Until it has been perfected and fixed by the government, especially its aspects on financing, this should not be required for all because drivers and operators would not be able to shoulder the cost of a modernized jeep.)
According to him, the government should have prioritized the financing of the program so that it would alleviate the burden of drivers and operators.
The PUVMP seeks to transform traditional jeepneys and other PUVs in the Philippines to address concerns on safety and environmental impact among others.
Despite apprehension publicly aired by the transport sector, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has maintained that no driver would 鈥渓ose their job and livelihood鈥� under the program.
READ: Marcos vows to ensure no one would lose jobs in PUV modernization
In a statement also issued on Monday, Sen. Grace Poe, who used to head the Senate panel on public services, said 鈥済enuine modernization鈥� would not be achieved through rushed implementation of the PUVMP.
Similar to Escudero鈥檚 stand, Poe said the program demands careful planning, inclusive consultations, and a commitment to ensuring that no driver or commuter is left behind.
鈥淣ow is the time for the [Department of Transportation] to deliver for all stakeholders. You cannot please everyone. However, if there is anyone who can untangle the complexities of a modernization program, that would be Secretary Vince Dizon,鈥� she added.