MALACAÑANG was unfazed by the two-day transport strike launched by several groups to express their strong opposition to government’s public utility vehicles (PUV) modernization program.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement that the PUV modernization program needs to be implemented despite the several transport groups’ outcry, noting the administration has to improve the country’s “outdated public transport system.”
“The administration remains committed to the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, which is long overdue,” Abella said.
“There were several attempts in the past to modernize the public transport system but these have been thwarted due to similar transport strikes, which unfortunately resulted in an outdated public transport system,” he added.
The PUV modernization program, which was officially launched by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on June 19, seeks to phase out old and dilapidated jeepneys and replace them with environment-friendly and efficiently driven transport systems.
The new program was deemed a solution to address the worsening traffic situation in the country.
Transportation groups, however, rejected the program, saying it was “anti-poor” since 600,000 drivers and 200,000 operations were expected to be affected by the termination of operations of old jeepneys.
Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide is holding a two-day strike beginning October 16, Monday, to contest the jeepney phase-out plan.
Abella said that while left-leaning Piston opposed the government’s plan to improve and strengthen the public road transport sector, several public transport groups have expressed their support.
“These include the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations, Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila and Suburb Drivers Association Nationwide Inc., Land Transportation Organization of the Philippines, Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Stop and Go Coalition, and majority of provincial transport cooperatives all over the country,” he said.
Abella said the dialogue between the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and public transport sector would continue to shed light on government’s financial aid to public utility jeepney (PUJ) operators and drivers who would avail themselves of new models.
“The government, through the LTFRB, will continue with the discussions, consultations, and further collaboration with members of the public transport sector, particularly in explaining the financial scheme available to PUJ operators and drivers who wish to avail of new units through financing of government financial institutions,” he said.
Amid the two-day nationwide transport strike, Abella said the government deployed vehicles offering free rides to affected commuters.
“Government is ready and prepared as it laid out contingency measures to assist commuters hit by the nationwide transport strike,” Abella said.
He said around 35 city buses in Manila were tapped by LTFRB; four military trucks, four buses, four vans and four service vehicles by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA); 15 military trucks by the Armed Forces of the Philippines; 12 light trucks and four military trucks by the Philippine Coast Guard; and six shuttles and one service vehicle by the Public Works department.
He added that several local government units likewise provided buses and vehicles to ensure public convenience during transport strike.
Abella said the MMDA also designated Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, Luneta Grandstand in Manila, Orense Guadalupe in Makati, SM Marikina, Manila Central University in Caloocan City, and HK Plaza in Pasay City as pick-up points for free rides. (SunStar Philippines)