PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, he would ensure that public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers will be able to keep their jobs amid the government’s ongoing PUV modernization program.
During a meeting between transport group leaders and Malacañang officials, Marcos said that one of the concerns raised was the drivers' inability to acquire modern jeepneys, which is one of the requirements of the PNP modernization program initiated by the previous administration.
“Ang problema na kanilang sinasabi ay baka hindi sila mapautang para makapagbili ng bagong sasakyan kaya yan ang tinitingnan namin ngayon na tiyakin na walang mawawalan ng trabaho dahil hindi nakapagbili ng electric vehicle pagdating ng panahon,” he said in an interview with reporters in Quezon City.
(They are concerned that they may not be able to get a loan to buy a new vehicle. We are currently looking into this issue to ensure that nobody will lose their job because they were unable to purchase an electric vehicle when the time comes.)
The PUV modernization aims to ensure the safety of commuters and the efficiency of the country's transport system. It involves replacing traditional jeepneys with high-quality, environmentally friendly vehicles that have bigger capacities.
The modernization program was the reason behind the staging of the supposed one-week transport strike of several groups, particularly in Metro Manila.
The strike was shortened to two days after the Malacañang assured the transport group that the government will review the provisions of the program to make it more agreeable both for the affected sector and the government. (SunStar Philippines)