PUV Modernization; It isn’t about what you think
Patricia Nicole Castillo
“Manong Bayad po”, “Para po” and “Makikiusod na jan sa kanan” are some of
the common phrase we can hear if we ride the jeepney when we go to our
school, offices or even when we go to have some fun and travel. But most of
the time instead of experiencing convenience, we experience hassle.
MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Leni Robredo said the government
should let jeepney drivers, operators, and passengers join talks on the public
utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.
Robredo made the recommendation after Pedro Defensor Jr, Institutional
Development Department acting director of the Cooperative Development
Authority, told her that driver-operator groups do not sit in during technical
working group meetings on the proposed program.
Defensor was a guest in the Vice President's radio show "BISErbisyong Leni"
on RMN-DZXL 558 on Sunday, October 22.
According to Robredo, it is only normal for members of driver-operator groups
to feel concerned if they are getting the short end of the stick when they are
excluded from the discussion. (READ: DOTr hits Piston 'propaganda' on
modernization program)
"Maybe it would be better if they would really sit down with those who are part
of the sector during the consultation, so the jeepney drivers and operators can
understand the reasons for the government's decisions," Robredo said in
Filipino.
"This can work both ways: The government will know how drivers and
operators feel. I think the riding public should join the discussion, too," she
added.
The PUV modernization program seeks to phase out old jeepney units in favor
of newer, safer, and environment-friendly ones.
The Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston),
however, staged a two-day nationwide strike last week in protest of the PUV
modernization program, which mandates the replacement of jeepneys aged
15 years or older. (READ: Junk current version of PUV modernization
program – Piston)
The House transportation committee then held a hearing on the matter last
week, where transportation officials admitted they have yet to map out a
timeline for how the program will be rolled out. (READ: PUV modernization:
Planning, readiness issues raised at House hearing)
This is despite President Rodrigo Duterte already saying he would "drag
away" jeepneys that do not comply with the program by the end of the year.
For Robredo, details of the PUV modernization program should be clarified
before the government should even impose a deadline for jeepney drivers and
operators to comply.
"Because if you will modernize but the scheme that the government will offer
is not yet ready, then that's not clear. It will take time before drivers can
cooperate properly," said the Vice President. – Rappler.com
Did you run into a little more hassle than usual commuting to work this
morning? If your answer is yes, you can thank a certain transport group holding
nationwide protests against the Department of Transportation's (DOTr) PUV
modernization program for your troubles.
The strike, which is scheduled to last until tomorrow, October 17, has
effectively paralyzed parts of Metro Manila leaving thousands of commuters
helpless. In a statement released last week, the transport group claimed that the
DOTr's program will put the livelihoods of up to half a million jeepney drivers
and operators in peril in favor of foreign companies
like Toyota, Nissan and Chrysler (yes, they mentioned Chrysler in their
statement). The group also questioned the DOTr's insistence on following
"international standards."
Yesterday, the DOTr released a statement on social media to shed further light
on the PUV modernization program. Many of the points raised in the Facebook
post further explain the program's implications on drivers and operators, so we
do hope they read up. Here are some of them:
1) How will these programs benefit jeepney drivers? According to the DOTr,
under the PUV modernization program jeepney drivers will finally feel the
security of a monthly salary, along with benefits. No boundary system means
shorter and more manageable shifts, too. The agency also adds that cleaner
jeepneys will mean drivers are less exposed to air pollution and other health
hazards.
2) And what about the operators? The DOTr says that aside from better
vehicles resulting in increased ridership, more organized operators can save on
expenses like cleaning and maintenance. What's more, it will be convenient for
them to buy fuel and spare parts at discounted rates, the post says.
3) "You want to kill local manufacturers!" The DOTr's answer is no, it does
not. The agency is simply "providing basic guidelines for vehicles to ensure that
quality public transportation is provided," it says.
4) "But it's the jeepney! This is a Filipino icon we're talking about
here!""The icon of the jeepney is not the physical shape of the vehicle, but the
creative spirit of the Filipino to adapt to changing needs," the post reads (well
said, guys). "Although safety guidelines may significantly change the look of
jeepneys, these improvements are necessary to make public transport,
particularly jeepneys, more comfortable, clean, and safe."
5) "It's going to cost too much. You guys are anti-poor!" The agency
actually acknowledges that the modernization program requires a high capital
cost, so is in turn working with the Department of Finance and Department of
Trade and Industry to work out programs to provide concerned parties with
more credit. Smaller operators can consolidate and pool their resources to meet
credit requirements and share operations and maintenance costs, the DOTr says.
