CHAPTER 1

Background of the Study

Jeepneys or public utility vehicles are the most common mode of public transportation in Davao
City whereas they have become ingrained in Filipino culture, especially among the Dabawenyos. Jeepneys
are available in a number of styles, with some representing the city's cultural heritage. Jeepneys in Davao
City vary in appearance from the so-called "Lawin," which is the old version of jeep in Davao, and the "Uso-
uso," which is the latest model of Jeepney, but they are much quicker and better in many ways than their
predecessor. Jeepneys have not yet changed all that much in terms of technology, with the exception of
minor engine upgrades; however, the design and appearance of the Jeepney, especially its interior
aesthetics, has improved dramatically. None of these factors, however, have an effect on the Jeepney's
overall results. Inspections should be made obligatory to upgrade these public utility vehicles, each
Jeepney's operational effectiveness should be thoroughly evaluated. This actively demonstrate that testing
the roadworthiness of public utility vehicles should be done not only to highlight where they fall short but
also to make them safer and more efficient.

The results of this study are the property or capability of a Jeepney operator's roadworthiness,
which involves the safe handling and transportation of people in their destinations. According to the LTFRB,
the Davao City, a total of 5,497 traditional and modern public utility Jeepney (PUJ) drivers from various
regions have already earned an initial financial assistance of P4,000 each in Davao City this actively
demonstrate that the PUJ driver was supported by the government.

The cause for this is the status of the Jeepneys in Davao City, which effectively demonstrate that
the Jeepneys must be checked by the emission, so if a vehicle fails an emissions inspection, it must be
repaired and retested, ensuring that the Jeepneys are in good working order. On the other hand, as a result
of this research, some operators neglect to check the Jeepneys to ensure that they are in good working
order when they use it.

The commuters are one of the primary reason why this study is conducted by the researchers in
particular reason of circumstance of their safety in riding the Jeepney's. To sum of everything that has been
stated for the researchers, they find a way of safety of the passengers when they are riding a Jeepney's
this actively demonstrate that to ensure the protection of the public commuters. Also, the assuredly of the
public commuters when riding in the Jeepney's is probability of high confidence is 80% of a total of 100%,
thus, this percentage indicates the trustworthiness of the people whom riding in Jeepney. Moreover, the
government agencies such as the Land Transportation Office (LTO), actively demonstrate that they are
going to put the different signage on the road so that the operators will clearly see the speed limitation.
Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to know the road worthiness of the jeepney in Davao City particularly the jeepney
operators’ and the public commuters’ safety, thus, this study aims to determine about the Road worthiness
of the understanding of Criminology student in University of the Mindanao.

This study will specifically answer the following questions;

1. Profile of the Respondents in terms of:

1.1 Name
1.2 Gender
1.3 Age
2. What is the public’s level of perception about the road worthiness of PUJs in Davao
City, in terms of;
2.1 Effectiveness
2.2 Efficiency
2.3 Reliability
3. What do out date Jeepneys need to change or improve in order to be able to stay road
worthy?
4. What is the threshold for outdated Jeepneys in-order to be decommissioned?

Hypothesis

The aim of this study is to find out what the general public thinks about Jeepneys' roadworthiness
in Davao City. Jeepneys are the most common and preferred mode of public transportation in Davao,
outnumbering other modes such as taxis and buses due to their large passenger capacity, low fares, and
ease of accessibility for the average commuter. However, the majority of Jeepneys in Davao City, on the
other hand, have a bad and undeserved reputation for their outdated nature, utility and for being the
primary cause of traffic jams on highways and narrow roads. Drivers also contribute to the problem
because there have been several complaints of Jeepney drivers disregarding traffic laws and road etiquette
by stopping in the middle of the road to pick-up and drop-off passengers. This poses a lot of problems for
other drivers who follow the rules of the road. A common issue is Jeepneys using bike lanes to pick-up and
drop-off passengers, forcing cyclists to reach the main or fast lane of the road, raising the chances of
accidents. This study would help assess the roadworthiness of Jeepneys by gathering data from the
public's perceptions and using that data to produce recommendations about what to modify or improve
about the Jeepney's requirements and standards.

If the public's opinion of jeepneys' roadworthiness is used and taken into account, it can provide
useful insight into what needs to be fixed in jeepneys in order for them to remain roadworthy despite being
old and outdated. Based on the public's perception of jeepneys' roadworthiness, it will provide a solution for
significantly reducing traffic in Davao City. The public's perception will determine which jeepney variants
should be decommissioned or upgraded. Decommissioning outdated jeepneys will help reduce traffic
intensity in Davao City, especially on highways where jeepneys are frequently seen dropping and picking
up passengers, causing traffic and accidents.

If the public's perception of roadworthiness is followed, the current condition of jeepneys in Davao
City will dramatically improve, making them safer, more comfortable, efficient, and reliable, as well as
greatly reducing traffic congestion on roads and highways. Also, it will prevent old jeepneys from being
replaced by buses or more new and expensive jeepney models.

Theoretical frame work

In this study, the researcher will apply Political System Theory by Easton to show how the
government uses the medium to go through a process and produce a result that represents a solution. To
summarize what has been stated, political system theory is a technique that will be used to represent the
state's behavior. There are three levels of political system theory; the input is a part of the system that
contains the source of the problems; the process this actively demonstrate that the procedure of
determining the problems to have a solution.

The valid basis is Republic act No. 4136 otherwise known at the Land Transportation and Traffic
Code of the Philippines. Republic act of 4136 this actively demonstrate that all traffic ordinances in the
Davao City. To sum up everything that has been stated it shows traffic operation and regulation by
ordinances. Republic act 4136 this actively demonstrate the limitation and the power of the state
regarding traffic. In addition, the valid basis of Republic act 8750 an act requiring the mandatory
compliance by motorist of private and public vehicles to use seat belt, and requiring vehicle manufacturers
to install seat belt device in all their manufactured vehicles this actively demonstrate that all vehicles are
essential to use the seat belt when they are using a vehicle whether private or public vehicles to make
certain the safety of the passengers and especially the driver. Inclusion, this actively demonstrate that
Republic Act 8749, also known as an act providing for a comprehensive air pollution control policy and
other purposes, specified that all vehicles must be in good condition in order for every single vehicle to
retain its good condition, even if it is an old model type of vehicle. To summarize all that has been said,
maintaining the car would benefit the environment by reducing emissions. It has the benefit of always
keeping the vehicle in good working order, ensuring that all vehicles, especially the PUJ, remain
roadworthy.

Significance of the study

This research will serve as a reference for the formulation and development of standards for public
utility vehicles (Jeepneys), and it will be significant to drivers, commuters, and future researchers.

Driver - This study is primarily important to drivers, for it will give them knowledge about the road
worthiness of public utility vehicle (Jeepney).

Commuters - This study will assist the commuters in comprehending the fair of the public utility vehicle.

Future Researcher – This study may serve as a foundation for potential studies that they will conduct.

Definition of terms

The following terms were established for a better understanding of the work:

Commuters - an individual who frequently travels a long distance to work.

LTFRB - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is in charge of
promulgating, administering, enforcing, and controlling compliance with public land transportation policies,
rules, and regulations.

Perception - Perception is the organization, identification, and interpretation of sensory data in order to
represent and understand the presented information or environment, as well as a shared belief or opinion
based on how things appear to many people.
Public - People in general, or all people in a specific country or culture, are referred to as the public.
Public Utility Jeepney - A public utility jeepney (PUJ) is a vehicle that is used for public purposes. Assumed
to be a common carrier or mode of public transportation.

Predecessors - Someone who had a job or a place before someone else, or something that happens first in
time or in a series.
Road Worthiness - Roadworthiness is the ability of a car, PUJ, bus, truck, or any other form of vehicle to be
in a suitable working condition or to meet appropriate requirements for safe driving and transportation of
persons, luggage, or freight on roads or streets, making it street-legal.