Twenty-two of the 23 senators have signed a resolution urging the government to temporarily suspend the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
All senators except Senator Risa Hontiveros have signed and authored proposed Senate Resolution 1096. Hontiveros has yet to explain why she has not signed the measure yet.
The resolution came after Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero proposed it at a Senate hearing on PUVMP’s implementation last week, saying the program should be suspended as long as all the questions and problems regarding it are answered, including its financial aspect.
Escudero said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. could heed the call to suspend the PUVMP, the same way he agreed to the recommendations that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) should be banned.
The PUVMP, which started in 2017, aims to replace jeepneys with vehicles with at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution and replace PUVs that were not roadworthy by the standards of the Land Transportation Office.
The program required jeepney drivers and operators to join or form cooperatives. They could also apply for new franchises but as part of transport cooperatives.
Transport groups have filed a petition against the PUVMP with the Supreme Court. —KBK, GMA Integrated News
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