TRANSPORTATION Secretary Jaime Bautista on Thursday told Senate President Francis Escudero that suspending the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) would hurt commuters who already benefit from it and damage the government’s relationship with drivers and operators who have already agreed to modernize.
Meanwhile, in the face of a resolution signed by 22 senators seeking the program’s suspension, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said modernization would continue as long as there is no order from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. or the Department of Transportation (DoTr) to halt it.
In a letter to Escudero dated July 29, Bautista said the government already invested some P7.5 billion to implement the program from 2018 to 2024, which would go to waste if it follows a Senate recommendation to suspend the PTMP.
NOT GOING ANYWHERE Modernized and traditional jeepneys are seen plying along Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City on Aug. 1, 2024. On July 31, 22 of the 23 senators signed Senate Resolution 1096 urging the government to temporarily suspend the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), renamed to Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP). PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN
The secretary acknowledged that there are challenges, but said the results have been very good, and the issues are being addressed.
He also said in his letter that public utility vehicle operators are not obliged to buy a modern jeepney immediately, but can do so gradually in three to four years after the consolidation deadline.
Bautista said the supply of modern jeepneys is not limited to foreign manufacturers, and the DoTr is committed to maintain the iconic design of traditional jeepneys.
“We assure the drivers, operators and stakeholders who participated in the PTMP that it will proceed,” LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said.
Guadiz added that the LTFRB respects the Senate resolution calling for the program’s temporary suspension based on the urgent concerns raised by some drivers and transport groups who have refused to join the program.
The LTFRB chief pointed out that the PTMP is the government’s response to the aggravating transport-related problems and the board remains committed to providing safe and efficient service to the riding public and a better transportation sector.
Modernized and traditional jeepneys are seen plying along Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City on Aug. 1, 2024. On July 31, 22 of the 23 senators signed Senate Resolution 1096 urging the government to temporarily suspend the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), renamed to Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP). PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUAN
Modernized and traditional jeepneys are seen plying along Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City on Aug. 1, 2024. On July 31, 22 of the 23 senators signed Senate Resolution 1096 urging the government to temporarily suspend the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), renamed to Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP). PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUAN
Modernized and traditional jeepneys are seen plying along Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City on Aug. 1, 2024. On July 31, 22 of the 23 senators signed Senate Resolution 1096 urging the government to temporarily suspend the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), renamed to Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP). PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUAN
Modernized and traditional jeepneys are seen plying along Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City on Aug. 1, 2024. On July 31, 22 of the 23 senators signed Senate Resolution 1096 urging the government to temporarily suspend the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), renamed to Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP). PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUAN
Modernized and traditional jeepneys are seen plying along Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City on Aug. 1, 2024. On July 31, 22 of the 23 senators signed Senate Resolution 1096 urging the government to temporarily suspend the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), renamed to Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP). PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUAN
Modernized and traditional jeepneys are seen plying along Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City on Aug. 1, 2024. On July 31, 22 of the 23 senators signed Senate Resolution 1096 urging the government to temporarily suspend the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), renamed to Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP). PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUAN
On the other hand, transport groups that opposed the PTMP welcomed the Senate resolution.
In a statement, Manibela said they hope that President Marcos would agree with the senators and order the PTMP’s suspension. They also thanked the 22 senators, especially Escudero and Sen. Raffy Tulfo for their support.
The group said it will organize a nationwide caravan to urge Marcos to agree to the Senate resolution.
The Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) transport group said the Senate’s decision was a victory for drivers and operators.
“This is one of the results of a long, ongoing struggle of Piston and the masses of drivers and operators to scrap the flawed modernization program,” the group said Wednesday.
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