Published by: Alfred Luis Armando
Date Published: March 6, 2023
Time Published: 9:21 am
Several #NoToJeepneyPhaseout discussions and statements from the community have been circulating on the streets and social media. Different transport groups announce a one-week long “Tigil-Pasada” strike. In line of opposing the Public Utility Vehicles (PUV) Modernization Program. A program which only gives favor to big companies and will just lead our jeepney drivers to suffer in debt and hunger.
This is following the recent announcement of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) regarding the PUV Modernization Program wherein the individual operators of traditional jeepney will no longer be allowed to operate if they will not agree or join a "consolidated entity" like a corporation or cooperative.
Under the PUV Modernization program, operators are forced to surrender their individual franchises to join into a Fleet management system which forces them to buy imported vehicles. Only large corporations, in accordance with PISTON, would have the financial resources to purchase the 15 vehicles necessary to operate a single route without going deep into debt.
Modernization is what the government offers but it seems like they forget to consider thousands of Filipino Drivers who will suffer with their “no consideration” terms. Everyone wants improvement and development in our country, especially in the transportation sector—however, this also means considering the welfare of people behind the transport groups.
The world is going through improvements and different changes, which also means a good thing to improve the PUV’s. Electric powered vehicles are good due to oil price hike. The modernization program will be good if the terms and conditions are revised and give the operators guidance—let the drivers be the priority and not those big companies.
There are different options aside from the expensive mini buses that will only benefit large corporations who can afford it. Like the Modernized Jeep of Francisco Motors. It is electric-powered and has a wheelchair-accessible ramp built into the back. A computerized fare collection system is also installed. They retained the traditional look of jeepneys which is good because it still preserves our culture. Also, it is much cheaper because as per Elmer Francisco, the owner of Francisco Motors, “We’re not only selling jeepneys, we are selling livelihood,” Francisco said. “What we want is to modernize jeepneys where no one is left behind.”
It may take years to fully accomplish the program, but the government must choose a better option where no one is left behind. The drivers will have transport strikes not to create inconvenience, hence, for their voices to be heard and we must take a stand for them. In this current issue, this is not just about the drivers and their families who will be affected and included, but also the whole commuters and community.
The transport groups are part of our everyday lives. They deserve to be treated well and not left behind. Modernization with consideration and not obligatory decisions that will just lead to negative effects. Jeepney phase out is not the solution rather having a concrete plan that gives the people a bright future is a must. Also, taking a stand and giving support to our jeepney drivers will be a great help for them. Speaking and criticizing for what is wrong will always be right because as a citizen, it is our duty to criticize, and to criticize is to love our motherland.
References:
https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/3/2/Manufacturer-shares-modernized-e-jeep.html
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/02/28/2248250/what-we-know-so-far-week-long-tigil-pasada-vs-jeepney-phaseout-march-6
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