(Photo by Dexter Terante)
Their demands will include the following:
• abolishment of the PTMP
• cancellation of the enforced franchise consolidation
• restoration of the franchise and registration of all public utility vehicle (PUV) operators, including those who did not participate in the consolidation
• zero budget for PUV phaseout programs, where the funds would be directed towards the rehabilitation of traditional jeepneys and assistance for local industries.
• allow those who entered the franchise consolidation to withdraw their application
In August, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. rejected the call of 22 senators to temporarily suspend the program due to the insufficient dissemination of information related to PTMP and the difficulties faced by drivers and operators in purchasing modern jeepneys.
According to Marcos, the implementation of the jeepney modernization program has already been suspended seven times, so it cannot be said that there is not enough information disseminated about it.
Eighty percent of operators have already complied with the PTMP requirements and have formed cooperatives to expedite the process of borrowing from banks for the purchase of modern jeepneys.
According to the Department of Transportation, with an 83% consolidation rate, there is no need to further suspend the PUV modernization program. Some are already operating using modern jeepneys equipped with air conditioning units, European emission standard engines or electric motors, WiFi, and CCTV.
The PUV Modernization Program began in 2017 but implementation has been delayed due to protests, including the Covid-19 lockdown.
