Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, on Tuesday, February 28, manifested his support for Senate Resolution No. 507 urging the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to postpone the planned phase out of all traditional jeepneys by June 30, pending resolution of all issues.
In his manifestation during the Senate plenary session, Go appealed to the government to grant drivers more time to adapt and conform to the alterations mandated by the new policy by further delaying the jeepney phase out deadline.
“Kung kaya naman po, Mr. President, I personally appeal, that the LTFRB delay the phase out of our jeepneys. Let us give our jeepney drivers enough time to adjust and comply with the changes that this new policy will require,” asked Go.
The senator pointed out that while he recognizes the long-term benefits of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program which was advocated by the previous administration, there is now a need to give more leeway to affected sectors since the country is still recovering from the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Sa pagbabagong idudulot ng modernization na ito, (drivers and) commuters will also have to adjust their budgets to afford new means of transportation,” Go cited.
While Go acknowledged the need for modernization due to climate change and economic challenges, he stressed that the corresponding burden should not fall upon the poor.
“Karamihan po sa mga drivers ay may binubuhay po at pinapakain…. Wala pong dapat maiiwan at maagrabyado. While we understand the need to evolve given newer challenges of the environment, climate change and the economy, let us not transfer the burden to the poor who need our help,” said Go.
He also acknowledged the necessity of modernization for passenger safety, but he highlighted that most drivers may not possess the financial capability to adapt to new vehicles at this time.
“Importante din po ang safety ng pasahero sa usapan dito ngunit ‘wag natin pabayaan ang mga ordinaryong jeepney drivers na wala po silang matakbuhan o walang pambili ng bagong pampublikong sasakyan,” said Go.
“Lalo na ngayon, ‘di pa tayo tapos sa krisis na dulot ng COVID-19. ‘Wag po nating papabayaan ang ating mga jeepney drivers na karamihan po ay mahihirap,” he added.
He also emphasized the importance of jeepneys in the daily commute of Filipinos, stating that they have become part of the Philippine culture and a symbol of the country.
“‘Pag wala na pong jeepney, parang wala na po tayo sa Cubao, parang wala na tayo sa Quezon Avenue, wala na tayo sa Pilipinas,” said Go.
“Ako mismo noon ay sumasakay talaga ng jeepney d’yan sa E. Rodriguez, Kamias, d’yan sa Kamuning. At naabutan ko pa ‘yung jeep ni Erap… hanggang ngayon, naka-gawian na po natin (ang jeep),” he added.
Go also said that given the opposition of affected sectors, a transport strike could make it harder for commuters to get to work, especially during a time when the country is still reeling from the COVID-19 crisis.
“[K]apag nagkaroon po ng malawakang strike ng ating jeepney at PUV drivers sa iba’t ibang parte ng bansa, mas lalo pong mahihirapan ang ating mga commuters na umaasa po sa public transportation araw-araw,” said Go.
The resolution was principally authored and sponsored by Senator Grace Poe who is chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services. It was adopted by the Senate on Tuesday. It states that the LTFRB must address the legitimate and pressing issues raised by the affected drivers and operators regarding the program’s financial feasibility.
Under the PUV Modernization Program, operators must surrender their individual franchises for consolidation into a Fleet Management System, which requires them to purchase 15 imported minibuses per route.
Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista has requested the transport groups to convene and settle the sector’s concerns before conducting a strike. Bautista mentioned that the government is collaborating with the Development Bank of the Philippines and the Land Bank of the Philippines to aid operators and drivers in obtaining modernized equipment through financing.
The government has also stated that no phase out will happen yet in areas where new units still cannot realistically operate.