MPD to strictly monitor 'unity walk' vs. PUV modernization suspension

The Manila Police District said it would strictly monitor the "unity walk" to be conducted on Monday by transport groups who have supported the government's Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.

MPD spokesperson Police Major Philipp Ines said they would deploy cops to monitor the protest action and march to be conducted by transport cooperatives, according to a report by Carlo Mateo on Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday.

The MPD however said it would be better if the groups would hold their event at freedom parks such as Liwasang Bonifacio.

The transport groups said they would hold the "unity walk" on Monday to protest the Senate resolution recommending the suspension of the PUV Modernization Program.

They plan to start gathering at the Mabuhay Welcome Rotonda at 5 a.m. then march to Mendiola Bridge.

Twenty-two of the 23 senators signed a resolution on July 31 urging the government to temporarily suspend the implementation of the PUV Modernization Program, which is now called Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).

The senators said the program should be temporarily suspended "pending the resolution of valid and urgent concerns raised by affected drivers, groups, unions, and transport cooperatives with the end in view [of] ensuring a more efficient and inclusive implementation of the PTMP."

The lawmakers took into consideration the concerns raised by various transport groups that they said are "due to the continuing deficiencies of the PTMP which are yet to be addressed by the [Department of Transportation."

Transport groups supporting the PUV Modernization Program however expressed dismay over the Senate resolution.

"Galit na galit 'yung sektor dahil sa ginawang ito ng Senado. Kami’y sumunod na. Nakapag-modernize na. Bakit ang Senado ay bigla na lang ganyan ang gagawin para sa sektor? Parang hindi nila iniisip 'yung sakripisyo nitong maliliit,” Ed Comia, convenor of the Angat Kooperatiba at Korporasyon ng Alyansang Pilipino Para sa Modernisasyon, said.

(The sector is furious with the senators’ move. We already followed in modernizing our PUVs. Why did the Senate do that? It seems like they did not think of the sacrifice we made.)

The transport groups led by the “Magnificent 7” earlier said they would go on a strike should the Senate proceed with filing the resolution.

The Magnificent 7 is composed of Pasang Masda, Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Stop and Go Transport Coalition, Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas, and National Federation of UV Express Inc.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday said it will continue with the PUV Modernization Program even after senators formally called for a temporary suspension of its implementation.

DOTr Undersecretary Andy Ortega said that while the DOTr respects the move of the Senate, the agency intends to pursue the program and work on the issues raised by stakeholders.

Started in 2017, the PUV Modernization Program aims to replace jeepneys with vehicles that have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution. It also aims to replace units that are not deemed roadworthy.

A modern jeepney unit costs over P2 million, an amount that even state-run banks LandBank and Development Bank of the Philippines said was too expensive for PUV drivers and operators.

The consolidation of individual PUV franchises into cooperatives or corporations is the initial stage of the modernization program.

Initially, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) had said that PUVs that did not consolidate after the April 30 deadline would be deemed “colorum.”

However, LTFRB has allowed unconsolidated jeepneys and UV Express to operate in over 2,500 routes with a low number of consolidations. —KG, GMA Integrated News