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Pro-modernization transport groups gather at LTFRB
Some transport groups on Monday trooped to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Central Office in Quezon City to express their support for the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program.
Among the transport groups who support the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) include Pasang Masda, ALTODAP, ACTO, Busina, and CURODA, according to a report of Allan Gatus onb Dobol B TV.
These groups did not participate in the transport strike against the modernization program, which was organized by another group, MANIBELA.
MANIBELA alleged that the LTFRB misrepresented the consolidation figures of public utility vehicle operators and drivers under the PUV modernization program, causing in the non-renewal of their provisional authority to operate transport units. LTFRB spokesperson Atty. Ariel Inton however on Monday said the 86% refers to the total number of applications that were filed for consolidation, showing intent to consolidate.
“Ang tao ngayon sawa na sa tigil-pasada. Galit na ang mananakay, galit na ang sambayanan sa tigil-pasada na 'yan,” Pasang Masda national president Obet Martin told reporters.
(People are now fed up with transport strikes. Commuters and the people are angry with transport strikes.)
(What we are doing should be followed — working with our Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III, and Land Transportation chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II.)
Martin pointed out that the transport groups who supported the modernization program are “constructive” and want the best for the commuters.
“Marami na ang nakiisa sa programa at lahat kami ay nagsisilbi nang maayos sa ating mananakay. Si Secretary Vince Dizon ay nananawagang magkaroon ng dialogue. Subalit in-ignore ng kabilang grupo na iyan. Hindi ko alam anong layunin,” Martin said.
(Many members participated in the program and we are all serving our passengers well. Secretary Vince Dizon is calling for dialogue. But the other group ignored that. I don’t know what their goal is.)
“Kami dito, constructive leader. Constructive in a sense na 'yung kabutihan ng ating mananakay ang aming inuuna, kabutihan ng hanay namin, at makapagserbisyo nang maayos sa aming mananakay,” he added.
(We are constructive leaders here. Constructive in the sense that our priority is the welfare of our passengers and members, as well as being able to serve our passengers well.)
According to him, the pro-modernization programs group will have a meeting with Dizon on Thursday.
Started in 2017, the PTMP — formerly the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) — 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. Unconsolidated units are considered colorum. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA Integrated News
