LTFRB: Gov’t can’t dictate what modern jeepney models to acquire

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday said that the government could not dictate what brand or model of jeepney units the cooperatives and operators would acquire in compliance with the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

In a statement, LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III said the agency had “no say” on what unit and from what company the jeepney operators would purchase their modern jeepneys as this was the prerogative of the jeepney cooperatives.

Guadiz emphasized that jeepney cooperatives should fully handle the process, and they could buy from any manufacturer, whether local, from Japan, or China, since the government would not meddle in this. 

“We also ensure that the primary aspect to consider in shifting to modern jeepneys is the safety and roadworthiness of the new jeepney units to provide better service to the commuters,” the LTFRB chief said.

Guadiz added that transportation cooperatives had the autonomy to choose from Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-approved manufacturers that adhere to the Philippine National Standard.

“The DTI has a list of those compliant with the Philippine National Standard. It’s up to them [cooperatives] who they will choose. It’s their call… They have the full autonomy,” Guadiz said.

At present, there are 32 models of modern jeepneys plying around the country that were either locally manufactured or locally assembled. — DVM, GMA Integrated News