DOTr chief Bautista warns of 'unintended consequences' of PUVMP suspension

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista has warned the Senate of "unintended consequences" should the government suspend the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), now called Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).

Bautista stated this in his letter to Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero dated July 29 or six days after the Senate chief proposed the filing of a resolution that calls for PUVMP rollout's temporary suspension.

Bautista requested Escudero to "consider deferring the suspension of PTMP."

"While we acknowledge that PTMP has faced challenges, allow us to respectfully posit that its overall impact has been overwhelmingly positive. Despite some isolated issues that have arisen, DOTr, along with its attached agencies, are actively addressing them through ongoing review and stakeholder consultations. We remain committed to refining the Program to better meet the needs of our stakeholders," Bautista told Escudero.

"In conclusion, we respectfully beseech the Honorable Senate to consider the ongoing benefits and improvements of PTMP. A temporary suspension might only halt the positive momentum of the Program, but could also have unintended consequences," he added.

In his letter, Bautista clarified that "PTMP does not require PUV operators and drivers to immediately purchase modern PUVs upon consultation," and that the PUV modernization will occur gradually over the next three to four years after the consolidation deadline.

He likewise assured the Senate that the Philippine National Standards (PNS) and the Greenhouse Gas emission-compliant modern jeepney units available on the market are not limited to foreign and imported manufacturers.

Bautista further told the Senate that the DOTr "remains committed" to preserving the iconic design of the traditional jeepneys and encourages all local manufacturers and importers of PUVs "to emulate the artistic design" of the traditional jeepneys.

GMA News Online sought the comment of Escudero on Bautista's letter, but he has yet to respond as of posting time.

Last Tuesday, a resolution — signed by 22 senators and which urges the temporary suspension of PUVMP rollout pending the resolution of valid and urgent concerns raised by stakeholders — has been filed.

For the majority of the senators, more consideration and clarifications are needed to be made by the DOTr in order to address the concerns voiced by affected sectors, especially PUV drivers.

Among the issues mentioned by the senators is the high figure of unconsolidated PUV units that they attributed to the government's insufficient information drive to educate the drivers, operators and transport groups about the program; and the burden of financing the cost of modern PUVs, which they said greatly exceeds the financial capacity of drivers and operators.

Another "alarming" concern that the senators raised is the potential phaseout of the iconic jeepney design "in favor of the so-called modern jeepneys which are merely mini-buses imported from other countries."

The PUVMP, which started in 2017, aims to replace jeepneys with vehicles with at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution and replace PUVs that were not roadworthy by the standards of the Land Transportation Office.

The program required jeepney drivers and operators to join or form cooperatives. They could also apply for new franchises but as part of transport cooperatives.

Transport groups have filed a petition against the PUVMP with the Supreme Court. —KBK, GMA Integrated News