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Transport groups hold 'unity walk', strike vs possible suspension of PUVMP

By GMA Integrated News

Some drivers and operators who complied with the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) conducted a unity walk on Monday to protest the Senate resolution recommending the suspension of the program.

Angat Kooperatiba at Korporasyon ng Alyansang Pilipino para sa Modernisasyon (AKKAP MO) gathered at Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City around 6 a.m. and marched to España Boulevard in Manila, according to a report of James Agustin on GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita.

 

Some jeepney drivers and operators belonging to the Magnificent 7 transport group alliance flock to Mabuhay Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City on Monday, August 5, 2024, for the unity walk. Danny Pata

 

 

However, Manila Police District (MPD) personnel blocked them.

 

 

 

After negotiations around 8 a.m., police have allowed the protesters to continue their unity walk to Mendiola near Malacañang.

 

 

“Malinaw ang mensahe na gusto naming iparating sa Pangulo. Kinakailangan na huwag niyang pakinggan ang rekomendasyon ng Senado. Ibasura niya ito at pagbigyan niyang umusad ang modernization program,” AKKAP president Ed Comia said.

(The message we want to convey to the President is clear. He must not listen to the recommendation of the Senate. Discard it and allow the modernization program to move forward.)

 

 

The MPD asked the protesters to hold their program at Welcome Rotonda and not proceed to España Boulevard to avoid obstructing the roads and interrupt classes in the area.

One lane of España Boulevard was not passable due to the protest action.

As of 6:05 a.m., more or less 100 vehicles and 300 members from AKKAP MO and San Pedro Transport Cooperative were seen at Welcome Rotonda, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

Aside from the march, some drivers and operators launched a strike in San Jose del Monte in Bulacan, Antipolo and Montalban in Rizal, as well as in Caloocan and Las Piñas.

“Humihingi kami ng paumanhin sa mga pasahero na naapektuhan ngayong umaga dahil sa aming pinaglalaban sa pamahalaan. Ito naman ay para din sa kanila,” Comia added.

(We apologize to the passengers who were affected this morning because of our struggle with the government. This is also for them.)

On Friday, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said free rides will be offered to commuters who will be affected by the strike and unity walk.

"We respect the right of drivers and operators to free expression as enshrined in the Constitution, and we acknowledge the concerns of the transport sector,” LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III said.

“We remain committed to ensuring the commuting public’s access to transportation," he added.

On Wednesday, 22 of the 23 senators signed a resolution urging the government to temporarily suspend the implementation of the PUVMP, 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."

In the resolution, the lawmakers cited concerns on the high number of unconsolidated PUV units, phaseout of the iconic jeepney design "in favor of so-called modern jeepneys," low percentage of approved routes, among others.

Started in 2017, the 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 no longer considered 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 LTFRB had said that PUVs that did not consolidate after the April 30 deadline would be deemed as “colorum” or a PUV operating without a franchise.

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

Around 81.11% or 155,513 of 191,730 PUV units have been consolidated as of May, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr). A total of 36,217 PUVs remained unconsolidated.

For routes, 74.32% or 7,077 of 9,522 have been consolidated while 2,445 routes remained unconsolidated, the DOTr said.

The DOTr on Thursday said it will push through with the PUVMP even after senators formally called for a temporary suspension of its implementation.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista warned the Senate of "unintended consequences" should the government suspend the implementation of the PUVMP, now called PTMP.

Bautista requested Senate President Chiz 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. —Joviland Rita/KG/RSJ, GMA Integrated News

Tags: PUVMP, Public Transportation, PUV modernization program
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