Chiz: PUVMP suspension allows Senate to tweak program

Suspending the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) would to give the Senate more time to adjust the project, not inconvenience consolidated drivers and operators, Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero said.

“Meron mga problema natalakay kami at susubukan naming hanapan ng solusyon at paraan yun para mas naging swabe pa ang implementasyon ng programa,” Escudero said.

(We have discussed some problems and we will try to find a solution and a way to make the implementation of the program even more smooth.)

Among the problems that Escudero pointed out is that there are route plans that have yet to be submitted.

“Hindi pa nasa pinal ng DOTr yung bayad doon sa mga lumang jeep na pang ambag sana nila sa down payment doon sa modern jeepeny,” Escudero also said.

(The Department of Transportation has not finalized the payment for the traditional jeepney that would have contributed to the down payment for the modern jeepney.)

The senator also said concerned agencies have yet to see if there is enough financing from the government and private banks to make the monthly payment of modernized jeepneys affordable.

Twenty-two senators have signed a resolution calling for the suspension of the PUVMP to iron out some concerns raised by some transportation groups.

Cooperative-National Confederation of Cooperatives party-list Representative Felipe Espares, meanwhile, urged that the program continue, saying suspending the program would unfairly punish compliant cooperatives. 

According to DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Andy Ortega, by the end of the April 30 deadline, about 83% of PUV operators have consolidated into cooperatives or corporations. — BM, GMA Integrated News