Palace: PUV modernization should be win-win for drivers, operators, commuters

Malacañang said Monday the PUV modernization program should be a win-win solution for both jeepney operators and drivers as well as the commuters.

''Aaralin po natin ngayon iyan, kung 43%, at hihikayatin po natin na lahat ng maaaring mangyari ay pabor sa commuters, pabor din po sa mga jeepney operators at drivers – lahat pong ito ay dapat win-win solution po tayo,'' Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said in a briefing when asked for comment about the 43% of the PUV drivers and operators that have finished the consolidation process.

Transport group MANIBELA has started its three-day transport strike as a protest in relation to the PUV modernization program.

MANIBELA earlier announced that it would hold a transport strike from March 24 to 26, 2025, as it alleged that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) misrepresented the consolidation figures of public utility vehicle operators and drivers under the PUV modernization program.

In a separate press conference, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) called on MANIBELA to stop the strike and air its concerns to the government through a dialogue to avoid affecting the commuters.

DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon also expressed openness to some changes in the PUV modernization program to address the concerns of transport groups. He said the department will present a “solution” in two weeks after its talks with more stakeholders.

Started in 2017, the PTMP, formerly the PUV 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.—AOL, GMA Integrated News