A group of transport cooperatives in Northern Mindanao has opposed the move of the Senate urging the government to suspend the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).

The resolution to suspend is signed by 22 senators.

Among the issues cited in the resolution include insufficient information drive that resulted in the high number of unconsolidated traditional jeepneys and the lack of Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) in several local government units.

Because of this, 16 transport cooperatives and corporations in the region gathered in Cagayan de Oro to oppose the plan.

“Naa man mi nakita nga mga sayop sa programa tinuod na pero kanang mga sayop nga nakita ato na i-correct dili kay atong i-suspend ang maong programa,” Luzminda Escobidal, chief operating officer of the Northern Mindanao Federation of Transport cooperatives (NOMFEDTRASCO), said.

According to the Oro Transport Service Cooperative (OROTSCO), its group will be affected if the implementation of the PUV Modernization Program will be stopped.

“Kung ato ni i-atras totally ang program gabalik ta sa sinugdanan ug tinuod maglisod ta ug bayad kay supposedly inihap ang mga sakyanan nga magdagan sa usa ka rota,” Sammy Abello of OROTSCO said.

The group has signed a manifesto expressing its opposition and a copy was forwarded to Senate President Chiz Escudero. It has also organized a unity walk on Monday, August 5, 2024.

However, a group favors the Senate’s plan, saying its cooperative cannot afford to take on a loan to purchase vehicles for the project.

“Ang among kooperatiba is unstable. Dili mi maka-afford sa pagpangutang sa Landbank o asa namo kuhaon ang mga sakyanan ug unsaon pagbayad,” Samson Zate, representative of BUTPACOTSO, said.