Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 23) — A transport group on Thursday said jeepney drivers need five more years to be able to comply with the requirements of the government’s modernization program.
Speaking to CNN Philippines’ The Source, Piston national president Mody Floranda said the June 30 deadline given by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for traditional jeepney franchise holders to consolidate or join cooperatives to continue operations is too early.
“Yung isinumite natin sa DOTr [Department of Transportation] at LTFRB, panawagan natin ay halos five years na kailangan magkaroon ng extension sa usapin ng modernization program sapagakat hindi talaga ito kaya na i-avail ng ating individual operator,” he said.
[Translation: We submitted to the DOTR and LTFRB our call for an extension of five years when it comes to the modernization program because our individual operators cannot really comply.]
He noted that the cost of a modern jeepney ranges between ₱2.4 million and ₱2.8 million.
The group sees the latest move as a way to wipe out the livelihood of drivers and operators, as well as the local manufacturers of jeepneys, Floranda said.
He added that the program aiming to replace jeepneys older than 15 years old is questionable since there is no clear plan to improve public transportation in the country.
He asked the government if it’s really jeepney drivers that will benefit from modernization program or the foreign businesses who want to control the sector.
If the government is really serious about modernization, why can’t it just focus on supporting local stakeholders, including jeepney manufacturers, and heed the call to rehabilitate public transportation, Floranda said.
He said many drivers have yet to join cooperatives as required by the modernization program because of the huge capital needed.
Floranda said Piston is open to joining such cooperatives, but with conditions.
“Bukas kami sa usapin ng kooperatiba na kung ito po ay individual franchise at individual operator, hindi po monopolyo ng iisa lamang,” Floranda said.
[Translation: We are open to talks about cooperatives if it will involve individual franchise and individual operator, not the monopoly of only one.]
What the government is currently implementing is a monopoly, he said. The vehicles to be loaned by operators will not be put under their name, while also leaving them in debt.
