Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 5) — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) assured Congress on Friday that it will attend legislators’ probe on alleged corruption in the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP), following House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s call for an investigation.
In a press briefing, Office of Transportation Cooperative (OTC) Chairman Andy Ortega said DOTr is open to discuss the concerns surrounding the PUVMP to improve the government’s transportation program.
“Pupunta muli kami (We will attend the hearing again) because we always work together with the Congress,” Ortega told reporters. “Lahat ng (All) issues that are raised to the Congress, we appreciate, we discuss and we come up with solutions.”
In a statement, Romualdez said his office received reports alleging that current officials of DOTr are in “cahoots with previous officials in negotiating for the imported modern jeepney units that will replace the old units.”
“Their welfare is our primordial concern,\” Romualdez said. \”As we transition to modernized jeepneys, we recognize the challenges faced by drivers and operators.\”
Ortega said there are 54 jeepney manufacturers available for operators to purchase their new unit, but the DOTr and Department of Trade and Industry have yet to check if these manufacturers are qualified under the Philippine National Standard (PNS).
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“Malinaw na nakalagay sa Philippine National Standard na nilabas ng Department of Trade and Industry na hindi limited and ating design for as long as makapag-comply nung specification at mga requirement na nakalagay sa PNS,” Ortega said.
[Translation: It is clear that in the Philippine National Standard released by the Department of Trade and Industry, the design is not limited for as long as the jeepney units can comply with the specifications and requirements.]
Some requirements set by the PNS state that Class 2 and 3 PUVs, which have a capacity of at least 22 passengers, must have a width of 235 cm, length of 700 and floor-to-ceiling height of 175-centimeter (cm). It must also have an emergency exit door.
