Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 12) — The government should offer solutions to help drivers and operators who lost their livelihoods due to the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, the Commission of Human Rights said Friday, adding that progress must not come at the expense of human rights.
In a statement, the commission said the bulk of the financial burden that comes with the PUV modernization ultimately falls on drivers and operators.
“It is worth noting that the vast majority of PUV operators are from the vulnerable sector,” it wrote. “Adhering strictly to rigid consolidation deadlines may jeopardize PUV operators’ right to a sustainable livelihood.”
\”While we believe that modernization and development are legitimate government goals, they must be pursued without violating fundamental human rights,\” the CHR said, adding the necessity to avoid imposing undue burden on the public, including the potential to push drivers and their families into poverty.
It also took note of the International Labor Organization Convention 87, which effectively states that participating in a cooperative should be a voluntary decision.
“The Commission calls on the government, particularly the relevant agencies, to take appropriate steps to address the issue of potential income loss among affected operators,” it added.
1-Rider Rep. Bonifacio Bosita said jeepney fares should be hiked to ₱30 or up to ₱40 to cover the daily expenses of transport cooperatives that acquire modernized jeepneys.
PUV cooperatives will need about ₱7,000 a day to finance just one unit of modernized jeepney, which is worth nearly ₱3 million, he added.
The final list of PUVs that have consolidated as required by the modernization program has not yet been released, but the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s Jan. 4 data showed there are 111,581 consolidated PUVs in the country. This is equivalent to 73.96% of all authorized units nationwide.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority said PUV drivers and operators affected by the modernization program may avail of its free training program to start a new career, and receive an allowance of ₱350 a day for maximum period of 35 days.
The LTFRB also said cooperatives will hire the drivers of unconsolidated operators. Operators who fail to join a cooperative will be assisted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, it added.
