Metro Manila, Philippines – The Senate is poised to pass a resolution to suspend the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program yet again with overwhelming support from lawmakers.
Senator Raffy Tulfo, chairman of the committee on public service, on Tuesday released a copy of the proposed resolution signed by 22 senators. It states that the Public Transport Modernization Program should be temporarily suspended until the concerns of drivers, operators, and other stakeholders are addressed.
The program requires all PUVs to consolidate into cooperatives but almost 20% have not complied, primarily due to the high cost of modern units and the lack of information about the program.
Senator Risa Hontiveros did not sign the resolution, but she has consistently urged the government to make sure the program does not harm the livelihood of PUV drivers and operators.
Senator Joel Villanueva said there is a “clear need for modernization [but] we have to do it the right way.” He noted the lack of route plans to date.
However, transport groups that comprise the “Magnificent 7” coalition said 80% of PUV operators nationwide have complied with the consolidation requirement. They see the Senate’s move as a roadblock.
“Sa aking personal na opinyon, ayaw nila ng pagbabago at mabago ang ating sistema ng transportasyon,” said Roberto ‘Ka Obet’ Martin, president of Pasang Masda which is part of the coalition.
[Translation: In my personal opinion, they don’t want change and improvement for our transportation system.]
He earlier threatened to not vote for senators who would sign the resolution and warned of a possible transport strike.
Senator Cynthia Villar suggested a “partial implementation” of the modernization program instead.
Like Villanueva, Villar said she believes that the program would benefit PUV drivers in the long run but issues have to be addressed first.
“Yung mga handa na baka pwede nang mag-implement (Those who are ready can go ahead with the implementation),” Villar said.
Martin backed the idea.
“Ang solusyon, ipagpatuloy natin ito. Kung may mga butas along the way, na may nakita na may mga problema, yun po ang ayusin at bigyang pansin ng ating mag senador at ayusin ang problema,” he said.
[Translation: The solution is to continue with it. If there are any gaps or problems along the way, our senators should address and fix them.]
Senator JV Ejercito stressed that the program suspension is temporary.
“Itutuloy naman ‘yun e (It will be continued),” he said.
