Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has turned down the Senate’s call to temporarily halt the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.
In a chance interview in Pampanga on Wednesday, reporters asked Marcos about the resolution signed by 22 senators that sought a temporary suspension.
“Well, I disagree with them because sinasabi nila minadali (they are saying it was rushed),” Marcos said.
“The modernization has been postponed for seven times,” he added.
The chief executive said 80% of PUVs have consolidated into transport cooperatives – which is the initial step of the program. He said the remaining 20% cannot decide on their fate.
“So, pakinggan natin ‘yung majority at ang majority, sinasabi ituloy natin (let is listen to the majority and the majority is saying let us push through with it). So, that’s what we will do,” the president said.
In a separate press conference, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said there’s nothing wrong with hitting the brakes for the few who have yet to comply with franchise consolidation.
“Kung DOTr (Department of Transportation) nga hindi pa nakacomply sa mga pinangako nila. bakit nila pupwersahin na makapag comply yung hindi pa kayang mag comply,” Escudero said.
[Translation: If the DOTr hasn’t yet complied with its promises, why are they forcing those who aren’t able to comply?]
He said the DOTr lacks the budget and has yet to provide subsidy to PUV operators to purchase modern units similar to mini buses.
“With or without this rejection of that call, hindi naman din kayang ipatupad ng DOTr (the DOTr cannot implement this),” Escudero said.
“Umamin mismo ang DOTr sa hearing, sana matanong din sila ng Pangulo. Sabi ko – ‘Bakit wala kayong nire-release na ayuda at tulong?’ Ang sabi nila, sa 2028 pa kasi lubusang maipapatupad ito kaya doon pa lamang namin hihilingin yung budget na kailangan,” he recalled.
[Translation: The DOTr itself admitted during the hearing, so I hope the president questions them too. I asked, ‘Why aren’t you releasing any aid or assistance?’ They said it’s because this will only be fully implemented in 2028, so that’s when they will request the necessary budget.]
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista earlier said the government allotted P1.6 billion for the program this year. He added that review and consultations are underway to address some “isolated issues.”
Escudero said this will surely be discussed during the budget deliberations for the DOTr’s budget for 2025.
