Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 2) — The government should be more flexible so drivers and operators will have more time to comply with the requirements of the public utility vehicles (PUV) modernization program, Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel said Tuesday.
“Nagiging sapilitan kasi may deadline na kailangan mag-comply lahat. Iurong ang deadline na ‘yan, anim na buwan o isang taon, and then i-advertise nila itong programa nila para voluntary maka-attract sila ng magjo-join,” Pimentel told CNN Philippines’ The Source.
[Translation: It becomes compulsory because there is a deadline that everyone should comply. Move that deadline, six months or one year, and then advertise the program to attract them to voluntarily join.]
In the past weeks, drivers and operators protested the Dec. 31 deadline for PUV franchise consolidation. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said 70% of all operators have already consolidated, including public utility jeepneys, UV Express, mini buses, and public utility buses nationwide.
READ: Jeepney consolidation rate in Metro Manila remains low – PISTON, Manibela
Manibela chairperson Mar Valbuena, one of the groups that staged a strike, said they are not against PUV modernization, but consolidating means they will lose their individual franchise. He also said a fare hike is needed to help them cover the cost of a modern jeepney unit that is worth as much as ₱4 million.
Pimentel urged authorities to adjust the requirements and the financial obligations drivers and operators will incur under the program. He emphasized it is important to make sure stakeholders are included in the entire process.
“We cannot force people to go into debt, so sila na ngayon ang magco-compute ano worth it ba ito (they will compute if this is worth it),” the senator said.
“Government should adjust and readjust and then re-examine. Go to the real reasons on the ground why there are some jeepney drivers and operators who are not complying or… who find it very hard to comply,” he added.
Pimentel also said it will be better to keep the iconic design of jeepneys since it is already part of the country’s culture rather than replacing them with mini buses.
The senator said he also agrees with cracking down on dilapidated jeepneys to ensure safety of passengers, and drivers should be continuously warned if the smoke being emitted by their vehicle violates the Clean Air Act.
