President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. aims to guarantee the public that no driver of public utility vehicles will lose their job as the government pushes for the PUV modernization program.
The announcement came after the recent transport strike, which was terminated after the meeting of transport groups with Palace officials.
The Palace officials, including Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil and former LTFRB Chairperson, listened to the transport groups’ grievances on the implementation of the modernization program.
In a video posted by the PCO, Manibela and PISTON leaders expressed their support for the program, provided that no one gets left behind.
President Marcos expressed gratitude for the transport groups’ decision to end the strike, and the LTFRB also welcomed the decision.
LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III expressed openness to sit down with the transport groups to discuss issues on the PUV Modernization Program.
Manibela and PISTON considered the strike as successful after the government agreed to revisit aspects of the program. PISTON added the government has agreed to revise the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines in cooperation with the transport sector.
Under the modernization scheme, jeepney operators are required to join cooperatives or corporations, which will borrow money from banks to buy modern jeepneys or mini-buses.
The LTFRB previously announced that traditional jeepneys and UV express units only had until June 30 to join cooperatives or corporations to modernize. However, the deadline has been extended to December 31.
Marcos believes that the deadline set by the LTFRB is enough to complete all the necessary works for the modernization program. He hopes that the program will continue to progress in ways that are just, humane, and reasonable, ensuring that no one gets left behind.
Source: Inside Politico | #InsidePolitico | March 8, 2023