Probe of 'corruption' in PUVMP
By Nidz Godino
"Reports allege existing transport officials are in cahoots with previous officials in negotiating for imported modern jeepney units that will replace old units," Speaker Martin Romualdez has directed House of Representatives' transportation committee to investigate public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP), saying he has received reports that it is fraught with corruption.
Romualdez is urging Department of Transportation to conduct "complete review" of program before implementing it.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has reported 76 percent consolidation rate nationwide for jeepneys and UV Express Service units, claiming success in early stage of government's controversial PUVMP.
LTFRB data showed total of 145,721 UV and jeepney units have consolidated nationwide.
House leader, however, said his office has received reports "corrupt practices" may have tainted conceptualization and planned implementation PUVMP, requires operators and drivers to "consolidate" or organize into groups or cooperatives to ensure efficiency and better management and accountability.
Only those have consolidated would be allowed to ply routes utilizing modern and supposedly environment-friendly jeepneys, actually mini-buses.
Government originally gave jeepney drivers and operators until end of December 2023 to join or organize into cooperatives or get banned from plying their usual routes. It extended deadline, however, for another 30 days when it became evident that sizeable number of jeepney operators and drivers had not yet consolidated.
Romualdez clarified he supports program and only wants assurance of "enough measures that would protect jeepney drivers."
"While we stride towards modernity and efficiency, we remain steadfast in safeguarding welfare and livelihood of our jeepney drivers, integral part of this journey… together, we can achieve transportation system reflective of Philippines' growth, respecting our traditions while paving way for more sustainable future," he maintained.
He also said jeepney has "long been symbol of our nation's vibrant culture and enduring spirit."
"As we embrace progress and innovation, it is imperative we address need for modern, efficient and environmentally friendly transport systems," he added.
Romualdez explained PUVMP is "not just about upgrading vehicles," as it is more of "comprehensive plan to rejuvenate our urban transportation landscape, making it safer, more reliable and in tune with sustainable practices."
He called jeepney drivers "hardworking individuals who have been backbone of our local transport industry for decades."
"Their welfare is our primordial concern…as we transition to modernized jeepneys, we recognize challenges faced by drivers and operators," he added.
Meanwhile, national consolidation rate was 82 percent for UV Express and 73.6 percent for jeepneys.
LTFRB has reached its target numbers for consolidation, even in Metro Manila.
Total of 25,629 jeepney units met Dec. 31 deadline as against 22,284 confirmed traditional units in LTFRB system.
"Campaign for consolidation during last stretch was effective… manner by which agencies have been opening offices and relaxing their requirements and reaching out to operators was effective in trying to reach what we have expected," board member Riza Marie Paches said at press briefing.
LTFRB is still gathering data in terms of actual number of routes that would be affected.
Paches allayed fears of potential transport crisis once unconsolidated units are taken off road across the country.
Board has given unconsolidated drivers and operators reprieve, as they would be able to serve in selected routes.
Over 60,000 PUVs could be left without franchises and would not be allowed to ply their routes once month-long reprieve for unconsolidated units ends.
Paches explained there are consolidated transport service entities that can serve affected routes, citing "redundancy of supply" in terms of transport modes.
She explained commuters would feel decline in supply, but LTFRB is coming up with contingency measures such as issuing special permits to meet demand.
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