House probe sought on 'corruption' allegations in PUV modernization plan

MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Martin Romualdez said on Thursday that he has ordered the House of Representatives to look into possible irregularities that may have “tainted the conceptualization and planned implementation” of the government’s Public Utility Vehicle modernization program.

Romualdez said that he has directed the chairperson of the House transportation committee to conduct a probe into reports received by his office alleging current transport officials colluded with former officials to negotiate the imported modern jeepney units that will replace the traditional vehicles.

The House speaker also called on the Department of Transportation to undertake a “complete review” and extend the implementation of the program.

"The jeepney modernization program is not just about upgrading vehicles; it's a comprehensive plan to rejuvenate our urban transportation landscape, making it safer, more reliable, and in tune with sustainable practices," Romualdez said.

Transport groups were required to consolidate into corporations and cooperatives last December 31, according to government rules. After this deadline, they have 27 months to switch to more eco-friendly vehicles. Those who failed to consolidate would only be allowed to operate their vehicles until January 31.

Even as multiple protests and transport strikes were mounted to call for the suspension the consolidation deadline, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Romualdez' cousin, stood by the deadline and said that the "minority" should not "cause further delays, affecting majority of our operators, banks, financial institutions and the public at large."

Jeepney drivers and operators have been hard-pressed to comply with the modernization plan due largely to the cost of purchasing modern minibuses, which are pegged at around P2.4 million to P2.8 million a piece.

Economic thinktank IBON Foundation, which has pushed back against the program for its impact on the livelihood of thousands of drivers and operators, said that fares could rise 300% to 400% as a result of the phaseout of traditional jeepneys and UV expresses.

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While the president has earlier claimed that around 70% of PUVs have complied, militant groups protesting the modernization plan said that this is misleading as the data of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board includes public buses. 

Impact on livelihood

Progressives earlier claimed that nearly 140,000 drivers and 60,000 operators will be displaced by February due to LTFRB's deadline.

Romualdez said that he has urged the provision of assistance to jeepney drivers as they shift to new vehicles and are looking into opportunities to provide them with fixed income.

“This move aims to stabilize their earnings, helping them to plan and secure their financial futures more effectively. We believe that a stable income will not only benefit the drivers but will also contribute to a more organized and reliable transport system,” he said.

— with reports by James Relativo