House: PUVMP a headless chicken

MANILA, Philippines — Yesterday started its inquiry into the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP), which committee chair Rep. Romeo Acop likened to a “headless chicken.”

During the inquiry, Acop observed the lack of direction from Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Department of Transportation (DOTr) officials when they were questioned by panel members about the program.

“Your actions today show that this program is a headless chicken. None of you can answer all of the questions of my colleagues here. It shows that no one is giving directions to this program,” he said.

“No one was in control of the program,” he added.

When asked about fares that would be imposed if modern jeepneys replaced traditional PUVs, as well as computing government subsidies, the number of displaced jeepney drivers and a list of cooperatives, LTFRB and DOTr officials pointed to each other.

Jeepney drivers will lose their jobs after Jan. 31 if their units are not part of a transport cooperative.

At least 38,000 traditional jeepneys are not yet part of any cooperative, LTFRB chair Teofilo Guadiz III told Batanes Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr.

Guadiz admitted that this means at least 38,000 drivers would no longer ply their routes as the franchise of these units will be canceled.

“They can ply until Jan. 31 only if their operators did not consolidate… After Jan. 31, we will be initiating proceedings… for the cancellation of their franchise,” he said.

Guadiz added that those who insist on plying their routes will be arrested and charged with driving a “colorum vehicle.”

Meanwhile, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) students yesterday held a solidarity protest against the PUVMP.

“Thousands of drivers and operators have lost their livelihoods at the start of 2024, causing even more hardships on citizens’ lives. Some have continued operations but were given just until Jan. 31, 2024, to continue,” the PUP Office of the Student Regent said.