Business groups urge government to review PUVMP

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government must review the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) and its impact on the livelihood of drivers, operators and their families, according to several business and workers’ groups.

“We call for an urgent review of the PUVMP in order to address its legal, financial and human rights infirmities,” the Leaders Forum said yesterday in a joint statement.

The groups also called for the suspension of the consolidation deadline for an indefinite period and the creation of “an affordable, sustainable and carbon-neutral mass transport system.”

The Leaders Forum is comprised of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. and trade unions Federation of Free Workers, Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa and Trade Union Congress of the Philippines.

They said the transport system should include support for local jeepney manufacturers to design and produce affordable, safe and environmentally friendly vehicles.

It would take Filipino manufacturers several years to supply enough electric jeepneys for the country as local jeepney producers currently lack the capacity to produce or assemble units quickly, with initial estimates suggesting 5,000 units could be produced at most per year, they said.

The PUVMP also did not take into account the principles of a “just transition,” with jeepney operators and drivers not consulted about the design of modern jeepneys or alternative vehicles, they said.

“The phasing out of jeepneys without providing an affordable alternative for working-class commuters could create a domino effect on domestic businesses and the economy, potentially raising the cost of living and feeding into inflation,” the Leaders Forum said.

There has been no compensation for the surrender of existing jeepney units, they noted.

Despite amortization options, the importation of modern jeepneys worth P2.5 million to P3 million makes ownership out of reach for many, they added.

Even with the consolidation deadline extension until the end of April provided by Malacañang, there is no assurance that affordable public transport options will be available after, the groups said.

The PUVMP also seemingly contravenes the United Nations Social Development Goals that “no one should be left behind” in economic or industrial changes in response to the climate emergency, they added.

TRO

The Supreme Court will hopefully issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the PUVMP, a transport group said, as the three-day transport strike starts today amid the April 30 deadline on the phaseout of traditional jeepneys.

“We are not losing our hope. We are still hoping that the Supreme Court, Congress and President Marcos will see the importance of public transport,” said Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston) president Mody Floranda.

Piston and Kilusang Mayo Uno announced a three-day transport strike to paralyze Metro Manila today until Labor Day.

Piston filed a petition for certiorari and injunction questioning the legality of the Dec. 31, 2023 deadline set for the PUVMP and sought a TRO to prevent its implementation until the petition is resolved.

At least 8,000 Piston members will join the protest, Floranda said.

Deployed

Nearly 8,000 police officers will be deployed across Metro Manila during the three-day transport strike, according to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

Over 90 vehicles are on standby to give free rides to those who will be affected by the strike, NCRPO spokesperson Eunice Salas said yesterday.

Local government units and other agencies will also provide vehicles, she added.

After April 30, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board will revoke the franchises of individual operators who failed to consolidate.

This means only consolidated units will be allowed to ply routes in Metro Manila. — Bella Cariaso, Daphne Galvez