Transpo union wants bill passed in Congress

CEBU, Philippines — Member cooperatives under the National Confederation of Transportworkers Union (NCTU) during their national conference yesterday in Cebu City pushed for the passage of three pending bills at the Senate including Senate Bill No. 105 which calls for a "just and humane" transport modernization program, including transitory assistance and services rendered to operators, drivers, and other stakeholders.

“Ang among national conference nagtumong nga hisgutan ang mga concerns sa mga transport cooperatives og kani i-apil namo unya sa position paper nga i-submit sa Senado ug Kongreso apil na ang pagduso sa tulo ka pending bills on transport modernization,” said Angie Mata, NCTU-Visayas coordinator.

Department of Transportation Undersecretary Andy Ortega, who is the keynote speaker of the event said that while these bills are still pending, the department will continue to revise and improve the transport modernization program and these should not be halted as the program is meant to provide safe and secure transportation for the Filipino people.

NCTU has also urged a deeper examination of the challenges faced by consolidated groups and cooperatives with already modernized units and existing debts.

It said that the past failures in the implementation of transport modernization by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the DOTr have exacerbated the challenges faced by transport operators.

In line with this, NCTU demands the enactment of a Just Transition Bill in transport modernization to ensure a fair and equitable process for all stakeholders.

“A true just transition for the public transportation sector is pro-people and worker-led --it must make sure that there is no displacement of workers during the transition. A thorough planning process should be involved in just transition measures, taking into consideration chances for upskilling, alternative employment, or means of subsistence for individuals who may be impacted by the move to new technologies and renewable energy sources,” it said in a statement.

NCTU also called for the development of a comprehensive national transport plan that addresses the diverse needs of communities and regions across the country.

This plan, they said, should prioritize accessibility, safety, and sustainability in public transportation, taking into account the specific circumstances of different groups, including cooperatives and consolidated operators.

They also said that increased public funding is crucial to support the successful and equitable implementation of transport modernization initiatives and adequate resources must be allocated transparently to benefit the public and ensure the long-term viability of the transportation sector.

NCTU likewise demands a clear direction for the government’s PTMP (formerly Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program or PUVMP) to respond to the collective grievances of drivers, operators, and the commuting public.

NCTU also expressed concern for the vast majority of jeepney drivers and operators who have already transitioned into transport cooperatives.

“Without serious government support for this program and the broader push for transport modernization, the Philippines risks getting stuck with an expensive, inefficient, and dangerous transport system. The NCTU firmly believes that any social service, especially public transport, needs strong government support and oversight,” it added.

NCTU is a confederation or umbrella organization of various associations, cooperatives, unions and federations of different types of land transportworkers in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, the National Anti-Poverty Commission Cooperatives Sectoral Council called for the introduction of a Just Transition Bill that ensures fair and equitable process for jeepney drivers and operators affected by the government’s transport modernization program.

In a press statement, they also pushed for the implementation of a Comprehensive National Transport Plan, an increase in public funding for the transportation sector, and the development of locally-made jeepneys to drive down the modernization costs and support the manufacturing sector.

The PTMP seeks to transform the transportation system to be more efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly by replacing old, deteriorating units with newer models. – BRP  (CEBU NEWS)