Instead of pushing hard the adoption of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) and the deadline for the jeepney consolidation needed to implement PUVMP, several business and workers groups called for the indefinite suspension of the consolidation requirement and a deep review of the infirmities of the program.
In a joint statement, the government was asked to review the PUVMP and its impact on the livelihood of drivers, operators and their families to address the legal, financial and human rights infirmities surrounding the program.
The Leaders Forum– comprising of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, the Philippine Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc and the trade unions Federation of Free Workers, Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa and Trade Union Congress of the Philippines said the transport system should include support for local jeepney manufacturers to design and produce affordable, sage and environmentally-friendly vehicles and not just the imported units being dangled by the Department of Transportation.
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, reported the Philippine Star.
The program also ignored 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.
The deadline for consolidation was extended by President Marcos to end of April yet there is no assurance that affordable public transport options will be available after, the groups said.
The modernization program, they pointed out, 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.
Piston filed last December before the Supreme Court for certiorari and injunction questioning the December 31 deadline for PUVMP and sought a TRO (temporary restraining order) for the PUVMP. The group is awaiting SC’s ruling.
“We hope the TRO will be issued against PUVMP, the transport group said as it scheduled a 3-day strike beginning today until Labor Day on the phaseout of traditional jeepneys Mody Floranda, president of Piston, said.
“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,” he added.
At least 8,000 Piston members will join the protest.
As expected, the government’s response to the strike is massive deployment of police (8,000 as if to match the number of Piston’s expected attendees) in the National Capital Region.
Over 90 vehicles would also be made to give free rides to commuters who will be affected by the strike. Local governments and other agencies are also providing rides to fill the vacuum of striking jeepney drivers.
After April 30, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), will revoke the franchises of individual operators who failed to consolidate, leaving only the consolidated units allowed to ply the Metro Manila routes assigned them.
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