STARTING next year, China gets to dominate the country’s public transportation system with its mini-buses in the guise of “modern jeepneys” replacing the colorful jeepneys as King of the Road after President Ferdinand Marcos declined an extension of the Dec. 31 deadline for consolidating public utility vehicle (PUV) operators.
With an outright rejection coming from no less than the President himself, transport and commuter rights groups filed a petition at the Supreme Court to stop and ultimately void all government orders requiring the consolidation of franchises by Dec. 31 for the phaseout of traditional jeepneys under the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program.
In the 56-page petition, Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) president Mody Floranda, along with stakeholders from commuter and transport sectors, sought a temporary restraining order and a writ of preliminary injunction that would effectively prevent the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) from implementing the controversial program.
The petitioners asked the High Court to nullify all orders and circulars formalizing the PUV modernization plan for being unconstitutional.
Deemed as Anti-Poor
Citing the need to adhere to calls for an environment-friendly mode of transportation, the government stood firm on the need to phase-out traditional jeepneys by replacing them with smoke-emitting minibuses which run using the same diesel fuel being used by the traditional jeeps.
According to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the PUV Modernization program has long been overdue, as it cited the need for drivers and operators to use vehicles with a combustion engine that complies with a Euro IV emission standard, as prescribed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, toxic fumes, and other forms of air pollution.
The drivers however don’t see it that way as transport groups claimed that the government’s move to force jeepney drivers to shift to the more environment-friendly, modern jeepney has adversely affected the poor.
Pirated and Substandard
Interestingly, doubts are raised over the government’s decision to source the so-called modern jeeps from China, which is globally known for pirated and substandard product versions including food, medicines, gadgets, appliances, toys and vehicles to name a few.
During the height of the pandemic, European countries – including Netherlands and Belgium, assailed China for producing and selling substandard medical supplies, which included facemasks, test kits and even the Sinovac vaccines.
In the Philippines, motorcycle riders have been shying away from China-made motorcycles because of quality issues.
“Pag made in China, pass kami dyan… sayang lang ang pera. Hindi tumatagal, tapos ang baba pa ng resell value kasi nga hindi maganda pagkakagawa nila. Halatang tinipid para malaki ang kita,” says Ody Fernandez who claims to resent buying a China-made motorcycle.
Dominating PH Market
For the longest time, China has been dominating the world market because people tend to buy China-made products which are comparatively cheaper than the branded ones.
According to a Nikkei Asia report, the extent of the global economy's dependence on China in supply chains. As a matter of fact, China's share of global exports has exceeded the level before the Sino-U.S. trade war broke out in 2018.
Some believe that the recently agreed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, a free trade agreement between 15 countries in Asia and Oceania, will boost China's presence in global trade yet further.
The number of products of which China, from where the dreaded COVID-19 originated holds a high share in export markets embarking mostly on substandards, is surprisingly increasing.
PH’s Traditional Jeepneys
Traditional jeepneys have always been regarded as a massive cultural symbol in the Philippines. It is monikered the "King of the Road" for its versatility and durability and is the primary and most affordable mode of transportation among common Filipino commuters.
Whether you're holding a luxury bag or a basketful of onions in one hand and a newspaper-covered smoked fish in the other, you are welcome aboard. There is no discrimination.
On the other hand, what makes modernized jeepneys so appealing is also their appearance and, by extension, safety features.
By comparison, China-made modern jeepneys are no match to the traditional jeepneys which according to local manufacturer Elmer Francisco of the famed Francisco Motors, could outlast the lifespan of Filipino drivers provided units are properly maintained.
China-Made Modern Jeeps
With a price tag ranging from P2.2 to P2.8 million, many are wondering as to how the public transportation sector could possibly comply, especially with an almost weekly increase in the pump price of diesel.
More than the oil price, Filipino jeepney operators and drivers find it rather difficult to comply with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) 2017 guideline compelling PUV operators and drivers to form transport cooperatives or similar legal entities for the installment plan covering the procurement of China-made “modern jeeps.”
“Parang ang gusto ng gobyerno, yung mga Intsik na supplier ng modern jeep lang ang kumita habang ang aming pamilya nganga dahil wala na halos matitira sa aming arawang kita,” lamented Ronaldo Jose who comes from a family of passenger jeepney drivers.
Need to Balance Both Sides
Both sides of the political spectrum have legitimate reasons for fighting for what they think is for the greater good.
The government argues that modern jeepneys will protect commuters and the environment with much safer jeepney models. The protesters, meanwhile, think that this modernization should not be made at the expense of small jeepney drivers and operators.
Nevertheless, the riding public deserves a much safer, more efficient public transportation system. This means much fewer traffic jams, more affordable fares, and the availability of more public vehicles instead of a car-centric transport system.
The national government is tasked to do this Herculean task, but the solution must be examined carefully so as not to earn the ire of those who will be adversely impacted.
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