Despite strong opposition from some sectoral groups, the Department of Transportation or DoTr stood firm that the country cannot afford to further delay the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program or PUVMP.
In a spot interview with reporters on Tuesday, Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said junking the program at this point is “not right.”
“Scrapping our modernization plan is probably not right. We need to modernize our PUVs for convenience, accessibility, safety and security, and affordability. If not modernized, we cannot implement these in our transportation system,” Bautista said.
“Everything can be discussed, when we talk about issues, we can address them. The government is flexible and will listen to all the complaints of stakeholders,” he added.
In June 2017, the Department of Transportation, then led by former chief Arthur Tugade, launched the PUVMP.
Sustainable transport eyed
The program aims to come up with a “restructured, modern, well-managed and environmentally sustainable transport sector where drivers and operators have stable, sufficient and dignified livelihoods while commuters get to their destinations quickly, safely and comfortably.”
The program was met with strong opposition from transport workers who have dubbed the PUVMP as a “phase out.”
“The program was started by the previous admin but we are continuing it because it is very good for our commuters. So we are inviting those who are not members of the cooperatives to join groups so we can help them borrow money to finance the acquisition of modern utility vehicles,” Bautista said.
Strike set
To signify their opposition to the program, various transportation groups are set to mount a week-long strike starting 6 March.
Mar Valbuena, national president of transport group Manibela, said the upcoming activities will be the groups’ first protests since jeepneys were allowed to operate at full capacity anew.
However, Bautista said he is optimistic that dialogue will Balbuena’s group will help iron out issues involving the program.
“We will continue to ask them not to continue the strikes. After all, many groups still support the program,” the transportation chief noted.
He also reiterated that the DoTr has an ongoing partnership with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to provide affected drivers with the necessary training to equip them with the knowledge to start a new livelihood.