Poe to gov’t: Address concerns on jeepney modernization program

MANILA, Philippines — The government should address the drivers’ and operators’ concerns regarding the jeepney modernization program, Senator Grace Poe said Monday. 

“The issues surrounding the jeepney modernization program are far from resolved. The government should address the legitimate concerns to ensure that this undertaking would help improve our transportation system,” Poe said in a statement.

Poe, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services, issued the statement as transport groups held a “transport holiday” Monday in protest of specific standards set by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on the public vehicle utility (PUV) modernization program. 

READ: Acto to hold transport strike on Monday, July 15

Despite the jeepney modernization program being promising, Poe said it should not disregard “transparency and due process” for drivers and operators who ask for consideration.

“The program, no matter how promising it looks, should also not brush aside transparency and due process for drivers and operators who only ask government to consider their plight,” Poe said. 

Poe hoped the LTFRB and drivers would hold a dialogue anew to resolve issues on the said program. 

“Sana ay makapag-usap muli nang may kahihinatnan ang LTFRB at mga driver/operator. Umasa tayong mula noong nakaraang taon nang magsimulang pag-usapan ang modernization ay umusad ang pagkakaunawaan ng dalawang panig tungo na rin sa maayos na tahakin ng programa,” she said. 

“Kailangan ng bukas na komunikasyon at matapat na paglalahad ng mga kaganapan para hindi naman nangangapa sa dilim ang ating mga kababayan, pati na ang mga driver at operator. Lahat tayo ay nagnanais ng kaginhawahan at pag-unlad–nang may karampatang pagsasaalang-alang sa lahat,” she added. /je