Palace: Roadworthy traditional jeepneys may be allowed soon

MANILA, Philippines — Traditional jeepneys may soon be allowed to ply their routes subject to their roadworthiness, Malacañang said Thursday as the government moves to further relax public transportation restrictions.

Coronavirus lockdown measures have been eased nationwide since June 1, with the government placing Metro Manila under the more lenient general community quarantine (GCQ) where public transportation will be allowed in a limited capacity.

Under the Department of Transportation’s guidelines on the reopening of public transportation, modern jeepneys will only be allowed to resume operations starting June 22.

But traditional jeepneys that are “roadworthy” may be allowed should there be a need for more public utility vehicles (PUVs), presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a televised Palace press briefing.

“Pinapayagan sa second phase ang modern PUVs po ‘no at kung kukulangin, maaaring payagan ng LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) ang traditional jeepneys, provided, they are roadworthy,” Roque said.

(Modern PUVs are allowed in the second phase and should there be a shortage, the LTFRB may allow traditional jeepneys, provided, they are roadworthy.)

Jeepney drivers and operators have been calling on the government to reconsider its ban as they complained of loss of income.