Gabriela lawmaker denounces ban on jeepneys, UV Express

MANILA, Philippines — A party-list lawmaker on Monday denounced the ban on public utility jeepneys (PUJs) and UV Express in Metro Manila, even though modern public utility vehicles (PUVs) have been allowed to ply the roads starting Monday.

Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas warned that at least 75,000 jeepney drivers stand to lose their routes in the metropolis alone as modern PUVs dominate the roads starting June 22.

“Huwag na tayong maglokohan. Modus itong public transport policy na ito dahil ginagamit lang ang pandemya para ipatupad ang PUV modernization program na dati pa nilang gustong ipatupad. Huwag nang gamitin ang health alibi para gutumin pa lalo ang mga tsuper ng dyip, na karamihan ngayon nga ay namamalimos na,” she said in a statement.

“Hindi rin pabor itong modern PUVs sa mga manggagawa at mananakay dahil sa mas mataas na pamasahe at sa posibleng panganib sa kalusugan na dulot ng aircon-type models na ito dahil kulob ang hangin,” Brosas added.

The government suspended mass transportation last March after President Rodrigo Duterte placed Metro Manila and other high risk areas in the country under an  enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) due to the COVID-19 spread.

In relaxing quarantine protocols, the government is gradually allowing the resumption of public mass transport.

Brosas said that instead of prolonging the ban on jeepneys, the government should help operators and drivers modernize and improve their units that would follow health protocols.

“Based on the feedback of drivers, they have no problems in modernizing their units and installing health devices in their units. But they need government assistance to do this, aside from the cash aid which has been denied to most of them,” she said.

“Subalit talagang ipinipilit ng gobyernong Duterte itong modern PUVs gayong ang kikita naman dito ay mga dayuhang manufacturers at local distributors, habang gutom at perwisyo pa rin ang dinaranas ng drayber at mga commuter,” Brosas added.

The party-list will ask the House panel on transportation to urge the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Department of Transportation to publish the names of the manufacturers and distributors of modern PUVs.

EDV