Solon: Simplify requirements for drivers, operators joining PUV modernization

Traditional and modern jeepneys share space on Pinatubo Street in Mandaluyong City. (NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / INQUIRER file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — The government should simplify requirements for joining the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, Agri party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee said on Tuesday.

Lee, in a statement, said the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and other government financial institutions — should streamline processes, especially if interested PUV drivers and operators have cleared requirements with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

“Let us liberalize and simplify these requirements. Marami na ngang na-comply na requirements na hiningi ang LTFRB at LTO, kilo-kilometro pa rin ang dami ng hinihingi ng Land Bank o DBP na mahirap kumpletuhin,” he said.

(A lot have complied with the requirements sought by LTFRB and LTO, but the Land Bank or DBP are asking for a lot more, which are hard to comply with.)

“Kaya po tayo nagsusulong ng ganitong mga programa, kaya natin pinapataas at pinapalaki ang budget, ay para makatulong. It defeats the purpose kung pinapahirapan natin sila. Ano ba talaga ang papel natin dito? Ang tulungan sila o ang pahirapan sila?” he added.

(The reason why we are pushing for such programs is because we are trying to increase the budget so that we could help more people.  It defeats the purpose if we put them in more suffering, so what is our role here, really?  Is it to help them or make them suffer?)

Lee said he mentioned this during the plenary debates on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) budget for 2024, where he complained about the “cumbersome documents and papers required by government banks” before loans are handed out.

Under the current setup, the government provides subsidies to members of the transport sector who would want to join the PUV modernization program. 

Drivers and operators, through bank loans, however, will still shoulder most of the cost of a modern jeepney unit.

“The government must not burden the PUV drivers and operators in accessing loans to buy modern jeepneys,” Lee said.

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