( DOTr photo)
MANILA, Philippines — The so-called Magnificent 7, made up of seven transport groups has expressed its support for the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP), the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Thursday.
The DOTr, in a statement said the transport groups pointed out that a “just transition” must be obtained for the benefit of operators and drivers as well as commuters.
The Magnificent 7 is made up of Pasang Masda, Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Stop and Go Transport Coalition, and Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas.
The Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide announced their departure from the group earlier this month.
The Magnificent 7 reiterated that there would be no “phase out” of jeepneys by December 31.
DOTr quoted Magnificent 7’s statement that read: “Nais naming pawiin ang pag-aalala ng ating mga kasama sa sinasabing phase out sa darating na Disyembre 31, 2023. Walang mangyayaring phase out ng ating mga tradisyunal na jeep.”
(We would like to alleviate the concern of our colleagurs regarding the alleged phase-out on December 31, 2023. There will be no phase-out of our traditional jeeps.)
“Alam namin na ang modernisasyon na ito ay nagdudulot ng mga pangamba at agam-agam sa ating mga kasama dahil ito ay iba sa ating nakasanayan,” the group added.
(We know that this modernization has sowed fear and doubt among our ranks because it is different from what we are used to.)
Magnificent 7 encouraged operators and drivers to comply with the PUVMP.
“Kami po ay nananawagan sa ating mga kasama na maging bukas ang isip at puso sa napipintong modernisasyon. Ito po ay kinakailangan upang ang ating bansa ay makasunod sa mga bagong teknolohiya upang mas maging ligtas at kumportable ang mga komyuter sa ating mga pampublikong transportasyon,” the group said.
(We are calling on our colleagues to be open-minded and open-minded to the imminent modernization. This is necessary so that our country can adopt new technologies so that commuters and our public transportation can be safer and more comfortable.)