(INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE)
MANILA, Philippines — The public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program will trigger a transportation crisis and affect the economy should it push through, warned Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas on Friday.
Brosas pointed out that 60,000 jeepney operators and drivers stand to lose their franchises, putting their livelihoods at risk.
“Sa gitna ng matinding krisis sa bansa, mawawalan pa ng katiyakan sa trabaho at kabuhayan ang mga jeepney drivers at operators. (In the middle of a crisis in the country, jeepney drivers and operators will lose job security.) With significantly fewer PUVs on the roads by January 2024, millions of Filipino commuters will face a severe transport crisis, affecting important parts of the economy,” said Brosas in a statement.
Brosas said the looming December 31 deadline for the consolidation of jeepneys hampers the drivers’ freedom to create their own associations.
“Drivers and operators are being pressured to join transport cooperatives or companies, disbanding their current jeepney associations and putting their livelihoods at risk,” Brosas said.
Various transport groups have protested the looming deadline, with transport group Manibela set to hold a strike on the deadline itself on December 31.