Gov’t has no say in jeepney brand, model in PUV modernization — LTFRB

By: Charie Abarca - 11 months ago

MANILA, Philippines — The government cannot dictate either the brand or model of jeepney units to be acquired in compliance with the controversial Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program, said Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chief Teofilo Guadiz III.

Guadiz on Tuesday said the decision to acquire modern jeepney models lies on operators and cooperatives alone.

“Ang nasusunod po sa pagpili at pagbili ng modern jeepneys ay ang mga cooperatives. The government has no say kung ano ang unit na bibilhin nila at kung saang bansa ito manggagaling,” said Guadiz in a statement.

(Those who get to choose and buy modern jeepneys are the cooperatives. The government has no say in what unit they buy and which country it comes from.)

Cooperatives, according to Guadiz, can buy from “any manufacturers whether local or [international].” He particularly said these may come from Japan or China.

“Pwede po sila bumili ng locally-made or from Japan, or China, o kahit ano pang bansa. Basta ang cooperatives po ang masusunod diyan at hindi ang pamahalaan,” Guadiz explained.

(They can buy locally made or from Japan, China, or other countries. The cooperatives are the ones deciding and not the government.)

Safety and roadworthiness are still the “primary aspects” to consider when shifting to modern jeepneys, said Guadiz.

Senator Raffy Tulfo earlier questioned the supposed “government plan” to purchase vehicles from China.

The radio broadcaster-turned-lawmaker said this move “reeks of corruption,” further claiming that the local jeepney manufacturing industry “can produce a quality modern jeepney at a lower cost.”