NOT UP TO US | The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board says the choice of jeepney model, like the ones shown above, was up to drivers and operators who may pick from those made locally or abroad. (Photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on Tuesday that it has no hand in the selection of the brand or model of passenger jeepneys that would be acquired under the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.
In a statement, LTFRB Chair Teofilo Guadiz III explained that only jeepney cooperatives have the prerogative to choose their vehicles—whether these be locally made or manufactured abroad, like in China and Japan.
“The government has no say on which unit to buy and from what country it comes from,” he said, adding that the LTFRB does not meddle in the process.
But he also clarified that the only condition imposed by the government was that jeepney drivers or operators could choose only from the Department of Trade and Industry’s list of approved manufacturers that adhere to Philippine national standards.
“We also ensure that the primary aspect to consider in shifting to modern jeepneys is the safety and roadworthiness of the new jeepney units to provide better service to the commuters,” Guadiz said.
32 models available
According to the LTFRB, there are currently 32 models of modern jeepneys plying routes around the country that are either locally manufactured or locally assembled.
The House of Representatives is set to investigate the reported irregularities in the PUV modernization program on Wednesday.
Sen. Raffy Tulfo earlier questioned the supposed plan of the government to purchase vehicles from China to replace the country’s traditional jeepneys, saying the move “reeks of corruption.”
The senator said he learned that the government was planning to import modern jeepneys from China for as much as P2.9 million per unit, nearly triple the price of locally manufactured jeepneys.