About time, transport groups say of PUV modernization

NO ENTRY | Anti-riot police block the protest caravan of Manibela and Piston, transport groups who have gone to the Supreme Court to question the legality of the government’s modernization program for public utility vehicles (PUVs), on España Boulevard, Manila. PUVs not yet consolidated into cooperatives or corporations will be deemed illegal after Jan. 31, 2024. (Photo by RICHARD A. REYES / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — The government’s controversial public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) on Wednesday received renewed support from major national transport groups, which cited their personal experiences in modernizing their fleet.

During a press conference with Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, leaders from transport groups dubbed the “Magnificent Seven” said the implementation of the PUVMP was long overdue, stressing that commuters would vastly benefit from the program.

They were composed of Pasang Masda, Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Associations of the Philippines, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Stop and Go Transport Coalition, Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas, and UV Express National Alliance of the Philippines.

Pasang Masda’s national president, Obet Martin, said the PUVMP was focused on serving commuters by providing safe and convenient public transport.

“We are all supporting a very orderly and very good program of the government. [The PUVMP] will bring about safe travel for our passengers and [bring] convenience to their journey. They’re in a modern vehicle, which they have long been aspiring for,” he said.

Bautista said he respected the rights of those opposed to the program but added that the government remains open to dialogues even after the Jan. 31 deadline. The government has said that after the end of the month, it will go after those who fail to consolidate their franchises, one of the requirements under the PUVMP.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III, for his part, vowed to assist PUV drivers and operators who were against modernization. He earlier called for the program’s indefinite suspension, saying the government was not ready to implement it and that stakeholders should have been consulted.

The senator said he would meet with PUV drivers and operators soon to discuss the issue and their plight.

“I want them to brief, educate us about the real situation. I want to get insights on what has been actually happening on the ground,” Pimentel said. Meanwhile, Bayan Muna chair Neri Colmenares said that his group would counter the Office of the Solicitor General position, which earlier called for the dismissal of the temporary restraining order petition filed by Piston and other groups against the PUVMP.