CHR lauds livelihood program for PUV modernization-affected workers

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday lauded President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s order to government agencies to pool funds for a livelihood program aimed at assisting transport workers affected by the public utility vehicle modernization program.

“This program clearly represents a significant step forward in responding to the appeal for assistance and taking a compassionate approach to those affected by the PUVMP,” the CHR said in a statement, referring to the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) “enTSUPERneur” program.

According to DOLE, this initiative aims to teach interested transport workers different skills, including animal raising and entrepreneurship.

It would also provide P30,000 in-kind livelihood assistance to affected drivers and operators.

“We take note of the Executive’s prerogative to issue an order providing aid and assistance to jeepney operators, in which the vast majority are still members of marginalized communities,” the CHR statement added.

Admission?

But in previous statements and interviews with Inquirer.net, transport group Piston president Mody Floranda alleged that the livelihood program is in itself an admission by the government that it knows of the negative impacts of the PUVMP on transport workers.

Floranda said the transport workers do not wish to switch professions but instead retain their current livelihood.

Based on data from transport group Manibela earlier this month, around 30,000 PUV units have not yet consolidated, translating to fewer than 50,000 transport workers losing their jobs.

This is because unconsolidated PUV units will not be allowed to ferry commuters, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board previously said.

On January 25, Marcos extended the consolidation deadline to April 30, 2024.

The mandatory franchise consolidation is one of the first steps in implementing the PUV modernization program.

This means that individual franchise holders must merge their franchises with or into cooperatives or corporations – something the CHR said should be voluntary under the International Labour Organization Convention 87.