Suspension of PUV modernization program urged

FILE PHOTO: A streamer at a terminal for jeepneys plying the Paco-Rotunda Nagtahan route in Manila expresses the unyielding position of the local transport association about the government’s PUV modernization program for public utility vehicles, in this photo taken on January 2, 2023. INQUIRER/RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Sen. Raffy Tulfo sought the suspension of the controversial PUV Modernization Program until all issues surrounding it were resolved.

The lawmakers aired their stance during the Senate committee on public services’ hearing about the PUV Modernization Act on Tuesday, July 23.

Escudero said he has been objecting to the PUV modernization plan, noting that it was not well-thought-out and would only burden the transport sector.

“Sa halagang P2.5 million kada isa, saan naman kukuha ng pambayad noon ‘yung operator o ‘yung driver? Kahit anong computation ang gawin ninyo, para mabayaran ang buwanang hulog sa isang PUV na P2.5 million ang halaga, kahit magkanda-kuba ang driver, kulang 24 oras na pamamasada para mabayaran ‘yon nang may kita pa rin ang operator at ‘yung driver,” the Senate chief pointed out.

(In the amount of P2.5 million each, where will the operator or the driver get the payment? No matter what calculation you do, to pay the monthly installment on a PUV worth P2.5 million, even if the driver overworks and becomes a hunchback, 24 hours of driving won’t be enough to pay that while the operator and the driver still profit.)

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Escudero urged Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate committee on public services, to file a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate and calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to temporarily suspend the PUVMP.

“Kaya imbes na panukalang batas o dagdag dito, makakapagpasa tayo agad ng resolusyon expressing the sense of the Senate na hinihiling at ipinapanawagan sa Pangulo na pansamantala munang suspindehin hangga’t hindi nasasagot lahat ng mga katanungan, lahat ng problema, at lahat ng kwestiyong pinansyal kaugnay ng modernisasyong ito,” said Escudero.

(So instead of a bill or an addition to it, we can immediately pass a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that urges and calls on the President to temporarily suspend the program until all the issues, all the problems, questions, financial matters related to this modernization are answered.)

Escudero expressed high hopes regarding the appeal, especially after the President’s explosive State of the Nation Address where he publicly announced the immediate banning of Philippine offshore gaming operators nationwide.

For the Senate chief, Marcos’ decisive order means that he listens and he is sensitive to the pulse and opinion of the people.

READ: PUV modernization: Understanding defiance of operators, drivers

Tulfo received Escudero’s proposal well, agreeing to file such a resolution.

“Definitely, absolutely. Ako po ay maghahain ng resolusyon para suspendihin po itong PUVMP and susuportahan naman po ako ng mga kasamahan ko sa Senado – majority, minority, and even the Senate President – then so be it,” said Tulfo during his panel’s public hearing about the PUV Modernization Act on Tuesday.

(Definitely, absolutely. I will file a resolution to suspend this PUVMP and if my colleagues in the Senate will support me – majority, minority, and even the Senate President – then so be it.)

In return, Escudero said he is willing  to help Tulfo get majority signatures should he file the resolution in the coming days.

The government’s PUV modernization plan seeks to revise the country’s franchising system in a bid to deliver safe and comfortable transport.

Despite apprehensions publicly aired by the transport sector, Marcos earlier maintained that no driver would “lose their job and livelihood” under the PUVMP.