PUV modernization still on as Marcos thumbs down Senate call to suspend

(File photo from NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday rejected calls from the majority of the senators to suspend the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).

“Well, I disagree with them because they say it was rushed,” the chief executive said, speaking partly in Filipino, in an ambush interview in Pampanga when asked to react.

“The modernization has been postponed for seven times, and those that have been objecting, or [who] have been crying out and been asking for suspension, are in the minority,” Marcos added.

The president believes the minority of jeepney drivers should not decide on the issue as he noted that 80 percent of the franchises of jeepney drivers have been consolidated.

“So, how is that? The twenty percent will make the decision?” Marcos said.

“Let’s listen to the majority, and the majority says we should continue with it. So, that’s what we will do.”

The majority in the Senate, or 22 out of the 23 senators, have thrown their support behind a resolution urging the government to temporarily suspend the implementation of the PTMP, formerly known as the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program.