Jeep drivers to House: Why not restrict private cars, too?

Why single out public transport in dealing with the traffic crisis?

This was the question raised by a progressive group of jeepney operators as the House of Representatives’ leadership presented on Wednesday its version of the bill granting special powers to the Transportation secretary.

George San Mateo, president of the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (Piston), pointed out that House Bill No. 4334 would impact on commuters and the livelihood of jeepney operators.

Clarifying that Piston supports the House’s efforts, San Mateo nevertheless noted the lack of restrictions on private vehicles, which are estimated to make up 80% of transportation in Metro Manila.

“There is no restriction there. It’s all centered on public transportation, when this is what we should have been supporting,” San Mateo said during the four-hour hearing. He added that “the lack of mass transportation system should be addressed, too.”

San Mateo cited the bill’s provisions on the rationalization of public utility vehicle (PUV) routes within the first six months of the bill’s effectivity, the power of the Transportation secretary to revoke franchises and the anticipated displacement of PUV drivers and operators.

He said the bill’s provision for displaced workers—such as conditional cash transfers, prioritization by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and loans from the Development Bank of the Philippines—would not be enough to make up for the loss of livelihood.

Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento, Transportation committee chairman and author of the bill, said they were not opposed to mass transportation.

He also said that the bill only inserted the provisions on displaced drivers, which was not provided for in the other bills, so there would be mechanism to address the situation.

Sarmiento also stressed that the proposal to require the mandatory re-testing of drivers, who would be issued professional licenses specific to the vehicle they operate, will come at no cost to them.

Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr., on the other hand, focused on the supposed lack of discipline among PUV drivers and passengers.

San Mateo acknowledged that it is a factor but pointed out that drivers tend to lose discipline precisely in an attempt to navigate through the heavy traffic.

Several measures are currently pending before both the House and Senate, seeking to consolidate the supervision of the country’s various transportation-related agencies under a traffic chief and allowing the government to resort to direct procurement for big-ticket projects to solve the problem of heavy traffic.

Sarmiento implored congressmen and stakeholders to ensure the bill is passed by the end of year. “Staying in the status quo is already costing us billions on a daily basis,” he said. RAM

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