Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public services, made the remark a day after transport groups staged a nationwide transport strike that led to the suspension of classes at all levels in Metro Manila.
“The Department of Transportation must get on its feet and find a sustainable solution to the concerns raised over the jeepney modernization program,” Poe said in a statement.
“The complaints raised by small drivers and operators about the modernization program are valid concerns that should not be swept under the rug. There should be a meeting of the minds that can only be achieved through continuous dialogue,” she said.
Several transport groups, Poe noted, were reportedly looking for a cheaper source of new jeepney units that would be “environment-friendly” and “cost-efficient” at the same time.
Other groups, meanwhile, called on the DOTr to consider tapping local manufacturers, the senator said.
“It may be worth listening to all these proposals, so that once and for all, we can move the modernization program forward,” Poe said.
Meanwhile, Poe said Tugade, in an earlier committee hearing, promised to sit down with transport operators every two months.
“We understand that they have met, thus, we want to find out what has been discussed and what has been agreed upon,” Poe said.
“The DOTr owes it to the people to make the modernization program work, as public transportation should be reliable, safe and affordable for commuters. The people will be on the losing end with a public transportation in shambles,” the senator said. /muf