Poe calls out DoTr for not meeting own deadlines for PUVMP

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe on Tuesday turned the tables on the Department of Transportation (DoTr),  noting its failure to fulfill its own task of formulating route plans for the Public Utility Vehicles Modernization Program (PUVMP).

The senator pointed out that despite DoTr’s December 31 consolidation deadline for Public Utility Vehicles (PUV) drivers and operators, the agency itself is yet to deliver on its task to complete the route rationalization study that is “crucial” for the PUVMP.

Poe, who is the chairperson of the Senate committee on public services, recalled that DoTr was given funds in 2018 to formulate route plans for PUVs.

However, as of posting time, only 9.5 percent or 155 of the 1,575 local government units have approved route plans.

“Bakit maraming deadline at requirements sa driver samantalang ang mga deadline ng DOTr at LTFRB para sa ruta nila ay hindi naman natutupad?” the senator asked.

(Why are there so many deadlines and requirements for drivers when the deadlines set by the DOTr and LTFRB for their routes are not being met?)

Poe explained that the study is important in determining the necessary number of jeepneys, UV express, and buses for a specific route to ensure operators’ successful operations under the PUVMP.

“Nasaan ang gobyerno sa modernisasyon? Ang lakas ng loob ng DoTr mag-deadline, wala naman maitulong,” she added.

(Where is the government in modernization? The DoTr has the audacity to set deadlines but doesn’t provide any help.)

Furthermore, the senator cautioned that pushing through with the December 31 consolidation deadline would impact thousands of drivers who are yet to join cooperatives.

It is also not unlikely for small-time drivers and operators to have their reservations about surrendering their individual franchises, Poe explained.

“Hindi mo naman masisi ang mga tsuper na takot sumali sa kooperatiba dahil ang laki ng pondong kailangan, tapos wala pang training ang DOTR sa pag-manage ng pera at PUV units,” she said.

(You can’t blame the drivers for being afraid to join cooperatives because of the required funds, and the DOTR hasn’t provided training yet on managing money and PUV units.)

The senator mentioned that amidst all these, PUV drivers could not be blamed for organizing another transport strike in protest of the PUVMP.

Earlier, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said that he already held a meeting with transport officials where they ultimately concluded not to stretch the December 31 deadline.

In response, Piston said they will continue their strike starting December 14 in spite of the President’s announcement.