Tulfo rejects idea to include China manufacturers in PUV modernization

Sen. Raffy Tulfo stresses a point during one of the Senate proceedings in this file photo taken in December 2023. Senate Social Media Unit / Joseph Vidal

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Raffy Tulfo on Sunday criticized moves to import modern jeepney units from China in lieu of traditional jeepneys in the country as part of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

Tulfo questioned the choice to import the vehicles from China at an expensive price, alleging that the PUVMP “reeks of corruption” since a local jeepney manufacturer can make the same units for much cheaper.

“Ang karagatan natin sa West Philippine Sea ay sinasakop na nga ng China, pati ba naman mga kalsada natin ay papayag tayong sasakupin na rin nila?!” he said.

(Our waters in the West Philippine Sea are already being claimed by China. Are we even going to allow them to take over our roads as well?!)

The senator noted that imported jeepneys from China cost P2.6 to P2.9 million per unit – this is much more expensive in comparison to brand new units from local manufacturers which can make modernized jeepneys for only P900,000 to P985,000 each.

He further said that the government will save about P1.7 million per unit if a local manufacturer is chosen over a Chinese company.

The government would also be able to afford to subsidize the modern jeepney units at no cost to transport workers if they are bought at around P900,000, Tulfo explained.

Buying from local manufacturers would also secure jobs for thousands of Filipino workers in addition to preserving the jeepneys’ traditional Filipino look.

READ: DOTr allays fears on immediate phase out of traditional jeepneys

Earlier, DOTr Undersecretary Timothy Batan invited local jeepney manufacturers to join the PUVMP, saying that units bought from local makers would be cheaper and more appealing to public utility vehicle operators.

Meanwhile, in an interview on Sunday, transport group Piston reiterated that rehabilitation and not replacement of existing traditional PUVs would be a better alternative.