There is a need for PUV modernization

Straight Talk By Nimfa Estrellado These days when we are besieged with such a large number of things “instant”, the tendency to sla...

Straight Talk
By Nimfa Estrellado

These days when we are besieged with such a large number of things “instant”, the tendency to slack off becomes all the more tempting. A great deal of the fundamental things we need are now available to us no matter what. Almost gone are the days while exerting effort is required so as to do something, rendering our minds and bodies, at that point, much better coordinated and dynamic.

The government is talking about Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization for several months now and despite of the people against modernization the government is still pursuing a rushed modernization program. The government plans to replace all old PUVs aged 15 years or older with environment-friendly jeepneys that have safety features.

According to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Martin Delgra III, 180,000 jeepneys nationwide face replacement under the modernization program.

Everybody will benefit – from drivers, operators and most especially the millions of commuters with the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). The goal of the modernization program is to promote safer and more environment-friendly transport options.

Netizen took to social media and shared their thoughts on (PUV) Modernization.

According to Ian Titular, “I am all for jeepney modernization, but come on, at least make it gradual! Hirap mag transition into something new, give it time.”

Añin Atiragram Essereht supported this by saying , “Yes to modernization of jeepney. I’m on the side of President Duterte with this issue. It’s political will. Why drivers pay boundary if they will own the jeepney. If drivers pay boundary the owner of the jeepney will pay the 800 monthly. Think before you complain.Jeepney air pollution!

Bong Macalalad said “Why not palit jeepney and driver-managed cooperatives? If indeed the government wants to usher in clean transportation, it should ensure that the burden is not on the shoulders of drivers and operators who only try to eke out a living. Instead of prioritizing subsidies for foreign car manufacturers, the government can use the CARS fund to initially subsidize jeepney drivers/operators so as not to displace them by the mere cost of new units. It is a noteworthy investment for the government to do so, given that the proliferation of this mode of transport has been a result of the chronic lack of livelihood opportunities and neglect of mass transportation in the first place.”

Moses Rivera said Not bad at all. I am a regular jeepney commuter as well and I support the jeepney as iconic Philippine symbol. But calling the modernization program as “anti-poor” is nonsense. Why don’t the jeepney cooperatives, associations, and organization come together to fuse in capital for the modernization of their member jeepneys? I am sure they have been thriving through the payment of various fees that their members pay them and most of these organizations do not even create legitimate programs for their members.

According to Presidential Spokesperson Ernie Abella the President’s fervid support of modernization goes back to the attempts of previous administrations to whose attempts to do the same but had been thwarted due to similar ideologically based transport strikes and protests. However, when public good is at stake, the Duterte administration will not compromise. This is the message of the President’s speech yesterday. It underscores the national leadership’s strong political will and decisive stance to initiate reform in the public transportation sector. Government is open to more healthy dialogue, discussion and responsible engagements with transport groups that wish to learn and contribute to the development of the PUV Modernization Program.

This is a wide window of opportunity for everyone — drivers, the operators, the riding public. The public needs to discern that some ideological influences can derail the greater good. Let us move forward towards the comfortable life that PRRD is fighting for.