
PURSUANT to Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez’s instructions, the House Committee on Transportation chaired by Antipolo 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop on Wednesday began its motu proprio investigation of the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
The Antipolo lawmaker said the inquiry was held, even though Congress is in recess, due to the urgency of the matter. Under existing guidelines, operators of public utility vehicles which have not yet complied with the order of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to consolidate operations will have their franchises revoked by January 31, 2024.
The panel inquired into issues such as the cost of subsidy to be shouldered by the government in the procurement of modern PUVs, the effect of expensive jeepneys to fares, and the welfare of jeepney drivers who will be affected when old jeepneys are phased out.
Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez stressed that the modernization program should preserve the historical and cultural design value of PUV jeepneys. He also suggested the “pocket” implementation of the program, which would entail that the program be conducted on a per locality basis at the outset to prove its viability.
Rep. France Castro (ACT Teachers Partylist) inquired about the rationale driving the modernization program, while Rep. Rodante Marcoleta asked about the compatibility of modern jeepneys with existing roads.
1-Rider Partylist Rep. Bonifacio Bosita thanked Speaker Romualdez for directing the conduct of the inquiry, which was livestreamed to enable the viewing public to have a deeper understanding of the issue. The lawmakers agreed to come up with a draft resolution recommending to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that the deadline for consolidation be extended considering the various issues connected to the program.