Tulfo wants PUV modernization to proceed

CEBU, Philippines — Senator Raffy Tulfo, Senate committee on public utilities chairman, believes that implementation of the “Public Utility Vehicles Modernization Program” (PUVMP) should continue.

“Since nandiyan na yan, sasang-ayon na lang ako. Move on na lang tayo,” he said in an interview after his keynote speech at the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (CCCI) general membership meeting, turnover ceremony, and induction of officers, trustees and members the other night.

Tulfo said he will call for a hearing to be attended by all stakeholders, as the Senate will look into the possibility of increasing the subsidy for jeepney operators to purchase modernized jeepneys, but this time they should be Philippine made.

“Kasi yung modernized jeepneys…mga China-made, which is P2 million something compared to Philippine made na P1.8 million, which is a lot cheaper and this will create more jobs,” he said.

Tulfo said he wants to find out “kung saan ang mas magaan sa mga jeepney operators at yung hindi naman mahihirapan yung gobiyerno.”

“Mas maganda yung win-win solution,” he said.

The Marcos administration implemented the PUVMP to address both worsening transport-related problems and future transportation demand in the country.

The program aimed “to fundamentally transform the public transport system in the country, making both commuting and public transportation operations more dignified, humane, and on par with global standards”.

It also “seeks to provide the Filipino commuter a comfortable ride by providing a safer, more efficient, reliable, convenient, affordable, climate-friendly, and environmentally sustainable transportation system in the country”.

Meanwhile, in his speech at the CCCI event, Tulfo praised the organization for its big contribution in the “flourishing of business in Cebu”, especially the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which are usually owned by Filipinos in the marginalized sector.

“Ang mga MSME ay nakalilikha ng mas maraming trabaho para sa publiko. At ito rin ang ‘driving force’ sa pag-unlad ng ekonomiya ng Cebu na tinaguriang pinaka-mayamang probinsya sa Pilipinas sa loob ng siyam na taon,” he said.

He challenged CCCI to continue providing trainings and programs for Filipino entrepreneurs.

Aside from giving a keynote speech, Tulfo also administered the oathtaking of new CCCI president Jay Yuvallos and the rest of the Board of Trustees. — (FREEMAN)