More leeway for jeepneys in PUVMP

MANILA, Philippines —  Jeepney drivers and operators struggling to catch up with the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) will be provided more leeway, Malacañang said yesterday.

President Marcos agreed with Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon that the PUVMP is not viable in its current state, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

“Secretary Dizon has presented many issues to the President. The PUVMP is still ongoing. We will just prepare all stakeholders here,” Castro said.

“We need to prepare concerned drivers and operators in managing and operating a cooperative. We can’t just say, ‘Let’s start a cooperative,’ and then that’s it,” she added.

During his confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Dizon said some transport cooperatives were unable to pay their loans for modern vehicles.

“Given the present state of modernization and if it continues, I think the fact that most people who buy new vehicles are no longer able to pay their debts is a clear sign that it is not viable in its present state,” he said.

A modern jeep costs P2.5 million to P2.8 million per unit, Dizon noted.

At present, he said the consolidation rate is only at 40 percent, while route rationalization is at 20 percent.

Looking for manufacturers that can provide cheaper vehicles is among the solutions being considered by the government, Castro said.

She mentioned a possible change in the timeline of program implementation, but no further details were given.

Asked if the program would be suspended, Castro said, “There’s really a need to study this so the implementation of the program will be smooth.”