Binay hits gov’t over jeepney phaseout

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Jejomar Binay urged the government yesterday to come up with programs to financially assist drivers of public utility jeepneys before implementing its plan to phase out old jeepneys.

Binay hit the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) for the proposal to phase out jeepneys that are more than 15 years old without considering the economic impact on the drivers.  

“While I understand the importance of safety and the rationale behind the government’s thrust to replace old jeep units, this policy cannot be implemented in a vacuum without thinking of its economic impact on the affected sector, particularly drivers who rely daily on their meager earnings,” he said. 

He said the government should provide financial assistance to jeepney drivers so they could replace their old units with new ones.

“With enough government support, jeepney drivers can replace their old engines without any undue heavy economic burden,” Binay said. 

LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez had said the agency would gradually phase out old jeepneys. 

If the government pushes through with the phaseout,  around 600,000 drivers will lose their jobs and 250,000 operators will lose their business, according to reports.