‘PTMP needs adequate government support’

MANILA, Philippines — The Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), formerly known as the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, is achievable with adequate government support, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said yesterday.

“The birthing pains are unavoidable if we want to achieve a meaningful transformation of our transport sector. Still, we should be willing to sit down and help address the pain points,” he said.

Gatchalian noted that “so far, the government has not met all the challenges facing the proposed program.”

The senator called for a temporary suspension “so we can pause and reconsider how to strengthen the program for its effective implementation.”

Gatchalian said the government has been criticized for not providing enough financial assistance for operators to acquire modern public utility vehicle units, which cost “over P2 million each.”

The government has not consolidated the remaining 17 percent of public utility vehicle operators into cooperatives, according to the senator.

He also said there has been a significant delay in the approval of the transport routes.

The senator also said the government has not provided adequate support to the drivers in terms of retraining, livelihood options and social protection.