Duterte’s deadline to upgrade jeepneys only ‘an expression of urgency,’ Delgra says

President Rodrigo Duterte's call for drivers and operators to upgrade their jeepneys by the end of the year was only his "expression of urgency" in the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Martin Delgra said Thursday.

During the briefing of the LTRFB and the Department of Transportation on the government's PUV modernization program at the House of Representatives, Delgra explained that Duterte was not exactly giving a definite date on when drivers and operators should upgrade their units.

"He has spoken firmly strongly in favor of the modernization that said I will have to understand him. The expression of the date is an expression of an urgency to push this as firmly as we can," he said.

In a speech in Camarines Sur on Tuesday, Duterte reiterated his administration's support to the PUV modernization program, and lashed out at jeepney drivers and operators as he dismissed the two-day nationwide transport strike.

“Sumunod kayo kasi January 1 [2018], kapag may makita ako diyang mga jeep ninyo na hindi narehistro, luma, guguyurin ko 'yan sa harap niyo,” he said.

The two-day nationwide transport strike, led by the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON), aimed to oppose the government's jeepney modernization program.

PISTON argues that the program is a jeepney phaseout plan that would require the purchase of newer, more expensive models.

But LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada said there is no memorandum circular from their agency which phases out jeepneys.

"There is no LTFRB memorandum phasing out the jeepneys," she said, adding that this only applies to buses, taxis and UVs.

On Monday, Malacanang reiterated their commitment to the PUV modernization program, claiming that "left-leaning" PISTON is the only group that disagrees with such proposal. —KBK, GMA News