Transport group wants PUVMP funds to rehabilitate jeepneys instead

The Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) asked the government on Monday to redirect funds from the Public Utility Vehicle  Modernization Program (PUVMP) to finance the rehabilitation of existing jeepney units.
 

It will also protest the cont'd fuel hikes & increased fuel taxation & threat of martial law. Welcomes the public in Mendiola vigil on 20th. pic.twitter.com/fzuubs1rrL

— Rie Takumi (@rie_takumi) September 18, 2017

"Total, handa silang magpautang dun sa pagbili ng bagong jeep, bakit hindi sila magbigay na lang ng tulong dito sa pagrerehabilitate? Mas mura pa, hindi pa gagastos ng malaki ang gobyerno, matutulungan pa nila yung mga operator," Piston national president George San Mateo said in a press briefing.

Compared to the Euro 4 compliant e-jeepneys which can cost drivers P1.4 million to P1.6 million each, rehabilitating jeepneys will cost the Department of Transportation (DOTr) P100,000 to P200,000 per unit, San Mateo claimed.

On September 11, the Development Bank of the Philippines signed an agreement with the Department of Transportation for a P1.5-billion financing facility to kick- start the modernization program.

There are shops around the country that could renovate old jeepneys, San Mateo Noted. He said an auto repair shop in Calasiao "revives" old Francisco Motor jeepneys for auto competitions abroad.

"Kaya ng Pinoy, kaya natin. Tapos hindi nawawala 'yung identity natin," San Mateo said.

The government should recreate the modernization framework in consultation with transport, student, and worker's rights groups.

Legal action

San Mateo claimed he advised the Angat Tsuper Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator ng Pilipinas-Genuine Organization Inc. (Stop & Go) to wait before taking legal action against the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP)—considering it has yet to be implemented and there are no aggrieved parties to represent.

"Bilang isang kapatid sa transport, pinayuhan ko sila na maaga pa mag-file. Kasi ang sinabi ng DOTC (now DOTr) ang execution nila next year. Eh, three years 'yan ... 'yung modernization," he said.

"Sila na nagsabi, wala pa rin talaga mismong kahit miyembro nila na sinabihan. Tingin ko ill-advised 'yun siguro ng lawyer nila. Karapatan naman nilang mag-file," he added.

While the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 18 junked Stop & Go's petition for a temporary restraining order and not an injunction against the PUVMP, San Mateo said they are no longer entertaining hope for the petition as injunction petitions take years to resolve. — VDS, GMA News