Commuters deserve PUV modernization, says LTFRB chair

Amid the transport strikes, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairperson Martin Delgra III on Monday said the modernization of public utility vehicles — which is being opposed by some transport groups — has long been sought by commuters.

"This is what the people had been wanting for a long time and I think this is what they deserve as well kasi matagal na rin po nating kailangan tugunan itong problema na pagsasaayos at pago-organize ng ating public transport," Delgra said in an interview on Unang Balita.

He reiterated the warning that those who will participate in the transport strike may face suspension or cancellation of franchises, pursuant to a memorandum circular issued by the LTFRB.

"Kung mayroon po silang issue regarding dito sa PUV modernization na ito, mag-usap. Hindi 'yung magi-strike at perwisyuhin 'yung mga mananakay—the very people that we're trying to serve. Hindi po puwede 'yan," he said.

He added that the regional offices of the LTFRB continue to localize and promote the campaign for the public transport modernization and hold dialogues with stakeholders.

"So many are already supporting the program. Yung iba dyan kailangan ng paglilinaw. Ginagawa na po natin," he said.

The PUV modernization program aims to phase out jeepneys 15 years and older to replace them with vehicles which are Euro 4 compliant and can run on renewable energy.

Thousands of jeepney drivers and operators participated in the transport strike, leaving many commuters stranded in busy roads during the Monday rush hour.

Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO) president Efren de Luna underscored that they are protesting over the supposed plan to advance the interests of capitalists by cancelling their existing franchises.

“‘Yung sinasabi natin, bakit may kalakaran ang LTFRB na i-wash out lahat ‘yung mga prangkisa namin, i-surrender na? Ang lumalabas, new applicant na kami. Pag new applicant na kami, ‘yung ruta namin na inaasahan namin, papasukan na kami ng kapitalista,” De Luna said.

“Kailangan linawin ng gobyerno ‘yun. Kung talagang modernization lang ang hinahanap, hindi na kailangan mag-surrender kami ng prangkisa. Ang kailangan na lamang ay substitution. ‘Yung lumang sasakyan namin, papalitan namin ng bago,” he added.

Delgra said that around 200 buses had been deployed in nine staging areas in Metro Manila to assist the affected commuters on Monday. Authorities are also continuously monitoring the traffic situation, he added. —Dona Magsino/KBK, GMA News