VP Robredo sees injustice in push for jeepney modernization amid COVID-19 pandemic

Pushing for the modernization of public utility jeepneys amid the COVID-19 pandemic is an injustice to drivers who can't earn a living due to quarantine protocols, Vice President Leni Robredo said Thursday.

"Sukdulan na wala na nga silang kita for three months, ang gagawin pa, ii-ease out sila dahil hindi sila nakapag-modernize. Dinodoble iyong tama sa drivers. Hindi makatarungan iyong ginagawa ngayon,” Robredo said in an ANC interview.

Robredo, however, clarified she is not against the modernization. "But to push for it as this time of the pandemic is unfair to the jeepney drivers na hindi pa kaya mag-modernize," she said.

"Two years na nating pinag-uusapan ito, at iyong drivers, hindi sila totally against modernization. Gusto lang nila luwagan iyong terms para kayanin nila," she added.

Amid the appeal of jeepney drivers, Land Transportation and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Martin Delgra announced on Wednesday that jeepneys and UV Express vehicles will be allowed to operate next week, or three weeks after the eased quarantine measures allowed buses and modern public utility vehicles to ply the roads amid the pandemic.

Reports have it that many jeepney drivers have resorted to various means, including begging for food and money, to survive.

Health Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire earlier said that individuals will not be at risk of getting COVID-19 as long as they wear masks and maintain distance from other persons when riding a vehicle regardless if it is air-conditioned or an open-air vehicle.

Traditional jeepneys are open-air vehicles, while some modern PUVs and buses are air-conditioned. —KBK, GMA News