Poe: 'Roadworthy' jeeps essential in pandemic recovery

Senator Grace Poe on Monday stressed the need for "roadworthy" jeepneys to go back on the road to help the Philippine economy recover from the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Poe made the remark as the Senate Committee on Public Services, which she chairs, holds a hearing on Tuesday on the bill seeking a "just and humane" modernization of public utility vehicles (PUVs) in the country.

"The roadworthy jeepneys deserve to be back on the streets. Our people need them to move around and be productive. They are our partners in the pandemic recovery," Poe said in a statement.

"As deemed fit by the government and in adherence to health protocols, the King of the Road should be able to ply their routes anew as safe and sound vehicles for the mobility of our riding public," she added,

The Just and Humane Modernization Program for PUVs, according to Poe, will balance the need for a safer, more environmentally sound public transport with the rights of the individuals who earn a living from these vehicles.

Under the mesure, jeepneys will only be required to replace their engines to make them Euro 4-compliant.

The government will also be mandated under the bill to provide financial assistance not less than 10% of the price per unit. The interest rate on loan amortization should not exceed 4% diminishing annual interest considering the nature of the PUV, and that the loan amortization period is for at least 15 years.

At the same time, the bill provides drivers who can no longer drive their PUVs due to the modernization program financial assistance to allow them to venture into other jobs.

Several drivers in University of the Philippine-Diliman routes on Sunday called on the government to stop the jeepney phaseout and allow them to return to operation despite the pandemic.

Drivers from UP-SM North, UP Ikot, and UP-Pantranco lines joined Sunday's protest action.

According to protesting drivers and operators, they do not have the resources to shoulder the cost with the filing of their application for consolidation under the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP).

They also pointed out that the modernization program’s agenda is to phase out the traditional jeepneys.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has extended the deadline for the filing of applications for consolidation of individual and existing franchise holders under the PUV Modernization Program until March 31, 2021. —KG, GMA News