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Speaker says he opposes phaseout of traditional jeepneys
By LLANESCA T. PANTI, GMA Integrated NewsSpeaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday said he is opposed to a phase-out of traditional jeepneys, amid the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program.
Romualdez made the stand during a meeting with transport groups in the aftermath of the House transportation inquiry into the implementation of the PUVMP, which mandates the replacement of existing public utility jeepneys with Euro-4 equipped modern jeepney.
Many of the current modern jeepneys look like smaller buses instead of jeepneys, although the Department of Transportation has said that it sees no problem with maintaining the traditional design
as long as the modern jeepney adheres to the required measurements and environmental guidelines. The cost of a modern jeepney, however, is seen by many drivers and operators as prohibitive.“Ayaw ko mawala ang imahe ng ating jeepney. Iyan talaga ang simbolo ng Pilipinas. Dapat talaga, hindi ‘yan mawala,” Romualdez said in a news conference.
(I don't want the image of our jeepney to disappear. The jeepney is the symbol of our country. It should never be out of the picture.)
“Suportado ko kayo rito, ipe-preserve natin ‘yan. There’s Sarao and Francisco Motors,” Romualdez added, referring to two of the most prominent local manufacturers of jeepneys in the country.
(I support you on this, and we will preserve this [iconic traditional jeepney].)
The cost of the imported modern jeepneys in the PUV modernization program ranges from P1.6 million to P2.8 million per unit
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“Handa tayo makinig para makahanap ng solusyon, option....itong Sarao, Francisco Motors, na mas maganda, mas mura, susuportahan natin sila,” Romualdez said.
(We will find solutions, cheaper options. We will support local manufacturers in this.)
Romualdez then said that he will also personally ask the Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board to extend the January 31 deadline for those who own PUVs which are not yet consolidated under a single cooperative or corporation, a requirement for securing a fresh franchise to ply the roads.
“Ako mismo, makikiusap sa LTFRB na kung pwede, i-extend ito para pag-aralan natin muli ang epekto nito,” he said.
Later on Wednesday, the Presidential Communications Office said President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has approved Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista's recommendation to give the unconsolidated jeepneys three more months, or until April 30, to join or put up transportation cooperatives or corporations.
Romualdez also said that by Thursday morning, he will meet with Marcos on the issue.
“Ipapaabot ko ang inyong problema, kahirapan, sa Presidente...alam ko na ito rin ang nasa isip niya,” Romualdez added.
(I'll inform the President of your problems, and I know this is also on his mind.) — BM, GMA Integrated News