Business groups urge government to review PUVMP

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government must review the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) and its impact on the livelihood of drivers, operators and their families, according to several business and workers’ groups.

“We call for an urgent review of the PUVMP in order to address its legal, financial and human rights infirmities,” the Leaders Forum said yesterday in a joint statement.

The groups also called for the suspension of the consolidation deadline for an indefinite period and the creation of “an affordable, sustainable and carbon-neutral mass transport system.”

The Leaders Forum is comprised of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. and trade unions Federation of Free Workers, Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa and Trade Union Congress of the Philippines.

They said the transport system should include support for local jeepney manufacturers to design and produce affordable, safe and environmentally friendly vehicles.

It would take Filipino manufacturers several years to supply enough electric jeepneys for the country as local jeepney producers currently lack the capacity to produce or assemble units quickly, with initial estimates suggesting 5,000 units could be produced at most per year, they said.

The PUVMP also did not take into account the principles of a “just transition,” with jeepney operators and drivers not consulted about the design of modern jeepneys or alternative vehicles, they said.

“The phasing out of jeepneys without providing an affordable alternative for working-class commuters could create a domino effect on domestic businesses and the economy, potentially raising the cost of living and feeding into inflation,” the Leaders Forum said.

There has been no compensation for the surrender of existing jeepney units, they noted.

Despite amortization options, the importation of modern jeepneys worth P2.5 million to P3 million makes ownership out of reach for many, they added.

Even with the consolidation deadline extension until the end of April provided by Malacañang, there is no assurance that affordable