House probe into alleged corruption in PUV modernization set to start on Jan. 10

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 7) — The House Committee on Transportation is set to begin its investigation into the alleged corruption in the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program on Jan. 10.

“We are responding to the directive of Speaker [Martin] Romualdez to investigate these very serious allegations,” committee chairperson and Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop said Sunday. “We will just get the consensus of members of the committee, so we can start our hearings by Wednesday.”

Romualdez earlier said his office received reports alleging that current officials of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) are in “cahoots with previous officials in negotiating for the imported modern jeepney units that will replace the old units.”

Under the House Rules of Procedure Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation, inquiries may be initiated through a motu proprio provided that the committee “shall first seek authority from the Committee on Rules to proceed with their motu proprio inquiry.”

“I believe this is a matter that requires our urgent attention, lalo na’t kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan ang nakasalalay sa epektibong pagpapatupad ng programang ito (since the livelihood of our countrymen depends on the implementation of this program),” Acop said.

The DOTr assured the House that the agency is open to discussing the concerns surrounding the PUV modernization program to improve transportation in the country.

READ: DOTr ready to face congressional probe on alleged corruption in PUV

There are 54 jeepney manufacturers, but the DOTr and the Department of Trade and Industry have yet to determine if these firms are qualified under the Philippine National Standard.

The deadline for the registration for the franchise consolidation under the PUV modernization program ended on Dec. 31. 2023. Those who failed to sign up will be allowed to ply the road until Jan. 31.

The franchises of unconsolidated PUVs will be canceled or revoked by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.