Transport groups want PUVMP deadline removed

MANILA, Philippines —  Transport groups yesterday lauded the three-month extension of the deadline for the public utility vehicle modernization program, but said they preferred to see the PUVMP deadline lifted.

Manibela president Mar Valbuena said that while they welcome the extension, they want the government to remove all deadlines and to review the modernization policies.

The Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide said the extension is not enough and the group would continue to fight to keep jeepneys on the streets.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it would heed President Marcos’ order to extend the consolidation deadline for the PUVMP until April 30.

LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz urged operators and drivers “to take advantage of this opportunity provided by the President.”

But Senators Grace Poe, Imee Marcos and JV Ejercito welcomed the extension as they urged the affected sector to use the time to look for better solutions to the problem.

“Modernization is not just about consolidation and throwing to the junkyard our iconic jeepneys. It should be about rejuvenating our transportation landscape to make it safer and more reliable to our commuters, and at the same time sustainable to our drivers and operators,” Poe said.

She cited the hefty price tag of modern units and “reports of idle units and missed amortization payments” by the consolidated groups as among the problems the PUVMP faces.

Marcos lauded the administration of her brother for listening to her earlier call to give the jeepney operators and drivers a reprieve.

“This is a good step in the right direction. However, this additional time should be used not only to allow jeepney drivers to consolidate. This period should be used to come up with a better solution to allow our jeepney drivers and owners to continue with their livelihood,” Marcos said.

Ejercito, in welcoming the extension, said the three months should allow for “more time for those who want to partner with the government to solve worsening transportation problems and offer reliable services to Filipino commuters.”

According to LTFRB, 313 routes within the National Capital Region