MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the head of a major transport group faced off yesterday at a rally protesting the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program.
LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra met the protesters, led by George San Mateo of the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) at the LTFRB office in Quezon City.
Delgra told the protesters that the agency is willing to discuss their concerns but the government’s PUV modernization program would push through.
Delgra said the government is willing to listen and engage on the good points and practices from operators and drivers but the PUV modernization program will not be taken hostage.
The official was put on the defensive as he explained the merits of the contested PUV modernization program, saying this has been the most inclusive transport plan of the government.
“What I’m saying is that we’re moving forward with modernization,” stressing critics must look at the bigger picture.
PISTON has long been opposing the PUV modernization program, which it said is anti-poor and will only bury drivers and operators in debt due to the P1.6-million price tag of “modernized” jeepneys.
The group said the PUV modernization program is just a façade for a jeepney phaseout plan.
Delgra said President Duterte’s threat to tow dilapidated jeepneys from the streets was only because he wanted the best for the riding public.
PISTON held protest rallies at LTFRB offices nationwide against the PUV modernization program and the recently launched “Tanggal Usok, Tanggal Bulok” campaign, which it claimed only targets drivers and operators who were duped by the Land Transportation Office into registering their units.
The Interagency Council on Traffic (IACT) is implementing the campaign against dilapidated and smoke-belching vehicles.
IACT spokesperson Aileen Lizada said they are carrying out a government policy in implementing the program.
“We need to be firm because it would do good for the majority... We are just enforcing what we need to do,” she said.
The LTFRB, on the other hand, has started enforcing the PUV modernization program in the provinces.
The LTFRB launched the program on three routes in Tacloban City.
Three franchises have been issued for the routes, with an initial 15 units each of electronic jeepneys.
The e-jeeps are equipped with dash cameras, automatic fare collection and CCTV, which the LTFRB has long been championing as the “modern jeepney.”
A “modern” jeepney is expected to cost P1.6-million per unit, with operators having to pay P800 per day for around seven years. – With Ghio Ong, Gerry Lee-Gorit