House doubts readiness of DOTr to implement transport modernization

Congressmen are doubting the preparedness of the government to fully implement the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) that triggered this week’s two-day transport strike led by a group that insists the program is nothing more than a glamorized transport business model that favors big corporations.

At yesterday’s Committee on Transportation hearing, House members took turns in chiding officials of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for causing the jeepney strike that prompted government to suspend government work and classes in all levels for two days.

Grilled by committee members, LTFRB officials appeared to have failed to appease lawmakers who accused the agency of triggering the strike with announcements declaring the implementation of the PUVMP that would result in the phasing out of jeepneys.

Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice and Kabayan Rep. Harry Roque said they are not totally convinced that LTFRB is fully prepared to implement the PUVMP even as they noted that the agency’s officials could not even give them the exact time when the program will be fully implemented.

Pilot stage LTFRB officials led by Chairman Martin Delgra III said the transport modernization program remains in “pilot” stage in selected areas in Metro Manila.

“About the specific date and routes, we cannot say exactly when and where,” Delgra said.

Roque and Erice, members of two opposition blocs in the chamber, expressed disappointment at Delgra’s response, noting that President Duterte had announced that the implementation of the program will be January, 2018.

“Lumalabas wala pa yung kumpletong program, nag announce na kayo sa media at sa publiko ng modernization. (It’s turning out that you made announcements in the media although there remains no complete program),” Erice said.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade was a no show at the House inquiry.

His presence at the hearing of the committee chaired by Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento could have greatly benefitted legislators since many aspects of the modernization program remain unclear to the stakeholders.

But Mark de Leon, DOTR assistant secretary and Tugade’s spokesperson, said what they launched is the framework that needed to be improved with the help of the concerned sector like the transport groups.

Erice proposed to the DOTR that instead of phasing them out, old jeepneys should be improved or change its physical appearance to make it compliant to the standard set by the program.

Eco-friendly, hi-tech In its presentation, the LTFRB said jeepneys should be replaced by those powered with the more ecological friendly Euro 4 engines or electrically-powered engines with solar panels for roofs.

The agency said closed circuit television cameras, GPS and dashboard camera will be mandatory gadgets to be installed in jeepney units.

Too expensive

But Pinagkaisahang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) President George San Mateo said the new units proposed by the DOTr to replace old jeepneys are too expensive.

San Mateo said the government should allow jeepney operators to rehabilitate their units rather than phase them out.

If the DOTr program will be implemented, Piston said some 600,000 jeepney drivers and 300,000 small operators will lose their livelihood.

Siding with Piston, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro criticized the PUVMP, saying it will only lead to higher fares for commuters and massive displacement of jeepney drivers and operators.

Citing the DOTr, PISTON said a unit of the modernized jeepney will cost R1.8 million. The government said it will only subsidize R80,000 per unit and will give the operator 5-percent equity but they must pay their loans at 6-percent interest per annum for seven years.