Only roadworthy jeepneys will be allowed to operate – Palace

Malacañang said that traditional passenger jeepneys may be allowed to return to the streets of Metro Manila only if they are roadworthy.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced on Wednesday that traditional jeepneys, along with the UV

Express, will return next week.

In his Thursday presser, Roque, however, clarified that roadworthy traditional jeepneys can only return if the existing number of modes of transportation available is still not enough to cater to the needs of the riding public.

“If it’s still not enough, we are now considering the return of traditional jeepneys as long as they are roadworthy,” he said.

“Roadworthy’ means, not all jeepneys will be allowed to return to their routes,” he added.

Modernization

Meanwhile, Roque denied that the government was taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to proceed with the jeepney modernization program.

He said the program should have commenced in 2016 but was delayed for four years, adding that it was only a coincidence that COVID-19 struck the Philippines at the same time.

“The modernization was not held to coincide with the pandemic... It has already been three years since the Omnibus Franchise Guidelines for the modernization of jeepneys was signed,” he said.

“If I remember correctly, the jeepney modernization program was supposed to be implemented in 2016 but it was delayed by four years,” he added.

Roque, meanwhile, discouraged jeepney drivers and operators who threatened to burn their jeepneys over the modernization program amid the pandemic.

“We are not depriving drivers of their right to express their grievances. But they can do that without resorting to threats,” he said.

According to Roque, the issue of the modernization of jeepneys was not about it being pro-rich or pro-poor since the government was giving equity subsidy for drivers and operators of up to ₱160,000 per unit if they are interested in driving modernized jeepneys.

“The government has given a three-year transition period which was extended until December this year,” he said.

“We’re thinking of the welfare of the commuters. This is not about who’s rich or poor,” he added.

(Mark Balmores) GETTING READY — Joel Caligaya, a 20-year jeepney operator and driver in Quezon City, checks his vehicle’s condition in anticipation of returning to the road starting next week although no specific date has yet been set by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.