Palace open to talks with transport sector

240,000 The estimated number of public utility jeepneys across the country. Old vehicles will be phased out effective Jan. 1, 2018.

The government is willing to hold a “more healthy” dialog with opposing transport groups on the proposed modernization of the country’s transport system, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the public should understand that the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program would be beneficial for all.

“Government is open to more healthy dialogue, discussion and responsible engagements with transport groups that wish to learn and contribute to the development of the PUV Modernization Program,” Abella said.

“This is a wide window of opportunity for everyone -- drivers, the operators, the riding public. The public needs to discern that some ideological influences can derail the greater good. Let us move forward towards the comfortable life that (Duterte) is fighting for,” he added.

On Tuesday, Duterte warned transport groups to abide by the government’s plan to phase out old and dilapidated jeepneys that are at least 15 years old.

The President said those who would not follow his orders would be meted sanctions, beginning January 1, 2018.

“I’ll give you until the end of the month or until the end of the year, you have to follow because by January 1, if I see a jeepney that is not registered, old, I will tow it in front of you. If the government says it wants to protect public health and public interest, you have to follow it,” Duterte said.

“By January 1, if you did not modernize (your jeepneys), back off. You are poor? Son of a b****, fine, continue to endure poverty and hunger, I don’t care. It’s the majority of the people. Do not let them suffer. If the government says it should be done, it should be done,” he added.

Transport groups led by Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston) staged a two-day nationwide strike on October 16 and 17 to protest the government’s plan.

The flamboyantly-decorated but smoke-belching jeepneys were originally converted from surplus World War II US army jeeps but now largely use reconditioned diesel engines from Japan.

For decades, the jeepney has served as the main form of public transport and a symbol of Filipino creativity.

The government wants them replaced with less polluting vehicles, either with better engines or electrical power and with modern safety measures.

Piston president George Mateo said Duterte’s threat was unrealistic as it would take more time to replace the 240,000 jeepneys across the archipelago.

While the government had offered programs to help the jeepney owners replace their old vehicles, Mateo said the new versions were too expensive and the ownership schemes would displace small operators.

He charged that it was Duterte who had previously challenged them to stage a transport strike, resulting in their protest.

“He is arrogant, anti-poor,” said Mateo, as he warned of a bigger transport strike if Duterte pushed through with his plan.

“We have no choice but to fight back,” he said.