Drivers, operators need more gov’t assistance

Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos is proposing an assistance package for drivers and operators to enable them to participate fully in the PUV modernization program of the administration. The package consists of more liberal financing options that can include soft loans and moratorium on installment payments for at least one year, and trade-in options for drivers and operators to get value for their old vehicles.

“Phasing out very old PUVs will help ease traffic in Metro Manila as well as improve air quality in the capital. The implementation, however, must be done with a compassionate view on the welfare of PUV drivers and owners,” Marcos said.

“The modernization program must address two issues: the real problem of public safety compromised by dilapidated, inefficient and old PUVs, and the welfare of PUV drivers and operators. The first has been addressed by the availability of newer, more efficient and eco-friendly PUVs, which are ready for acquisition through installment. But, not the welfare of PUV drivers and operators. They must be enabled, through more friendly financing schemes, to afford the cost of acquiring new PUVs under the modernization program,” Marcos added.

“The P80,000 grant plus P5,000 gas subsidy and fixed salary for drivers are not enough to help them pay for a P1.4 to P2.1 million brand new jeepney with Euro-4 capability. The government must lighten the burden of the high cost of new units because failure to do so would mean loss of public transport for most Filipinos and loss of jobs for our drivers,” she explained.

Marcos said the government can adopt a “trade-inyour-old-PUVs” program along with a one-year moratorium on payments which will reduce the shock of the high cost of brand new PUVs on jeepney drivers, owners and operators to enable them to cope better with installment payments that can still be made more affordable by the government.

Marcos also expressed concern on the use of Euro-4 capable vehicles which she said is an “unduly high standard” for public utility vehicles. Brand new vehicles in the country use the Euro-3 engine like Australia and Singapore, while Thailand and Indonesia use Euro-2.

“Training and maintenance for Euro-4 engines pose a big problem. TESDA confirmed that they have no classes and instructors for repair and maintenance of Euro-4 engines. Even the LTFRB admitted that we are not ready for Euro-4,” she stressed.

The government’s PUV modernization program mandates the phasing out of old jeepneys and buses that would fail roadworthiness test and the replacement of non-Euro-4 compliant engines with new models.