‘Modernization’ not really the motivator

The Filipino jeepney has often been described as the symbol of our national identity. What happens to the jeep is a matter of common concern, but such identity alone has not summoned us to unite as Tsuper, Operators, and Commuters to thwart the current government’s proposed Jeepney phase-out scheme.

The scheme is yet another ploy by politicians to put a basic utility and an essential service into the hands of big business that is controlled by the ruling elite and oligarchs of the country. We applaud the No to Jeepney Phase-Out Coalition for coordinating the effort to expose this anti-people maneuver of the Duterte administration.

Commuters, the nation over, are intimately familiar with the realities of jeepney culture. Some Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) even saved a part of their hard-earned salaries abroad to buy a jeepney. This was seen as a concrete and wise investment for their future and the welfare of their families.

The livelihood of more than half-a-million jeepney drivers and owners are at stake here. Under the Jeepney Phase-Out Scheme, most jeeps that currently ply the streets and roadways and deliver passengers to their destinations will be prohibited.

A farcical objective of “modernization” has set the stage for a few key businessmen, notably Ayala and Pangilinan, to begin their efforts to corner the market in public transport. Since single unit franchises will not be allowed under a 10-unit minimum for franchise agreements, the small economic ventures of Filipino jeepney owners will be prohibited, as big business takes over the market.

Even current jeepney drivers who find work in the new ranks will be relegated to the status of shift workers and will more than likely be subjected to contractual treatment with inadequate income. Even more, the Jeepney Phase-Out scheme will re-order many routes and is likely to prioritize the ease of private vehicles to the detriment of the commuting majority in the new mapping.

Calling something as an effort at “modernization” does not assure that it is in the interest of the majority or the common people.

Church people, as much as anyone, would like to see the betterment of systems of operation and the efficiency of our society. However, the current Jeepney Phase-Out plan will further concentrate both profit and power into the hands of the rich, weakening opportunities for economic participation by small business and the every Juan of our nation.

We must stand together as commuters, drivers and tsupers to insist that we nurture thriving economies in local communities to create livelihood. We denounce those who seek to subvert the welfare of many for their own monopoly control and gain.-- Promotion of Church People’s Response

Why the suspension?

Malacañang suspended work in government and classes nationwide for two days just because a group calling itself as Piston declared a nationwide strike.

But in Cebu, there was nary a transport strike and I believe this is also happening in most other provinces in the country. Even in Metro Manila, the effect of the transport strike was not seen. So why the suspension?-- Martin Pietro