As the government pushes for the full-scale implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, a notable fraction of jeepney drivers still refuse to consolidate, and their defiance, which compromises the overall welfare of commuters, is tantamount to a "hostage-taking."

National Center for Commuter Safety and Protection Inc. convenor Elvira Medina made the statement in a media forum held recently by Capstone-Intel Corporation on the current state of transportation in the country.

A nationwide survey conducted by Capstone-Intel on the public perception of transportation in the country revealed that most Filipinos "approve" of the consolidation initiative, garnering over 70 percent positive sentiments online.

The survey also showed the jeepney remained one of the most used modes of transport across the country.

Medina backed the accuracy of Capstone-Intel's survey, saying it aligned with the latest statistics showing that over 70 percent of jeepneys have undergone consolidation, with about 30 percent still holding out.

The survey was timely because of the transport strike last 14 to 15 December in protest of the jeepney modernization program.

Medina slammed those who refuse to participate in the modernization program for causing significant discomfort to commuters.

"I've been telling the press that what these people are doing is blackmailing the government and using the commuters as hostages. 'Hindi kami lalabas, kawawa ang commuters ninyo.' Hindi ba hostage taking yon (We are not going out, your commuters will suffer. Isn't that hostage-taking)?" she said.

Consequently, commuter distress affects the economy as a whole, Medina said.

"They refuse to transport commuters who are mostly working people. It's the commuters that deliver the goods, the products, and the services that drive the economy. There are the people preparing themselves to be the next employees or generators of the economy: the students. So that's two sectors they are targeting, which is definitely against the law," she said.

Medina added that the boundary system, where the driver pays the jeepney owner or operator a fee for using the unit, must end.