The government should immediately address the issues resolving Filipino jeepney drivers and operators affected by the implementation of the public utility vehicle modernization program, Senator Francis Tolentino said Saturday. 

In a radio interview, Tolentino said the government should properly explain the implementation of consolidation policies under PUV modernization to the affected transportation sector. 

The government should also consider providing a much more affordable jeepney unit for the affected drivers and operators, he added.

"Kailangan ng modernization na tutugma sa bulsa ng mga tsuper at operators (The modernization should match with the pockets of the drivers and operators)," he stressed. 

Tolentino said he spoke with Elmer Francisco, owner of the local vehicle manufacturer Francisco Motors, to ask what are the "possible options" for the drivers and operators if they wish to get a Fiipino-made modernized jeepneys, as the government pushed through on the consolidation policy.

Francisco, in response, said they offer modernized, full-electric jeepney units amounting to P985,000 each. He noted that their units comply with the Philippine National Standards and are vertically bigger, with safer entry and exit, as well as functions for PWDs. 

He added that their units are air-conditioned type, equipped with four channels of CCTV cameras, a dashcam, and an automated fare collection system. 

Their product also maintains the iconic Filipino jeepney exterior, Francisco further stressed.