Senator Raffy Tulfo on Monday slammed the government's plan to import modern jeepney units from China as part of the public utility vehicle modernization program. 

The project, said Tulfo, "reeks of corruption."

Several manufacturing entities in the country can also produce quality modern jeepneys at lower prices, he noted. 

Citing reports he received, Tulfo said the price of each unit of imported Chinese-made jeepney ranges from P2.6 to P2.9 million.  Such cost is way "more expensive" than brand-new and locally made jeepneys, he stressed.

Local companies Sarao and Francisco Motors can manufacture a better type of Filipino jeepney unit only for P900,000 to P985,000 each, he said.

He also questioned the involvement of the Chinese in the country's PUV modernization program. 

"Ang karagatan natin sa West Philippine Sea ay sinasakop na nga ng China, pati ba naman mga kalsada natin ay papayag tayong sasakupin na rin nila?" he said.

Tulfo underscored that the government can save P1.7 million per unit if it chooses a local manufacturer over a Chinese firm. 

"If the cost of the jeepney to be purchased is around P900,000, the government will be able to afford the subsidies to implement the modernization at no cost to the jeepney drivers and operators," he said.

Tulfo likewise emphasized that patronizing local manufacturers in the PUV modernization could also more open job opportunities to Filipinos. 

"Buying from the local manufacturer, which is expected to create thousands of jeepneys, would translate to thousands of jobs for Filipino workers, not to mention that it could also preserve the style and design of jeepneys which are already part of Filipino culture," he said.

"Above all else, it is important to prioritize the welfare of jeepney drivers in implementing said modernization program," he added.