Poe backs PUVMP review

Senator Grace Poe has expressed support for the Department of Transportation’s (DoTr) move to review the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), calling it an opportunity to make the transition “just, humane and right” for all stakeholders.

In a statement on Tuesday, Poe, who previously chaired the Senate Committee on Public Services, underscored the importance of an inclusive review process.

“We trust the DoTr-led review body will tap transportation and commuter groups, the private sector, local government units, the academe, and other concerned stakeholders to produce a comprehensive outlook of the modernization situation and appropriate solutions,” she said.

“The review should not only focus on how the program can be rolled out smoothly but also take into account the financial struggles of jeepney drivers and operators who have been burdened by the exorbitant cost of new jeepney units,” she said.

“We need a modernization program that will ensure that everybody is on board,” she added.

On Monday, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the creation of a new special committee tasked with reviewing the controversial jeepney modernization program.

The committee includes officials from the DoTr’s Road Transport Sector, Land Transportation Office Chief Vigor Mendoza, and newly appointed Office of Transportation Cooperatives head Mon Ilagan.

The PUV modernization program, which aims to phase out old jeepneys in favor of more environmentally friendly and efficient models, has faced resistance from transport groups due to the high cost, loan accessibility, and the adverse effects on the livelihood of small operators.

The government will only subsidize P210,000 to P280,000 of the estimated P2.5 million cost of a new Euro-4 PUV model, making it difficult for jeepney drivers to procure a modern unit.

The PUVMP also requires jeepney operators to consolidate their franchises under a transport cooperative, which goes against the intent of the small operators who do not want to lose the individual ownership of their units.