Top Mindanao transport firm appeals to DoTr

MISAMIS ORIENTAL — A top official of the biggest transport corporation operating in Mindanao pleaded to Department of Transportation (DoTr) Secretary Vince Hizon to continue the modernization program of the government, through the Public Transport Modernization Program, formerly PUVMP, having invested millions of pesos in the process.

This came in the wake of DoTr’s statement that the modernization program will be implemented at a slower pace and will have to be reviewed as it proceeds, a shift from urgency to uncertainty.

Donsal Express launched new 10 units of Class 3 modern jeepneys, Tuesday, 10 June, at Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, making the number of their modern units it currently operates to 130.

“It’s difficult for us who truly abide by the government modernization program for three administrations to confront the modernization program with an ‘atras-sulong’ advocacy in the transport sector, where we invested millions of pesos,” Donald Ellarina, chief executive officer of Donsal Express, told the DAILY TRIBUNE in the vernacular.

“There is no turning back for us, Mr. Secretary (Vince Hizon). We have been compliant not just through modern vehicles, but including providing for our drivers, conductors and other staff, up to paying for their social benefits. What will happen to us, to them if the government will cease and discontinue from pursuing the PTMP. We have millions of pesos in debt, with government financing institution, then, and now with commercial banks.”

Donsal Express launched its 10 new modernized vehicles under the PTMP, as replacement for their old units, procured through bank loan and from Fuso Philippines Corporation, represented in the event by president Yosuke Nishi.