The PUVMP claims to address transport issues and future demands. Launched on June 19, 2017, through DOTr Department Order No. 2017-011.
Program Objectives:
- Transform public transport for dignified, humane, and global standards.
- Provide a safer, more efficient, reliable, convenient, affordable, climate-friendly, and environmentally sustainable transportation system.
Key Entities:
- DOTr mandated by Executive Order No. 292 as the primary policy and regulatory body.
- LTFRB, under DOTr control, administers, enforces, and monitors compliance in public land transportation services.
Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG):
- Issued on June 19, 2017, to ensure reliable, safe, accessible, adequate, and environment-friendly public road transportation.
- LTFRB tasked to implement the OFG and encourage operator consolidation.
Program Management:
- Established PUVMP National Program Management Office (NPMO) and Regional PMOs (RPMO) via DO 2018-024.
- LTFRB responsible for transparent evaluation, approval of Local Public Transport Route Plans (LPTRPs), and industry consolidation.
Program Components:
Regulatory Reform:
- Launch of Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG) for PUV franchises.
LGU Local Public Transport Route Planning (LPTRP):
- Local government units develop their LPTRPs to be implemented in their areas.
Route Rationalization:
- Strategic assessment of current public transport to meet passenger demands.
- Studies cover inter-regional, inter-provincial routes and MUCEP area.
Fleet Modernization:
- Ensures PUVs adhere to modern policies complementing traditional units.
Industry Consolidation:
- Formation of transport cooperatives for government subsidies, credit facilities, and systematic operation.
Financing PUV Modernization:
- Financial aid for operators provided by government financing institutions.
Vehicle Useful Life Program:
- Assists owners of old units in selling at appraised cost.
Stakeholder Support Mechanism:
- Involves agencies like TESDA and DOLE to assist drivers/operators opting out of the program.
Initial Implementation:
- Franchises issued for new routes during LPTRP and Route Rationalization preparation.
Communications:
- Ensures accurate information dissemination about the program to educate stakeholders and garner support.
Benefits for Commuters:
- Strengthening the CASA program (Convenient, Accessible, Safe, and Affordable).
- Generating more jobs in the transport sector.
Advantages for Drivers:
- Ends the boundary system, allowing drivers to earn more within reasonable working hours.
Standardization Guidelines:
- Modernized jeepneys must have Euro-4 or PNS-compliant engines, or be LPG-powered, electronic, or hybrid.
- Additional features include GPS, automated fare collection system, and CCTV cameras.
Age Limit for Jeepneys:
- Jeepneys at least 15 years old can no longer be registered or operated.
LTFRB Deadline:
- Memorandum Circular 2023-013 gives PUV operators until June 30, 2023, to join a consolidated entity or face a halt in operations.
Franchise Extension:
- Secretary Bautista open to extending franchise deadlines for traditional jeepneys beyond December 31.
Senate Resolution:
- On February 28, the Senate adopted a resolution urging LTFRB to postpone the planned phase-out of traditional jeepneys, addressing concerns raised by operators and drivers.
Challenges Ahead:
- Modernizing PUVs addresses societal problems like pollution and public safety.
- The government faces challenges in managing the costly transition, considering the impact on the affected sector’s livelihood.
Criticisms against PUVMP
The Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) in the Philippines has sparked a wave of criticisms from transport groups, notably Piston and Stop and Go Coalition.
These organizations are voicing concerns about the program’s alleged distortion of facts, readiness for potential transport disasters, and the severe impact on both job displacement and commuter inconvenience.
As debates intensify, key players, including the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), are assuring the public of a smooth transition. However, criticisms persist, pointing to financial challenges, fears of fare increases, and the potential loss of cultural icons.
- Narrative Distortion: Piston accuses the LTFRB of twisting the narrative on the PUV Modernization Program’s effects.
- Transport Disaster Warning: Piston criticizes LTFRB’s readiness, foreseeing a “transport disaster” with potential massive job displacement and commuter inconvenience.
- Unpreparedness Claim: Piston alleges that the LTFRB is unprepared for the looming job displacement and the impact on commuters.
- Consolidation Stats: Piston reveals that over 31,000 PUVs in Metro Manila alone are yet to apply for consolidation, potentially displacing almost 86,000 transport workers.
- Blame on Authorities: Piston places blame on the Marcos Jr administration, DOTr, and LTFRB, accusing them of indifference to the plight of drivers and commuters.
- Supreme Court Appeal: Piston calls on the Supreme Court to expedite a decision on a petition to block the PUV Modernization Program’s franchise consolidation requirement.
- Joblessness Concerns: Stop and Go Coalition and Piston warn that the modernization program, particularly phasing out old units, may lead to deeper poverty for operators and drivers.
- Financial Challenges: Small operators and drivers express concerns about taking on new loans for modernization, despite government promises of financial assistance.
- Potential Fare Increase: Transport groups warn that if the program pushes through, the current minimum fare of P8 may increase.
- Modernization Specifications: Concerns raised about the stringent specifications for modernized jeepneys, including Euro 4 compliance, GPS, CCTV cameras, and Wi-Fi.
- Traffic Decongestion Goal: While the program aims to decongest traffic, critics argue that it poses challenges for affected sectors.
- Planned Nationwide Strike: Piston plans a nationwide strike in response to their pleas not being heard, aiming for a larger impact.
- Court Denial: A recent court denial of a petition to stop the program adds to the ongoing challenges faced by protesting transport groups.
- Cultural Significance: A personal petition highlights the cultural significance of jeepneys and urges support for the jeepney drivers facing challenges due to the modernization program.
The Daily Netizen 