Cebu transport groups oppose suspension of PUV modernization program

Local

At least 22 Cebu-based transport cooperatives and corporations will hold a protest rally to oppose the planned suspension of the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), previously called as Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

The Federation of Cebu Transport Cooperatives (FCTC) and Allied Transport Cooperative announced that the rally will be held on Monday, August 5.

In a press conference on Thursday, August 1, Ellen Maghanoy, chairperson of the FCTC and chairperson of El Pardo Transport Cooperative, said the rally aims to urge the national government to continue implementing the PTMP.

She added that the rally will be joined by at least 2,000 participants who will march from Osmeña Boulevard to the office of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Central Visayas on General Echavez Street in Cebu City.

Maghanoy assured that public transportation will not be hampered as only drivers who are on day-off and their families will join the march.

A letter highlighting the significant investments made by operators to comply with the modernization program will also be submitted to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Maghanoy added

The transport leaders warned that suspending the program would lead to substantial economic losses, as many operators had taken out large loans to purchase compliant vehicles.

Loans that have been availed of to comply with the modernization program could reach as high as P300 million per firm, they said.

Glenn Arcenas, chairman of the United Drivers and Operators Transport Cooperatives, revealed that 50 of his 91 units are still on loan with each unit valued at P2.7 million which means he has to pay a bank loan of P135 million.

Based on reports, 22 of the 23 senators urged the government to temporarily suspend the PUVMP or PTMP. All senators except Senator Risa Hontiveros signed Senate Resolution 1096. Hontiveros has not yet explained her decision.

The senators called for the temporary suspension of the program "pending the resolution of valid and urgent concerns raised by affected drivers, groups, unions, and transport cooperatives to ensure a more efficient and inclusive implementation of the PTMP."

The lawmakers considered concerns from various transport groups about "the continuing deficiencies of the PTMP, which the Department of Transportation has yet to address."

The resolution emphasized that, while the PTMP is integral to traffic management, there is an urgent need to thoroughly review and reassess the program's impact to alleviate the fears of drivers and transport operators who will be directly burdened by its implementation.

Under the modernization program, it requires traditional jeepneys to form or join a cooperative or corporation, relinquishing their individual franchises. Cooperatives must have at least 10 members.

The program aims to replace old jeepneys and PUVs over 15 years old with modern, safer, and more comfortable vehicles that emit lower emissions, reducing pollution. It also seeks to restructure public transportation for increased efficiency through route planning, fleet management, and industry regulation.(MyTVCebu)