Jeepney modernization

Sen. Bam: Protect commuters and drivers, no jeepney phase-out in March 2019

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) both committed that there will be no phase-out of public utility jeepneys (PUJs) come March 2019. 
 
“Lahat, pati komyuter, talo sa planong phase-out sa Marso. Kung mawala ang ating mga jeepney, wala ring masasakyan ang ating mga kababayan. Tulungan natin ang mga driver na mag-modernize, imbis na tanggalin lang ang kanilang trabaho’t kabuhayan ng kanilang pamilya,” said Sen. Bam. 
 
“Plano niyo sanang bawiin ang ang prangkisa ng mga jeep sa Marso, ngunit hindi man lang kinunsulta o tinanong ang transport sector. Gawin natin ito ng tama, huwag muna ituloy itong phase-out,” added Sen. Bam, referring to the Memorandum Circular released by DOTr and LTFRB. 
 
During the hearing of the Committee on Public Services on the issue of jeepney modernization, LTFRB head Martin Delgra and DOTr Undersecretary Tim Orbos gave their commitment to Sen. Bam Aquino that the phase-out in March will not push through. 
 
Earlier, Sen. Bam filed a public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization bill with the support of the National Confederation of Transport Union (NCTU), Sentro, ACTO, and Philippine Advocates for Transport Convergence. 
 
In his Senate Bill No. 2056, Sen. Bam seeks to make jeepneys safer and more efficient for commuters and the environment, while ensuring the livelihood of drivers and their families. 
 
“Nais natin umunlad at umasenso ang mga sistema ng jeepney at tricycle, bus at tren sa bansa – at naniniwala akong may kakayahan tayong gawin ito. Ngunit kailangan din natin siguraduhin na sa programang ito, walang masasagasaang Pilipino,” said Sen. Bam. 
 
If passed into law, jeepneys will be tested based on road-worthiness and financial assistance will be given to owners who need to upgrade their jeepneys. Drivers that wish to shift careers will also be given sufficient compensation.

Sen. Bam to gov’t: Tulungan mag-modernize, huwag i-“phase out” ang kabuhayan ng mga jeepney driver

If the government is serious in modernizing public utility jeepneys (PUJs) in the country, Sen. Bam Aquino said it should provide affordable terms for the operators to avail of modern jeepneys. 
 
“Seryoso ba kayo sa jeepney modernization o gusto niyo ba silang i-phase out?”, asked Sen. Bam during the hearing of the Committee on Public Services.
 
Based on his consultations with jeepney drivers and operators in various areas, Sen. Bam said he received complaints about the steep terms of payment for the modern jeepney. 
 
“Gustong mag-modernize at umasenso ng mga jeepney driver. Tulungan natin sila,” added Sen. Bam. 
 
Sen. Bam urged transport officials to look into lowering the interest and extending the term period so that payments can be equivalent to the daily boundary of jeepney drivers. Different transport organizations present during the hearing supported Sen. Bam’s proposal. 
 
“Kung hindi natin itatapat ang offer ng gobyerno sa kanilang boundary, mawawalan ng kabuhayan ang mahihirap na Pilipino at baka malaking kumpanya pa ang pumalit at makinabang,” said Sen. Bam. 
 
“Suporta at hindi pahirap ang kailangan ng taumbayan, lalo na ang mga mahihirap na nalulunod na sa taas ng presyo ng petrolyo,” stressed Sen. Bam. 
 
Sen. Bam has been pushing for the quick implementation of the Pantawid Pasada Program and its expansion to other modes of transport like tricycles and UV Express vans. He also filed the Bawas Presyo Bill to roll-back and suspend TRAIN’s excise tax of petroleum products.
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