On Wednesday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. dismissed senators’ calls to revoke the public transport modernization program (PTMP).
Twenty-two senators recently requested that the program should be suspended in light of the government’s alleged insufficient awareness campaign on the PTMP and the financial strain placed on drivers and operators to acquire modern jeepneys.
“I disagree with them because sinasabi nila minadali. This has been postponed seven times, the modernization has been postponed for seven times,” Marcos stated.
He pointed out that about 80% of operators had cooperated with the PUVMP’s need to combine into cooperatives in order to facilitate the processing of bank loans for the purchase of modern jeeps.
“Those that have been objecting or have been crying out and asking for suspension are in the minority”. Pakinggan natin ang majority at ang majority sinasabi ituloy natin,” the President added.
The government initiated the PUV modernization program back in 2017. Its implementation has been delayed several times because of protests and COVID-19.
Drivers who oppose the plan believe that purchasing a new vehicle will put them in debt and prevent them from earning enough money to pay back their loans and provide for themselves.
The new mini buses that the government wants to replace are more advanced, with European electric motors, air conditioning, WiFi, and use of CCTV.
Photo courtesy: Politiko