Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program
A modern jeepney in Bacolod
Date2017–present
TypeTransportation program
CauseSafety and environmental concerns
TargetPhase-out and replacement of all PUVs 15 years or older
Budget₱2.2 billion[1]
Organized by

The Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) is a program made by the Department of Transportation of the Philippines in 2017, with the goal of making the country's public transportation system efficient and environmentally friendly by 2020. The program calls for the phasing-out of jeepneys, buses and other Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) that are at least 15 years old and replacing them with safer, more comfortable and more environmentally-friendly alternatives over the next three years. Currently, there are 220,000 jeepney units operating throughout the country.[2]

Replacement vehicles are required to have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine or an electric engine to lessen pollution. Some proposed requirements include CCTV cameras, an automated fare collection system, speed limiters and GPS monitors.[3]

The Land Bank of the Philippines estimates that each jeepney replacement will cost around ₱1.4 million to ₱1.6 million.[4] However, based on an interest rate of 6% per annum and a payment period of 7 years, the actual cost of a jeepney reaches ₱2.1 million.[5]

While reception among the general populace have been positive,[6] some transport groups have criticized the program as it might lead to losses of jobs and businesses.[7][8]

Goals

The program aims to change the current franchising system, revise and introduce new routes and provide education to jeepney drivers.

The program, according to the DOTr, has the following goals:

  • Safe and comfy transport
  • Reliable travel time
  • Disciplined and competent drivers
  • Fair regulations
  • Spacious jeepneys

Moreover, the government believes that the program's environmental and economic benefits would be felt by commuters, operators, and drivers alike: commuters will profit from the changes in routes and optimized networks. Because of the reduced traffic congestion and pollution, drivers will have higher monthly pay and benefits, as well as better health. Finally, with less traffic, operators will be able to take more passengers and save money under the franchising plan by pooling services.[9]

Implementation

A prototype of a Class II Modernized Jeepney from Isuzu Motors coachbuilt by Almazora Motors.
An Isuzu QKR77 Class II Jeepney prototype by Centro
A Tata 407 Modernized Jeepney

The Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG) were signed by Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade in June 2017, and they altered the process of issuing jeepney franchises by implementing new route planning criteria and establishing new vehicle and driver standards.[10]

Under the OFG, Local Government Units are required to come up with their own Local Public Transport Route Plans.[11]

These plans will be based on existing and projected travel patterns and will be considered by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in issuing new franchises. Single-unit operators will no longer be granted franchises.[12]

Crackdown on dilapidated vehicles

In January 2018, Metro Manila's Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (i-ACT) launched operation 'Tanggal Bulok, Tanggal Usok', targeting vehicles for environmental and safety violations such as smoke belching, worn out tires and lack of seat belts. As of January 23, a total of 1087 vehicles, mostly Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs), were flagged down, apprehended and issued summons. To accommodate affected passengers, the Armed Forces of the Philippines offered free rides.[13]

Prototypes

In October 2017, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) presented sixteen prototype jeepneys. These models were all locally manufactured and based on guidelines set by the DOTr. Features include:

  • Euro 4 engines
  • CCTV Cameras
  • GPS
  • Automated fare collection systems
  • Front-facing seats
  • New exits on the right-hand side[14]

Financing

An estimated ₱1.5 billion will be given to transport corporations and cooperatives to purchase new PUVs through the Development Bank of the Philippines' Program assistance to Support Alternative Driving Approaches (PASADA). The program will feature a 5-percent equity for vehicle purchase, 6-percent interest rate and seven-year repayment period.[15][16]

Under PASADA, a maximum of 95 percent of the cost of the vehicle, and a maximum of 75 percent of the cost of the support facilities comprise the total loan per borrower. The government will also offer a maximum subsidy of ₱80,000 to cover the equity payment.[17][18]

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Land Bank of the Philippines was also signed by the DOTr to set up a ₱1 billion financing for PUJs via the Special Environment-Friendly and Efficiently Driven (SPEED) Jeepney Program.[19]

Phases

According to the DOTr, the proposed implementation time frame is as follows:[9]

  • Q4 2017 Pilot program in Metro Manila
  • 2018–2019 Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, Metro Davao
  • 2019–2020 Highly Urbanized Cities, Rest of the Country

Franchise consolidation

The December 31, 2023, deadline for the consolidation of PUV drivers and operators was not extended by President Bongbong Marcos, which led to another transport strike by transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper and Opereytor Nationwide PISTON on December 14-15, with their continued call to scrap the December 31 deadline and the complete removal of the mandatory franchise consolidation and the PUV Modernization Program.[20]

Gabriela Women's Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas and fellow members of the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives filed a resolution asking the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board to scrap the December 31, 2023, deadline for franchise consolidation.[21]

Reception

Support

At least twenty government agencies and twenty-four transport groups from across the country supported the launch of the program.[22] Among transport groups that supported the initiative are the Panta Transportation Network, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (FEJODAP), 1-United Transport Koalisyon (1-UTAK), Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP), and Coalition of Operators, Drivers, Employees, Atbp. (CODE-X), and the Philippine Confederation of Drivers and Operators – Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (PCDO-ACTO).[23][24][25] Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila & Suburbs Drivers Association (PASANG-MASDA) also expressed support. Their president Obet Martin stated, "it was high time for the country to replace the current jeepneys to more modern and more efficient units".[26]

A 2019 study also showed that majority of commuters prefer to ride an e-jeepney than a conventional jeepney in areas where it is available, as it provides a safer, environment-friendly, and more comfortable ride.[6]

Criticism

Even before its launch, the program was received negatively by various transport groups. While Senate Bill 1284 and House Bill 4334, the program's enabling legislation, were still pending in February 2017, some jeepney drivers launched numerous strikes and demonstrations in Metro Manila and in key cities throughout the country.[27]

Cooperative Development Authority has noted that jeepney driver-operator groups have not been included in technical working groups for the jeepney modernization program.[28] Vice President Leni Robredo said jeepney drivers and operators, as well as the riding public, should be allowed to take part in public consultations regarding the program.[28]

Senator Grace Poe, chair of the Senate public services committee, has expressed doubt over the governments readiness to implement the program nationwide. According to Poe, the government will have to shell out ₱415 billion for full implementation of the scheme, far more than the ₱2.26 billion it approved. She has suggested that the PUV Modernization Program be implemented in select cities instead.[29]

Senator Poe and Senate Majority Leader Vicente "Tito" Sotto III have called for a "middle ground" solution, saying that old but road worthy PUVs should be allowed to operate. However, the DOTr has given no clear commitment to their suggestion.[30] Senator Franklin Drilon criticized the program's mismanagement and "hodge-podge planning".[31]

Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel in January 2024 said the high cost of modernization would place drivers in debt and lead to a crisis in transportation. He said the government should suspend the program indefinitely.[32]

Transport and youth groups, together with SCMP, calling for economic aid and calling out against oil price hike and jeepney phaseout amidst COVID-19 pandemic.

In the House of Representatives, Representative Sarah Elago noted how the program displaces single franchise owners, owing to provisions in the law requiring franchises to own a minimum of 20 units, amounting to ₱7 million of capital.[33] Youth group Student Christian Movement of the Philippines (SCMP) slammed President Duterte on Independence Day 2021 as a "puppet" enforcing neoliberal policies such as jeepney phaseout.[34]

Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel in December 2023 said he hoped that the jeepney phaseout would be canceled to ensure that drivers and small operators would be able to keep their livelihoods.[35]

Possible fare increase

Transport group PISTON claims that commuters will be hit with an increased fare of at least ₱20.[36] Manibela suggested a minimum fare increase of ₱25 to ₱30 to cover the cost of acquiring a modern jeepney.[37] Research group IBON Foundation estimates that fares could increase to ₱50 within 5 years (from the current minimum fare of ₱13) owing to the corporatized setup of the modernization program.[38]

A 2023 policy paper by the University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies argues that the high cost of modern jeepneys will result in the cost being borne by commuters.[39]

Effect on livelihoods

According to Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and PISTON, the ₱1.4 million to ₱1.6 million cost of new jeepneys will adversely affect the livelihood of 600,000 public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers and 300,000 small operators.[36] For drivers, operators, and other transport stakeholders, the modernization may result in possible losses of jobs and businesses.[40]

In a 2023 petition filed before the Philippine Supreme Court, transport groups argued that the modernization plan violated the right of jeepney drivers to gainful employment and livelihood and would result in worsening social inequality in the country.[41]

The Philippine Commission on Human Rights said in a January 2024 statement that the modernization plan should not be done at the expense of jeepney operators' right to a sustainable livelihood.[42]

Job loss among jeepney manufacturers

According to Elmer Francisco of Francisco Motors, many workers at jeepney manufacturers Francisco Motors, Sarao Motors, Melford, Armak, Wild Country, Hayag, and Morales Motors have already lost their jobs owing to uncertainties brought about by the push for the modernization program.[43]

Protests

The transport group Stop and Go Coalition held a strike on September 24, 2017.[44] On October 16 and 17, PISTON held a two-day transportation strike.[45] In a press statement, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations President Efren de Luna stated that their group did not join the transport strike as they found that PUV modernization wants to ensure the security of passengers and to have an environmentally sustainable mode of transportation.[25]

Manibela held a 3-day strike in November 2023 to protest the PUV Modernization Program. Members of Pasang Masda and FEJODAP joined the strike according to Manibela.[46]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Gov't allots P2.2 billion to subsidize PUV modernization –LTFRB". GMA News Online. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
  2. ↑ Talabong, Rambo (June 19, 2017). "DOTr launches modernization program for jeepneys, buses". Rappler.com. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  3. ↑ Francisco, Katerina (October 16, 2017). "EXPLAINER: What's the reason for the 2-day transport strike?".
  4. ↑ "Jeepney modernization program kicks off next month". CNN Philippines.
  5. ↑ "Poe: Math shows operators lose in gov't bid to modernize jeepneys". December 10, 2017.
  6. 1 2 Agaton, Casper Boongaling; Collera, Angelie Azcuna; Guno, Charmaine Samala (2020). "Socio-Economic and Environmental Analyses of Sustainable Public Transport in the Philippines". Sustainability. 12 (11): 4720. doi:10.3390/su12114720.
  7. ↑ "Why some transport groups oppose jeepney phaseout". Philstar. September 26, 2017.
  8. ↑ KG (September 25, 2017). "Transport group holds strike to oppose jeepney phaseout". GMA News. Retrieved October 17, 2017.
  9. 1 2 "14 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PUBLIC UTILITY VEHICLES (PUV) MODERNIZATION PROGRAM". DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – PHILIPPINES FACEBOOK PAGE. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  10. ↑ Patena, Aerol (June 20, 2017). "DOTr launches PUV Modernization Program". Interaksyon. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  11. ↑ Kasilag, Jacob (June 30, 2021). "Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program In The Philippines: Definition, Purpose and Operation". philmotorlaw.
  12. ↑ Furigay, Charolette (June 20, 2017). "DOTr launches OFG for PUV Modernization". Business Mirror. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  13. ↑ "'Tanggal Bulok, Tanggal Usok' ops sweep off dilapidated jeepneys". January 23, 2018.
  14. ↑ "Proposed designs of modernized jeepney models, unveiled to the public". UNTV. October 12, 2017. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  15. ↑ "DBP to provide P1.5-B finance facility for DOTr's PUV Modernization Program". Interaksyon. September 10, 2017. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  16. ↑ "DBP TO PROVIDE PHP1.5-B FINANCE FACILITY FOR DOTR'S PUV MODERNIZATION PROGRAM". Department of Transportation. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  17. ↑ Iglesias, Myla. "PUV modernization gains ground". Malaya. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  18. ↑ Rey, Aika (October 15, 2017). "DOTr hits Piston 'propaganda' on modernization program". Rappler.com.
  19. ↑ "DOTR SECRETARY TUGADE SAYS PUV MODERNIZATION PROGRAM NOT ANTI-POOR". Department of Transportation. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  20. ↑ Gita-Carlos, Ruth Abbey. "PBBM: No extension of PUV consolidation deadline". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved January 1, 2023.
  21. ↑ Cruz, RG (December 7, 2023). "Transport group, Makabayan want jeepney franchise consolidation scrapped". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
  22. ↑ "24 AGENCIES, 20 TRANSPORT GROUPS AND COOPERATIVES PUSH FOR PUV MODERNIZATION". Department of Transportation. Retrieved April 14, 2018.
  23. ↑ "Public and private sectors push for PUV modernization". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
  24. ↑ "PUV modernization program gains support". Journal Online. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
  25. 1 2 "Major transport groups to skip 2-day strike slated next week". Philstar.com. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
  26. ↑ "Despite strike, other transport groups OK with jeepney modernization". GMA News Online. Retrieved October 17, 2017.
  27. ↑ "Transport strike: Why pick on jeepneys to fix traffic problems?". February 27, 2017.
  28. 1 2 Cepeda, Mara (October 23, 2017). "Include jeepney drivers, passengers in PUV modernization talks – Robredo". Rappler. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
  29. ↑ "Poe: Govt not ready for PUV modernization".
  30. ↑ "Poe, Sotto: Allow old but roadworthy jeepneys on the road | Inquirer News". December 11, 2017.
  31. ↑ Tuquero, Loreben (October 3, 2019). "'Hodge-podge planning': How DOTr mismanages PUV modernization program, according to senators". Rappler. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
  32. ↑ Santos, Eimor; Mantaring, Jelo Ritzhie (January 3, 2024). "Pimentel wants indefinite suspension of PUV modernization". CNN. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  33. ↑ Salamat, Marya (February 27, 2017). "Public feels impact of nationwide strike vs jeepney phaseout, corporatization". Bulatlat. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
  34. ↑ "IN PHOTOS: Independence Day 2021 protests around the Philippines". RAPPLER. June 12, 2021. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  35. ↑ Lalu, Gabriel Pabico (December 25, 2023). "Makabayan's Christmas wishlist: Halt jeepney phaseout, secure long-term peace". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
  36. 1 2 "Transport groups to stage 2-day strike to protest vs jeepney 'phase-out scheme'". Inquirer.net. October 15, 2017.
  37. ↑ "Manibela: ₱25-₱30 jeepney fare needed to cover cost of modernization". CNN. December 28, 2023. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  38. ↑ Relativo, James (January 3, 2024). "P50 minimum jeepney fare 'seen in 5 years' under PUV modernization". Philippine Star. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  39. ↑ de Santos, Jonathan (April 2, 2023). "UP paper: Jeepney 'modernization' risks corporate takeover of transport sector". Philippine Star. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  40. ↑ Guno, Charmaine Samala; Collera, Angelie Azcuna; Agaton, Casper Boongaling (2021). "Barriers and Drivers of Transition to Sustainable Public Transport in the Philippines". World Electric Vehicle Journal. 12 (1): 46. doi:10.3390/wevj12010046.
  41. ↑ Santos, Tina G. (December 21, 2023). "SC asked to press the brakes on jeepney phaseout". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
  42. ↑ Relativo, James (January 12, 2024). "CHR fears PUVMP may jeopardize 'right to sustainable livelihood'". Philippine Star. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
  43. ↑ Yu, Lance Spencer (January 9, 2024). "Anti-poor? How gov't defends PUV modernization, why jeepney stakeholders oppose it". Rappler. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  44. ↑ "Why some transport groups oppose PUV modernization". Philstar.com. Retrieved September 26, 2017.
  45. ↑ Roxas, Pathricia Ann (October 15, 2017). "No classes at all levels, no gov't work on Monday – Malacañang". Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  46. ↑ "MANIBELA starts 3-day transport strike vs PUV modernization program". GMA News Online. November 22, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
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