Govt applies the brakes on PUVMP
THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has announced a shift in the implementation of the government's Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), saying that it will proceed at a slower pace following reports of low consolidation numbers. This marks a departure from the government's previous stance, which aimed for rapid implementation and strict adherence to deadlines set by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The PUVMP requires individual PUV operators to consolidate into cooperatives or corporations as a prerequisite for fleet modernization. However, many drivers and operators have expressed concerns over financial difficulties and the perceived lack of government support. The issue has been exacerbated by discrepancies in consolidation figures, with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) claiming an 86 percent consolidation rate, while Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon revealed that only about 40 percent of applications had actually been approved. The conflicting data sparked a three-day transport strike Monday, with the jeepney group Manibela accusing the government of basing the modernization program on misleading statistics. The strike left some commuters stranded in key cities such as Quezon, Las Piñas, Pasay, Parañaque, and Caloocan, prompting the government to deploy free rides to affected areas. During a press briefing, Dizon acknowledged the legitimate concerns raised by transport groups and stressed the need for validated data before making further policy decisions. He assured the public that a more concrete solution would be presented within two weeks. "No one can counter modernization. We are not saying that it will stop. What I am saying is that we need to validate the numbers of those who have consolidated, and we need to support them so that modernization continues," Dizon said. "But we also need to look at the real situation on the ground and determine what the government must do to ensure its success. If that means we will not push for a rushed nationwide implementation, then I think we will have to make that decision soon," he added. Dizon also vowed to engage with transport groups, including Manibela, to address their grievances. He called on the group to reconsider its ongoing strike, emphasizing that the government is open to dialogue and solutions that balance the interests of commuters, drivers, and operators. Meanwhile, the Transport chief confirmed that he already met with other groups, such as Piston, and expressed his willingness to hold discussions with Manibela to find common ground. The government continues to provide free rides for stranded commuters to mitigate the impact of the ongoing strike. The PUVMP, initially launched in 2017, aims to replace aging jeepneys with vehicles equipped with Euro 4-compliant engines to reduce pollution and improve road safety. However, the program has faced criticism due to the high cost of modernized jeepneys, which can exceed P2 million per unit. Even government-run financial institutions such as LandBank and the Development Bank of the Philippines have acknowledged that this price is too steep for many PUV operators. Consolidation is the first stage of the modernization program, with unconsolidated units deemed "colorum" or illegal. This has placed significant pressure on individual operators, many of whom struggle to meet the financial and bureaucratic requirements for compliance. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) decided against suspending the number coding scheme, saying the impact of the ongoing three-day strike was "minimal." In a press conference, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes added that traffic congestion would worsen if the number coding scheme were suspended. The MMDA also announced that vehicles designated to help stranded commuters during the strike are ready to be deployed. Various government agencies and local government units in Metro Manila have mobilized their transport units to help affected passengers. The MMDA's command and communications center will oversee the deployment of free rides to commuters.
Tomas Kauer - Moderator 
THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has announced a shift in the implementation of the government's Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), saying that it will proceed at a slower pace following reports of low consolidation numbers.
This marks a departure from the government's previous stance, which aimed for rapid implementation and strict adherence to deadlines set by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The PUVMP requires individual PUV operators to consolidate into cooperatives or corporations as a prerequisite for fleet modernization. However, many drivers and operators have expressed concerns over financial difficulties and the perceived lack of government support.
The issue has been exacerbated by discrepancies in consolidation figures, with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) claiming an 86 percent consolidation rate, while Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon revealed that only about 40 percent of applications had actually been approved.
The conflicting data sparked a three-day transport strike Monday, with the jeepney group Manibela accusing the government of basing the modernization program on misleading statistics. The strike left some commuters stranded in key cities such as Quezon, Las Piñas, Pasay, Parañaque, and Caloocan, prompting the government to deploy free rides to affected areas.
During a press briefing, Dizon acknowledged the legitimate concerns raised by transport groups and stressed the need for validated data before making further policy decisions. He assured the public that a more concrete solution would be presented within two weeks.
"No one can counter modernization. We are not saying that it will stop. What I am saying is that we need to validate the numbers of those who have consolidated, and we need to support them so that modernization continues," Dizon said.
"But we also need to look at the real situation on the ground and determine what the government must do to ensure its success. If that means we will not push for a rushed nationwide implementation, then I think we will have to make that decision soon," he added.
Dizon also vowed to engage with transport groups, including Manibela, to address their grievances. He called on the group to reconsider its ongoing strike, emphasizing that the government is open to dialogue and solutions that balance the interests of commuters, drivers, and operators.
Meanwhile, the Transport chief confirmed that he already met with other groups, such as Piston, and expressed his willingness to hold discussions with Manibela to find common ground. The government continues to provide free rides for stranded commuters to mitigate the impact of the ongoing strike.
The PUVMP, initially launched in 2017, aims to replace aging jeepneys with vehicles equipped with Euro 4-compliant engines to reduce pollution and improve road safety. However, the program has faced criticism due to the high cost of modernized jeepneys, which can exceed P2 million per unit. Even government-run financial institutions such as LandBank and the Development Bank of the Philippines have acknowledged that this price is too steep for many PUV operators.
Consolidation is the first stage of the modernization program, with unconsolidated units deemed "colorum" or illegal. This has placed significant pressure on individual operators, many of whom struggle to meet the financial and bureaucratic requirements for compliance.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) decided against suspending the number coding scheme, saying the impact of the ongoing three-day strike was "minimal."
In a press conference, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes added that traffic congestion would worsen if the number coding scheme were suspended.
The MMDA also announced that vehicles designated to help stranded commuters during the strike are ready to be deployed.
Various government agencies and local government units in Metro Manila have mobilized their transport units to help affected passengers.
The MMDA's command and communications center will oversee the deployment of free rides to commuters.
