PERA SA MANIBELA:
Where does the brunt of the PUVMP lie?
WORDS Danielle Barredo, Glen Kerby Dalumpines, Khengie Hallig, Graziella Mateo, Randolf Maala-Resueño, and Yesha Ryn Santos
METRO MANILA, Philippines—The looming effect of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) is no outdated discourse, at least for the government. Its contingent nature dates back to 2017, an effort by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to push for an ‘efficient and environment-friendly’ public transportation system in the country by 2020.
​
Four years behind its goal, and after months of halting consolidation dates and conditions, an economic deadlock between drivers and operators against policymakers and transportation custodians persists—with the commuters taking most of the brunt. With almost 9 million commuters relying on traditional jeepneys (PUJ) daily–according to Dr. Cresencio Montalbo Jr. in his paper “Public Transport Rationalization as a means to Sustainability”–the public clamors on the program’s nuances especially on its repercussions on possible fare hikes, decrease on driver turnouts, and overall cultural impact.
​
The PUVMP calls for phasing out PUJs in replacement with modern models equipped with engines suitable to lessen pollution. Furthermore, the government argues the program’s goal should benefit commuters, drivers, and operators alike: commuters will profit from optimized routes, drivers will gain higher monthly due to reduced traffic congestion, and operators will pool in more passengers with less traffic, subsequently saving money depending with their franchising plans.
​
On a surface level, these terms seem appealing. But what of the economic loopholes in the modernization program?
Financial burden of modernization; support local over others
Given the program's benefits, one would expect jeepney drivers and operators to support it. However, this only happens as thousands unite to carry out transport strikes and conduct multiple mass rallies along with transport groups to show their resistance to the program.
​​
One of their main concerns is that many drivers are bound to lose their jobs as they cannot afford imported modern jeepneys that cost around ₱2.4 million to ₱2.8 million, which is significantly higher than traditional jeepneys that cost ₱150,000 to ₱250,000. Meanwhile, the government increased the subsidy from ₱160,000 to ₱260,000.
On the other hand, there are local manufacturers like Francisco Motors that offer more affordable modern jeepneys at around ₱985,000 per unit. Their model has features such as a ramp for PWDs, air conditioning, an electric door, CCTV, GPS, and an automated fare collection system while maintaining the exterior design of a traditional jeep. More importantly, the Francisco Jeepney is an eco-friendly vehicle, as it commits to abandoning diesel and leaning towards full electricity.
Furthermore, jeepney drivers and operators can avail of the Francisco Jeepney with a ₱50,000 down payment. The government subsidy can also be deducted from the total balance, which can considerably lessen their financial burden.
The wary future of traditional jeepney drivers
Larry, 32, a jeepney driver in a terminal in Cubao, Quezon City, who has driven a traditional jeepney for almost two decades, expressed his objection to the PUVMP. In an interview with the team, he said that he’s not in favor of it because this is the line of work where he grew up and that driving a jeepney helped him a lot to provide for his family, especially to fund his children's education.
​
“ ‘Yung mga anak ko, dito ko kinuha ‘yung pagpapaaral sa kanila. ‘Yung pagpapalaki, dito ko kinuha. Kung mapalitan [into modern jeepney], magkano na lang yung ano namin, kasi parang magiging arawan na lang, maliit na, hindi katulad ng ganito, kumikita kami ng mahigit isang libo,” Larry remarked.
​
According to him, the income that they earn for a day ranges from PhP 1,000 to PhP 1,500 in driving a traditional jeepney would be reduced if they were ever under the PUVMP, as they would start to contribute already with social legislative benefits such as SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-Ibig, and other benefits with monthly contributions. As they will opt to contribute to these benefits, Larry said that the daily budget for their expenses will be reduced as well, and there won’t be a single penny left.
​
When asked about the possible current limitations for them to drive their jeepneys continuously, Larry said that they don’t have any restrictions as of now as their jeepneys are currently being consolidated, wherein they have permission from LTFRB to continue the operation. According to him, as long as a particular Jeep is being consolidated, there will be no restrictions when it comes to operating. However, Larry is still uncertain about the future that he and his family have amidst the PUVMP.
​
“Hindi ko rin masabi kasi hindi naman natin hawak ‘yung gobyerno, sumusunod lang tayo,” he said.
​
The same sentiments were expressed by a 25-year-old jeepney driver named Mark Lester Cruz, who has already been driving a traditional jeepney for eight years. When asked about his plans if ever the traditional jeepney will be completely phased out and converted to modern jeepneys, he said that he probably might just find another job or source of income because if the government pushes through the modernization, according to him, they will lose their only source of income to provide for their families.
“Ngayon, kumikita kami rito, isang libo sa isang araw, pampamilya, e doon, sasahuran lang kami, kung hindi namin makuha ‘yung kota, bibigyan lang kami ng 300, paano naman po yung pamilya namin?” Mark Lester explained.
​
Aside from the prices of the modern jeepneys being proposed by the government, which range from 2.4 million to 2.8 million pesos, they are also worried about the maintenance of the said vehicles.
​
“Kapag nasiraan ka manggagaling pa sa ibang bansa yung mekaniko, ‘yung pyesa, lalo pong matatagalan. Kaya tutol kami doon, hindi naman tulad ng ganitong jeep na masiraan ka man, isa o dalawang oras lang gawa na, makakabiyahe ka na ulit,” he shared.
According to him, compared to traditional jeepneys, modernized jeepneys may take more time to be fixed in case they encounter some malfunctioning parts while they drive them. If that happens, they are afraid of not being able to continuously use the jeepneys because they will not be able to feed their families as well.
​
Amid the opposition of a lot of traditional jeepney drivers, Alejo Bitancor, a modern jeepney driver, shared his experiences driving a modernized jeepney when he started to drive one, as the franchise of the old jeepney that he used to drive was surrendered to the government.
​
He highlighted the good things about modernized jeepneys when it comes to comfortability, especially considering the weather that the Philippines has as well as the quality of the new modernized jeepneys.
​
“Maganda, dahil unang-una sa environment natin, hindi na siya mausok, hindi na siya polluted. Saka bago yung unit. Yung luma kasi ang daming mga sira non. Ito, guaranteed siya kasi bago siya,” he mentioned.
​
When asked about what happened with the traditional jeepneys that were replaced by the modernized ones, he mentioned that they can be used privately if they're still usable, especially since other old jeepneys still have good parts, but he also added that most likely, old jeepneys will be sold at junk shops.
​
The income, apparently, is lower than driving a traditional jeepney because of the boundary system, but Alejo Bitancor added that it will still depend on people and their enthusiasm to earn more.
​
“Nasayo na lang kung masipag ka,” he stated.
PUVMP, A business monopoly in the making
“Layunin ba nito na talagang tanggalan lang ng prangkisa ‘yung mga indibidwal na mga operator para ibigay sa malalaking mga dayuhan at malalaking kooperatiba or ang layunin ng PUV-MP ay para maging isang business ‘yung serbisyo para sa mamamayan.”
PISTON transport group’s President Mody Floranda expresses disapproval over LTFRB’s underhanded tactic of fundamentally stripping away jeepney drivers’ franchises and their individuality on the roads.
Floranda also questions LTFRB’s true motive for pushing the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program or PUVMP as consolidating the drivers to a singular program essentially monopolizes the many independent cooperatives in the Philippines.
Another questionable move on LTFRB’s part is the insistence on their otherwise impressive but ultimately false and misleading statistics regarding the numbers on jeepney consolidation and modernization. Their 80% claim on drivers’ compliance with their program contradicts the difference between the number of modern jeepneys and traditional jeepneys roaming the streets.
“Kaya hindi natin makita ‘yung sinasabi nilang 80% na mga nag-comply sa modernization,” says Floranda.
He’s also skeptical about the amount of operators undeniably willing to consolidate their cooperatives to LTFRB. With the ever-looming ‘deadline’ that LTFRB constantly levels against the drivers, Floranda doubts the truthfulness of their cooperation when under duress of threat and intimidation.
It’s hard not to show frustration at the way LTFRB and DOTR constantly push foreign manufacturers for the PUV Modernization Program when countless capable and talented local manufacturers can do the same job at a much lower cost.
“Kasi syempre kung lokal ang gumagawa ng public transport, magluluwal yan ng trabaho eh sa ating manggagawa… Kaya kung ang papalitan ng gobyerno sa ilalim ng balangkas ng programa ay 175,000 na mga tradisyunal na jeepney, gaano karami na mga manggagawa ang mabibigyan ng hanap-buhay.”
On the topic of environment, Floranda strongly advocates for the initiative to improve pre-existing units based on DOTR’s Department Order 2017-011 which only stated this exact action plan for the older, traditional jeepneys.
“Kung usapin lamang ng emission, bakit hindi pwedeng i-overhaul ‘yung engine?… Kung sa mas malinis na hangin lang, gusto namin ‘yon. Kasi kami lumalanghap ng hangin sa lansangan for 12–18 hours. Kaya para du’n tayo sa kalinisan ng hangin.”
LTFRB and its firm stance
Despite the inconvenience and perceived unattainable success of the PUV Modernization Program, LTFRB has remained firm with the implementation ignoring pleas for consideration of the financial and transportation disruption PUVMP may bring. Our team has consistently tried to reach out to LTFRB via email to obtain their side. However, we have only received acknowledgments and no concrete answers to secure an interview were made.
​
The call for alleged livelihood displacements of 30,000 public utility jeepney (PUJ) operators and drivers was then debunked by LTFRB emphasizing their statement that 42,642 units in Metro Manila have already confirmed in 2023 that they will have their units registered. According to them 21,655 or 97.18% have already consolidated.
​
It can also be recalled that the LTFRB warned the unconsolidated public utility vehicles (PUVs) of apprehension if they fail to comply starting on May 16.
​
According to LTFRB, personnel from the Land Transportation Office, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Philippine National Police will be checking the documents displayed on the windshields or dashboards of the PUVs.
​
These firm statements on the implementation of PUVMP were made by LTFRB despite the call for #NoToJeepneyPhaseout which was attended by the jeepney operators and drivers whose livelihoods were at stake. They were also joined by other organizations including students who are protesting about the fare hike that may be implemented once modern jeepneys take over the roads.
​
Fifty-thousand-peso-worth of fine will be penalized against jeepney drivers and operators with a suspension for one year; while their vehicles will face impoundment if the unconsolidated PUVs are labeled as "colorum" after the deadline are caught on roads as public transport vehicles, says LTFRB.
People over profit
Transportation in general is necessary for the growth and sustainability of a country's economy for the reason that it enhances jobs, and labor market accessibility, and opens new markets for different businesses. ​
​
In the Philippines, prioritizing the welfare of commuters is necessary for urban public transportation as it should be a safe traveling space for the public. Although it was a great idea to modernize traditional jeepneys as they provide comfort to the drivers and commuters, the government should also keep an eye on the struggles of jeepney drivers and operators.
​
In a published article from the Philippine Star, it is stated that the transport advocacy group wants the government to rightfully recognize the commuting public as the primary consideration in the transport priority landscape.
​
"Simple lang naman ang hiling nating lahat — may pambili ka man ng sariling sasakyan o wala: may karapatan kang makauwi nang maayos, ligtas, maginhawa, maaga para makasama ang pamilya. Mangyayari lamang ito kung uunahin ang kapakanan ng karaniwang komyuter sa pagpaplano ng mga solusyong pangtrapiko," Ugay said.
​
Regardless, the impact of it should not be equated with the value of societal benefits associated with the public transportation investment—since care should also be taken to be aware of the short-term effect of it on the cost, economic productivity, and the commuters.