During a public speech in Camarines Sur yesterday, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte warned transport groups that the planned Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization plan will push through by the end of the year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pclIPbD3z0
“Jan.1, if you don’t modernize, get out,” he said. This statement comes after the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston), a labor union of jeepney drivers, held a two-day strike that started on Monday.
Unlike in many other big cities where public transportation is run by the local government, most public transportation in the Philippines are actually run by private businesses. Cars, jeeps, and buses, used to transport the general public have to apply for franchise licenses from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and submit to its rules and regulations.
Piston is against the modernization program that will get rid of PUVs including jeepneys older than 15 years old and replace them with vehicles that are more eco-friendly and have new technology like CCTV, WiFi, and a dashboard camera.
These changes, while beneficial for the passengers, come with a price many jeepney drivers and operators say they can’t afford.
“This is clearly anti-poor and only the rich businessmen will benefit from this program,” Jun Magno, the president of the transport group Stop & Go Coalition told The Philippine Star in September.
But Duterte is adamant about executing the plan. During yesterday’s speech, he said: “You’re poor? Son of a bitch, live with the hardship and hunger, I don’t care.”
The PUV modernization program plans to offer loans to drivers and operators that will be affected by the modernization program but drivers don’t think this will be enough.
According to Piston, the new jeepneys can cost as much as PHP1.5 million (US$30,000) and will force jeepney operators to pay about PHP27,000 (US$540) every month.
