DOTr Chief Says Strikes Won’t Stop Jeepney Phaseout
PUV MODERNIZATION – Despite the transport strikes from various transport groups nationwide, Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade stated that the phaseout of old jeepneys could not be stopped.
The government has proposed a phaseout of both jeepneys and UV express service vehicles. This is part of their Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program.
The Duterte administration was not the first to push for PUV modernization. However, when transport groups hold strikes saying that the program is anti-poor, they take a step back.
This is what Tugade said in lieu of the recent transport strike on Monday. He then added that that line of thinking has to stop.
Tugade also emphasized that the government would not stop anyone from expressing their rights. Although, he reminded those opposing the modernization program to consider people’s right and the common good.
“Break that and I will fight you. Modernization should be implemented now”, Tugade stated.
According to an article by Philstar, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) harped on their plans to continue pushing for modernization. This would be for a safer, convenient, environment-friendly system of transport.
The PUV modernization program was launched in 2017. Under the program, old jeepneys are needed to be replaced with modern PUVs powered by brand-new Euro 4 compliant diesel engines or electric motors.
In a previous article, drivers and operators that joined the strike were warned against possible charges. There were already 20 PUV operators that got their license revoked for participating in last year’s strike.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Martin Delgra hoped that 80% of old jeepneys would be replaced before the end of Duterte’s administration. He then assured public to see new jeepneys by July 1, 2020.
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