By JOEL C. ESCOL, Managing Editor
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos approved the plea of PUJ drivers and operators to extend the consolidation deadline on PUV modernization until.
The Presidential Communication Office (PCO) said the president approved and signed the recommendation of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista to extend the consolidation deadline from January 31, 2024 to April 30, 2024.
This, after the transport sector led by the biggest groups in Metro Manila conducted a series of protest actions against the imposition of a deadline on January 31.
Yesterday, the Transportation Committee, led by Representative Romeo Acop of the 2nd district of Antipolo, has also adopted a resolution urging President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to extend the deadline for the industry consolidation of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program.
This extension was requested until the government formulates a concrete plan to address the significant issues currently hindering the Program’s implementation.
The Committee reconvened to pursue its motu proprio inquiry into the status of the Program’s implementation. This initiative follows the directive of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who mandated an investigation into reports suggesting corrupt practices may have influenced the conceptualization and planned execution of the PUVMP.
While expressing support for the program, Speaker Romualdez emphasized the importance of safeguarding the livelihoods of jeepney drivers. This involves providing assistance during their transition to new vehicles, ensuring access to affordable financing options, and offering training programs to help them adapt to emerging technologies.
Meanwhile, Elmer Francisco, founder of eFrancisco Motor Corporation gave his insight that consolidation of drivers and jeepney operators should be made optional, adding that not all are okay with the idea, while others also do not like to join a cooperative.
“Ang tunay na solusyon ay dapat gawing OPTIONAL ang industry consolidation. Yung mga gustong mag consolidate dahil may nakikita silang benepisyo nito, pwede silang mag consolidate. Pero yung mga ayaw magconsolidate at kayang modernize ng hindi kailangang sumali sa kooperatiba, dapat ay wag piliting mag consolidate, Francisco said in his FB account.
Francisco said many of those who joined the consolidation process are only forced to do it because they are afraid of losing their livelihood.
“Ang katotohanan ay ang karamihan ng mga nagconsolidate ay napilitan lamang dahil sa takot mawalan ng kabuhayan. Pero kung bibigyan ng pagkakataong mamili ng malaya ay hindi sila magcoconsolidate,” Francisco added.
