Senatorial aspirant and National President of the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) Modesto "Mody" Floranda said that he advocates for legislation that will promote progressive and accessible public transportation for the masses in the country.
In the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Monday, Floranda explained that his decision to run for senator stems from his belief in the importance of having a representative for the transportation sector in the Senate.
He also pledged that, if elected, the laws he will push for will prioritize the interests and welfare of drivers and operators.
"Ang tingin natin ay kailangan nating makapagsulong at makapaglikha ng batas sa ilalim po ng progresibo at makabayan na pang-masa na pampubliko na transportasyon," said Floranda.
"Sa ilalim niyan ay ang pananatili ng katiyakan ng kabuhayan ng ating mga driver at mga operator, at syempre ng ating mga manggagawa sa hanay po ng pampublikong transportasyon," he added.
PUV Modernization Program
Furthermore, the senatorial candidate highlighted that the transport sector is currently struggling with what he described as a "fraudulent and bogus" Modernization Program.
He argued that its goal is to take away livelihoods and shift control of the transportation service to large business owners and capitalists.
Floranda reiterated that the program does not advance the country’s economy, but instead primarily benefits foreign investors, particularly from China and Japan.
"Kung talagang ang layunin ng gobyerno ay para ayusin ang ating public transport, dapat ang inuna ng gobyerno ay mag create tayo ng saril nating industriya para tayo mismo ang lumikha ng ating public transport.," Floranda explained.
"Dapat ang suportahan ng gobyerno ay ang mga lokal na mga manggagagawa," he added.
Pointing out that nearly every region in the country is engaged in public transportation, he stressed that these workers should receive support and government funding to help improve the lives of the Filipino people.
Proposed bills set to be championed in the Senate
If elected to the Senate, Floranda said his first priority would be to push for legislation that promotes progressive public transportation to sustain the livelihoods and income of drivers, operators, and workers in the public transport sector.
Another piece of legislation he aims to advocate for is the cessation of the so-called bogus and fraudulent modernization program, which he claims is destroying the livelihoods of local workers.
"Dapat tanggalin ang buwis sa ilalim ng VAT atsaka ng excise tax sa langis sapagkat ito ang nagdudulot ng patuloy na pahirap, hindi lamang sa sektor ng transportasyon kundi sa ating mga mamamayan," said Floranda.
"Alam naman natin na sa bawat paggalaw ng presyo ng petrolyo, gumagalaw din ang pangunahing bilihin," he added.
Floranda emphasized that the solution he sees is not merely amending the laws, but completely repealing the laws on Value-Added Tax and Excise Tax on fuel, as these have greatly affected the citizens, particularly the public transport sector.
Proposed solutions to alleviate traffic congestion
The PISTON chief believes that traffic congestion occurs due to overcrowding, and thus, public transportation should be increased to address the problem.
"Ang sektor po ng public transport ay nasa 2% lamang ng kabuuan. Kaya’t minsan tayo ang nagiging tampulan ng sisi. Pero hindi nakikita ng kahalagahan ng gobyerno ay ano nga ba ang ginagampanan ng sektor ng transportasyon," he explained.
Measures to address the issue of undisciplined drivers
Meanwhile, he reiterated that the transport sector is generally compliant with the law, despite the occasional presence of individuals who are difficult to manage and do not adhere to policies.
Floranda pointed out that some areas in the National Capital Region (NCR) lack clear designations for passenger drop-off and pick-up points.
He suggested that their sector believes the government should address this oversight and recognize the negligence involved.
"Ang driver madali mong disiplinahin kasi ang driver pagnakakita ng enforcer ‘yan, talagang nandoon ay natatakot sila," said Floranda.
"Ang sa atin ay dapat pa ring dinidisiplina, hindi lamang ang sektor ng transport ay kundi ang mga enforcement ay ayusin din po," he added.
Ultimately, he believed that the easiest solution to helping commuters is to increase or expand public transportation options.
