The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has sent a detailed letter to the Senate outlining its perspectives on and the potential impacts of suspending the ongoing Public Transportation Modernization Program (PTMP).
This correspondence responds to a Senate resolution urging the program's suspension, which was passed on July 24 signed by 22 senators, with Senator Risa Hontiveros withholding her signature.
In a five-page letter addressed to Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista stated that while the department understands the Senate's move to suspend the PTMP, it believes that the program aligns with the common goal of benefiting the community and advancing public welfare.
"In 2017, the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) was introduced through the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG), with the goal of promoting brand-new and environmentally friendly units, which are given priority in the allocation of Certificates of Public Convenience (CPC) and development, based on route categories," the letter read.
"OFG established several components, such as Local Public Transport Route Plans (LPTRP), route rationalization, industry consolidation, fleet modernization, financing, and stakeholder support mechanisms, among others," Bautista added.
Bautista's letter also outlined the PTMP's current developments, such as Route Rationalization and LPTRP, wherein Local Government Units (LGUs) have become more "familiar with their territorial jurisdictions."
"However, to better address route viability and fleet management issues, the DOTr will create an LPTRP Technical Panel composed of representatives from the DOTr and other attached agencies to ensure the expeditious and efficient review and approval of LPTRPs," Bautista said.
According to the Secretary, there are 6,090 consolidated routes for Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs), UV Express (UVEs), minibusses, and Public Utility Buses (PUBs), with 71% of these having already submitted their draft LPTRPs to the DOTr or LTFRB for review and evaluation out of the 1,574 LGUs nationwide.
In terms of Fleet Modernization and Equity Subsidy, as of July 17, a total of 11,165 Philippine National Standards (PNS)-compliant modern PUJs/UVEs and OFG-compliant minibusses and PUB units are operational nationwide. Eighty modern PUV models are offered by 28 active and confirmed manufacturers and/or assemblers.
"Of these, fifty-eight percent are locally manufactured and/or assembled by 16 manufacturers," it noted.
Other outlined developments include Industry Consolidation, vehicle useful life, and stakeholder support mechanisms, wherein a total of 42,352 and 10,867 beneficiaries have been provided support through the Tsuper Iskolar Program.
DOTr clarifies PTMP Implementation
Addressing the major claims, Bautista clarified that the PTMP "does not require operators and drivers to immediately purchase modern PUVs upon consolidation," adding that the modernization will occur gradually over the next three to four years.
The DOTr Secretary also assured the Senate Committee that Philippine National Standards (PNS) and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission-compliant modern jeepney units available on the market are not limited to foreign and imported manufacturers.
"Please be assured that the DOTr remains committed to preserving the iconic design of our traditional jeepneys and encourages all local manufacturers and importers of PUVs to emulate the artistic design of traditional PUJs," Bautista stated.
According to Bautista, suspending the PTMP may impact its stakeholders as it could allegedly disrupt services for many who depend on its benefits.
"This could undermine progress and damage relationships with stakeholders, particularly given that a significant percentage have already consolidated."
Furthermore, Bautista noted that the government has already invested resources in developing and implementing the PTMP. He emphasized that PHP 1,600,000,000.00 has already been utilized for the project.
"While we acknowledge that the PTMP has faced challenges, allow us to respectfully posit that its overall impact has been overwhelmingly positive. Despite some isolated issues that have arisen, the DOTr, along with its attached agencies, is actively addressing them through ongoing reviews and stakeholder consultations," the letter read.
"A temporary suspension might not only halt the positive momentum of the program but could also have unintended negative consequences," Bautista concluded.
Senate President Francis Escudero earlier expressed his support for the suspension of the PUVMP during a Senate committee hearing on July 23.
Escudero described the program as a "burden" to the transport sector and emphasized the cultural significance of jeepneys to the country.
