The Senate on Tuesday adopted the resolution that strongly urges the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to halt the planned phaseout of traditional jeepneys nationwide as part of the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUV-MP).
In Senate Resolution No. 507 filed by Senator Grace Poe on February 23, she stated that the LTFRB should not "coerce" them to comply with its PUV-MP guidelines without addressing first the concerns raised by transport sectors.
"Transport groups — in particular, PISTON — have noted that they are not against modernization per se, but they are seeking a "just transition process", Poe said.
She also cited that PISTON had said that the planned program only buries small-time operations deep in debt as the modernized jeepneys cost around Php 2.4 to 2.8 million.
"To continue the phaseout without taking these concerns into consideration would not be counter to the director of the Constitution to promote justice in all phases of national development," the Senator added.
The resolution was adopted a day after transportation groups’ declared a nationwide "tigil pasada" or strike, to oppose the LTFRB's memorandum that extended the franchising authority of jeepneys until June 30.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista on Monday called for a dialogue between transport groups and the officials of the LTFRB and Department of Transportation (DOTr).
But Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena rejected Bautista's call for dialogue and remained firm to their decision of a one-week strike next week.
