Marcos Stands Firm on PUV Modernization Amid Senate Suspension Resolution

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MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. expressed unwavering support for the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) on Wednesday, despite a Senate resolution calling for its temporary suspension.


"I disagree with them because they claim it was rushed. This has been postponed seven times, and those who are objecting or asking for suspension are in the minority," Marcos said during an interview in Pampanga.


He emphasized that 80% of the public utility vehicles have already consolidated under the program. "Eighty percent have already consolidated, so why should the 20% decide for the 100%? We should listen to the majority, and the majority are saying we should continue," he added.


The Senate resolution, signed by 22 of the 23 senators, urges the government to suspend the implementation of the PUVMP, now rebranded as the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP). The resolution highlighted concerns about the high number of unconsolidated PUV units, the phaseout of the iconic jeepney design in favor of modern vehicles, and the low percentage of approved routes.


The PUVMP, initiated in 2017, aims to replace old jeepneys with vehicles that have at least Euro 4-compliant engines to reduce pollution and improve road safety. However, the cost of modern jeepney units, which exceeds P2 million, has been deemed too expensive by state-run banks LandBank and the Development Bank of the Philippines, making it challenging for PUV drivers and operators to afford.


According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), approximately 81.11% or 155,513 out of 191,730 PUV units have been consolidated as of May. This leaves 36,217 units still unconsolidated.


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