For House Deputy Speaker and Batangas 6th district Rep. Ralph Recto, the price tag of a modern jeep is simply too steep.

"Kung ang sticker price ng modern jeep ay P2.8 million, talaga namang mahal (If the sticker price pf a modern jeep is P2.8 million, then it really is expensive),” Recto said in a statement Thursday, March 2.

In addition to lowering the financial bar to ownership of these modern jeeps--which are meant to replace traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs)--the veteran lawmaker also called for a larger government subsidy on new units.

“This is a nation awashed in taxpayer subsidies. If you regularly ride the MRT (Metro Rail Transit) and LRT (Light Rail Transit) on weekdays, subsidized ang fare mo ng P14,500 a year (your fare is subsidized by P14,500 annually)," Recto said.

Recto offered some perspective on P160,000 subsidy that the government is currently shelling out per unit.

He said this amount is what the government spends annually on the free college of just two students, or about 10 families enrolled under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

As an interim measure, the former Senate President pro tempore suggested that P160,000 be released also for the possible upgrading of legacy or traditional jeeps.

"Sana mapag-aralan (Hopefully it can be studied)," he said.

Recto gave these remarks amid the “pause” ordered by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). From June, the deadline for jeepney owners to comply with the program has been moved to end of 2023.

The deputy speaker said this should give the government time to improve the program as well as lessen the "pain points” to drivers, operators, and commuters.