Senators on Thursday, January 25 hailed Malacañang’s move to pull the brakes on the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) but urged authorities to conduct a thorough review of the program during the three-month period.

“Pulling the brakes on the PUV modernization program is a far reaching initiative when the welfare of our commuting public and the livelihood of thousands of drivers are at stake.

The three-month extension can be best utilized by conducting a thorough review of the program to see its gains and better understand the defiance of some groups to it,” Sen. Grace Poe said in a statement.

“The high cost of the new vehicles has proven to be a big stumbling block to the rollout of modernization, and should not be ignored.

Reports of idle units and missed amortization payments by some consolidated groups must be looked into to see the viability of the program,” Poe added.

Poe also said transportation officials should also accommodate suggestions of low cost alternatives such as rehabilitaiton of jeepneys that are roadworthy to make them environmentally-compliant.

“Modernization is not just about consolidation and throwing to the junkyard our iconic jeepneys. It should be about rejuvenating our transportation landscape to make it safer and more reliable to our commuters, and at the same time sustainable to our drivers and operators,” she stressed.

Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, likewise, commended President Marcos for extending the franchise consolidation of PUVs until April 30.

“This three-month extension gives more time for those who want to partner with the government to solve worsening transportation problems and offer reliable services to Filipino commuters,” Ejercito said.

“As I have consistently said, I am in full support of improving and modernizing public transport system in the country. The extended deadline aligns with the government’s goal of facilitating a smoother transition for the sector and further ensures that the process is conducive to both operators and drivers,” he pointed out.

Sen. Imee Marcos also sees the latest directive of the President as a “good step in the right direction.”

“However, this additional time should be used not only to allow jeepney drivers to consolidate. This period should be used to come up with a better solution to allow our jeepney drivers and owners to continue with their livelihood,” Marcos said.

Instead of the proposed phase-out, Marcos said the government needs a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes the needs of all Filipinos, which should include modernizing existing jeepneys by retrofitting the units with cleaner engines, promoting cleaner fuels, and improving safety standards.

Marcos also urged the government to consider investing in infrastructure by expanding and improving roads, bridges, and mass transit systems to address congestion and create a well-connected network.

She also said the government should developing sustainable alternatives such as allowing electric and hybrid vehicles, promoting carpooling and cycling, using renewable fuels, and exploring micro-mobility options.