Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon called on jeepney drivers and operators to cooperate with the government's efforts to modernize public utility vehicles (PUVs), especially after President Marcos approved extending the consolidation period until the end of April this year.

In a statement, Gadon said PUV drivers would not be out of work If the operators were cooperative and more open-minded and if they truly cared about public safety and convenience.

"Hindi naman drivers ang problema dyan, ang mga operators na ayaw maglabas puhunan (The drivers are not the problem. It's the operators who don't want to shell out the capital)," he said.

"Kahit more than 100 times na nila nabawi ang halaga ng dyip, gusto nila kumita pigain ang pakinabang sa dyip nila (Even if they already got back what they spent on their jeepney over 100 times, they still want to milk their old units dry)," he added.

Gadon compared the Philippines to other Southeast Asian countries with citizens using trains, electric buses, and e-trikes.

"The Philippines is still basking and ridiculously, shamelessly proud of the lokbu (decayed), antiquated, Jurassic, [and] dilapidated Manila jeepney," he said.

"Nasaan ang public convenience sa mga bulok, karag-karag, mausok, mabaho, mainit, unsafe na mga bulok na jeep (in the decayed, slow, smelly, putrid, humid, and unsage jeepneys)?" he asked.

Gadon suggested using the "old and almost dilapidated jeepneys" for agricultural use in provinces.