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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider House panel shows urgency, sets probe on controversial PUV modernization program 

House panel shows urgency, sets probe on controversial PUV modernization program 

Published Jan 7, 2024 04:04 am

At A Glance

  • Answering the Speaker's call, the House Committee Transportation will launch its motu propio investigation on the supposed tainted implementation of the public utility vehicle (PUV) or jeepney modernization program on Wednesday, Jan. 10.
  • Antipolo City 2nd Rep. Romeo Acop chairs the transportation panel.

IMG-974735927c4454e7736db95f0cecb521-V.jpgAntipolo City 2nd Rep. Romeo Acop (PPAB)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answering the Speaker's call, the House Committee Transportation will launch its motu propio investigation on the supposed tainted implementation of the public utility vehicle (PUV) or jeepney modernization program on Wednesday, Jan. 10. 

“We are responding to the directive of Speaker Romualdez to investigate these very serious allegations. We will just get the consensus of members of the committee so we can start our hearings by Wednesday,” panel chairman Antipolo City 2nd district Rep. Romeo Acop said in a statement Sunday, Jan. 7. 

“We cannot allow corruption to take root in the implementation of the modernization program. If we are to proceed with the modernization of our PUVs, we must make sure there is not even a whiff of irregularity,” added Acop, who is a former brigadier general. 

Last Thursday, House Speaker Martin Romualdez noted that there have have existing transport officials were "in cahoots with previous officials in negotiating for the imported modern jeepney units that will replace the old units". 

The tapping of these modern jeepneys is the heart of the PUV modernization program, but many drivers and operators of traditional jeeps have slammed the high cost of the modern units. 

A motu propio inquiry is a voluntary inquiry by a House committee; it does not require the filing of a resolution or a privilege speech by House members. 

The lawmakers are technically still on holiday recess. They won't convene for session until Jan. 22.

 

HAVE YOU READ THIS? 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/1/4/romualdez-wants-tainted-puv-modernization-program-probed-takes-up-cudgels-for-drivers

 

“So it is clear that under our rules, we can proceed with the investigation. And I believe this a matter that requires our urgent attention. Lalo na’t kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan ang nakasalalay sa epektibong pagpapatupad ng programang ito,” Acop said. 

(Especially since the livelihood of our countrymen is what's at stake with the effective implementation of this program.) 

Romualdez, the leader of the 300-plus members of the House of Representatives, has also asked the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for a complete review and extension of the implementation of the program, which requires jeepney operators and drivers to join or group themselves into transport cooperatives. 

The House leader said that although the modernization program has his full support, measures should be in place to protect jeepney drivers. 

The deadline for the requirement to join a transport cooperative lapsed on Dec. 31, 2023, but was extended until the end of this month. 

“As we embrace progress and innovation, it is imperative that we address the need for modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly transport systems. The jeepney modernization program is not just about upgrading vehicles; it's a comprehensive plan to rejuvenate our urban transportation landscape, making it safer, more reliable, and in tune with sustainable practices,” Romualdez said.

Related Tags

PUV Modernization Program Martin Romualdez Romeo Acop
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