The decision on the specific brand of the modern vehicles that will be procured for the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization lies on the transport operators, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on Tuesday, Jan. 9.

LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said the agency will neither suggest nor dictate the brand of the modern PUV units to the transport operators who consolidated into either a cooperative or a corporation.

“Both the LTFRB and the government have no say on what unit and from what company the jeepney operators will choose in purchasing their modern jeepneys,” said Guadiz.

“It is the transport cooperatives which decide on the matter,” he added.

Guadiz issued the statement apparently in response to Sen. Raffy Tulfo’s criticism of the reported government’s plan to import Chinese-made modern jeepneys that will be used in the Philippines’ PUV Modernization program.

But Guadiz pointed out that jeepney cooperatives could buy from any manufacturers whether local, from Japan, or China since the government will not meddle in this process and should be fully handled by the cooperatives.

“We also ensure that the primary aspect to consider in shifting to modern jeepneys is the safety and roadworthiness of the new jeepney units to provide better service to the commuters,” said Guadiz.

The LTFRB also clarified that transportation cooperatives have the autonomy to choose from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-approved manufacturers that adhere to the Philippine National Standard.

At present, there are currently 32 models of modern jeepney plying around the country which are either locally manufactured or locally assembled jeepneys.