Leaders and members of the so-called “Magnificent 7” in the transport sector have expressed opposition to the proposal to stop the full implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program.
In a statement, the Magnificent 7 said a lof their members have already invested so much to support the program that is being pushed by the national government to modernize the public transport system in the country.
The group is composed of Pasang Masda, Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Stop and Go Transport Coalition, and Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas as well as UV Express National Alliance of the Philippines.
The statement came after majority of the senators were reported to have been supporting the suspension of the PUV Modernization program due to some concerns that include allegations of ill-conceived plan and lack of thorough consultation with the affected sectors.
The groups opposing the PUV Modernization said that the program will only burden ordinary drivers and operators since they will be forced to secure a modern unit that cost around P2 million each.
While the government is offering subsidy to those who were able to beat the April 30 deadline for consolidation, those who oppose the program said the price is still so high since it would mean that operators would shell out more than P35,000 a month for the montly amortization.
The Magnificent 7, however, said their members—from operators, drivers and other transport workers—have widely benefitted from the program.
The group argued that their workers have received benefits, including regular and incentive pay, social security, Pag-ibig, and other medical incentives with the help of the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).
“A lot of our members for instance have benefitted from the calamity loan as a result of the recent flooding,” the Magnificent 7 said.
Under the PTMP, road transportation system in the country will be transformed by addressing vehicle safety and quality, route network efficiency, and fleet management, while providing commuters a modern public utility vehicle that is comfortable, accessible, safe and affordable.