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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Bam Aquino holds dialogue with Batangas jeepney operators, drivers on campaign trail

Bam Aquino holds dialogue with Batangas jeepney operators, drivers on campaign trail

Published Feb 27, 2025 10:01 am

While jeepney operators and drivers are supportive of the government’s public utility vehicles (PUV) modernization program, senatorial aspirant Bam Aquino said on Thursday, Feb. 27, that they need government subsidy because of the high costs associated with the transition.

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Independent senatorial candidate Bam Aquino speaks to officers and members of the Batangas Transport Cooperative during a meeting in Mataasnakahoy, Batangas on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. (Bam Aquino Media Bureau)

The former senator, who is making a Senate comeback bid in the May 2025 midterm elections, was tasked by the drivers’ group to be their “voice” as the country moves toward full PUV modernization.

“Mahalagang tingnan natin kung kaya ba talaga o hindi. Gusto nila mag-modernize at gawin ang programa ng gobyerno, ang hinihiling lang po just transition (We need to see if it’s possible or not. They want to modernize and follow the government’s program, but all they are asking for is just transition),” he said.

“Walang maiiwanan. Kaya iyong business model, sustainable at tuloy-tuloy ang modernization (No one gets left behind. The business model must be sustainable so modernization will continue to push through),” the former official added.

Aquino held a dialogue with officers and members of the Batangas Transport Cooperative in Mataasnakahoy, Batangas.

He said to them that he will push for a “humane” transition to modern jeepneys, which means seeking government help for the high cost of modern jeepneys, some of which are priced between P1.7 million and P3.3 million per unit.

“Iyon ang hinahanap nila. Tama lang na mabigyan ng tamang suporta. Sila’y tumutulong sa gobyerno pagdating sa modernization, kailangan ang tulong sa kanila maramdaman din para tuloy-tuloy ang ating effort para mag-modernize ng ating transport sector (That’s what they are looking for. They deserve the proper support. They are helping the government when it comes to modernization, but they also need help so our effort to modernize our transport sector can continue),” he explained.

Introduced in 2017, the PUV modernization program that mandates PUVs to have Euro 4 diesel engines required drivers and operators to consolidate under cooperatives or corporations, which would then be given fresh seven-year franchises after they buy at least 10 modern jeepneys or buses.

The high cost of the e-jeepneys, as well as other reasons, delayed the full implementation of the program.

Related Tags

PUV modernization matalinong boto 2025 2025 Senate race Bam Aquino
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