A lawmaker on Monday, March 24, called for dialogue instead of protests and transport strikes amid jeepney drivers' concerns on the alleged discrepancies in the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

Ang Probinsyano Party-list Rep. Alfred delos Santos said that while he understood the concerns of the jeepney drivers, the latter must also give consideration to the "broader impact on commuters and the economy" of what they do.

"We recognize and support the right of our transport groups to speak up for their livelihood," Delos Santos said.

"But we also hope that they take into account the daily struggles of ordinary commuters, especially students, workers, and small businesses that are directly affected by disruptions," he added.

Jeepney drivers are holding a three-day transport strike until Wednesday to protect alleged irregularities in the jeepney modernization program.

This came after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), according to transport group Manibela, reported an inflated 86 percent consolidation rate—although in fact only 43 percent have been officially approved while the actual number of consolidated jeepney operators may be as low as 30 to 35 percent.

"We urge all parties to come to the table. Instead of causing widespread disruption, we believe that bringing these concerns directly to the right agencies through formal channels is a more effective and lasting path forward," Delos Santos said. 

He also called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon to engage in transparent and inclusive discussions with drivers, especially on issues like provisional authority, penalties for “colorum” operations, and the financial burdens drivers now face.

 "We hope this situation does not lead to further burden. Hunger and fear should never be the price of modernization. The goal should always be inclusive reform, where no one is left behind," he said.