Transport unions and commuter advocacy groups in Negros Island in a statement Tuesday, Oct. 20, jointly expressed strong opposition to a new partnership between the World Bank and the Department of Transportation (DOTr), accusing both entities of peddling “false reforms” under the ongoing Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
Led by the United Negros Drivers and Operators Center–Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (UNDOC-PISTON) and the Kabacod Negros Transport Organization (KNETCO), alongside broad consumer and commuter networks under Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) Negros, the coalition warned that the initiative threatens the livelihoods of local transport workers while paving the way for corporate dominance over public transit.
Under the joint framework, the World Bank and DOTr propose implementing “targeted reforms” designed to overhaul the controversial PUVMP. These policy changes are scheduled for piloting in select Highly Urbanized Cities (HUCs), with Bacolod City designated as one of the primary test sites, they said.
Despite being touted by official channels as meaningful policy adjustments, the opposing groups argued that the World Bank-led intervention is merely “a new dressing to cover the old, rickety, and failed modernization program” originally pushed under former President Rodrigo Duterte and continued by the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“While touted as meaningful changes, reforms pushed by the World Bank will undoubtedly only lead to further disenfranchisement of workers in the public transport sector in exchange for a corporate takeover of an essential public service,” the joint statement read.
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