A transport caravan was held in Bacolod City on Monday, August 5, to oppose attempts to suspend the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) as part of a nationwide protest.
The protest was staged in response to the passage of a Senate resolution signed by 22 senators calling for the PUVMP’s suspension due to concerns about its alleged unplanned and rushed implementation.
“There is an urgent need to thoroughly review and reassess the impact of the program, to alleviate the fears of the drivers and transport operators who will be directly burdened by its implementation,” the resolution read.
Cora Ocalinas, Bacolod Modernized Jeepney Transport Association secretary, said solutions not suspension of the PUVMP is what is needed.
She said they supported and embraced the program ever since it was proposed and now there are those who just want to suspend it.
They were holding a transport caravan to also show their force, she said, pointing out that about 2,500 drivers, operators, conductors and staff were joining the caravan.
Government should push through with the modernization program, she said.
There is an about 75 percent compliance with the jeepney modernization program in Bacolod City, Councilor Al Victor Espino said.
“I feel the jeepney modernization program is the answer to strengthen transportation not just in Bacolod but in the whole Philippines,” Espino said.
The majority in Bacolod have joined the PUMVP but the voices of those opposing it have also been heard, he said.
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said it is good for the transport caravan participants to air their concerns so all sides can be heard and a consensus can be reached to benefit the majority.*