The modernization of our mass transportation system is an urgent one due to rapid population growth in Metro Manila and other urban areas
It is clear that the old axiom – “Why fix it if it ain’t broke?” – does not apply in the case of the controversy over the government’s Public Utility Vehicles Modernization Program (PUVMP).
There’s something terribly wrong, for instance, with the so-called traditional jeepneys that evolved from the World War II-era Willy’s jeeps and were transformed by Filipino ingenuity into a viable form of mass transportation from 1946 onwards to today.
For one thing, most of the remaining traditional jeepneys today contribute heavily to air pollution particularly in the urban areas because they use diesel engines that emit toxic fumes.
And many of them are so dilapidated that their drivers and operators apparently see no need to have them refurbished since they’re already bound for the scrap heap anyway.
Then there’s limited capacity of these public conveyances compared to, say, buses and now the light rail networks that crisscross part of the metropolis and accommodate a much bigger number of commuters on a daily basis.
Amid all this, the Department of Transportation issued Department Order 2017-011 laying down the rules for the PUVMP.
The order states modern PUV units shall be fitted with combustion engines that comply with EURO IV emission standards.
Other units that use alternative fuel sources, such as electric and solar vehicles, shall also be deployed to replace traditional PUVs.
The DOTr has repeatedly stated the modernization program will provide a “climate-friendly, and environmentally sustainable transportation system in the country.”
The Marcos Jr. administration decided to continue the PUVMP started during the previous administration.
It has also stood firm against extending the Dec. 31 deadline for PUVs to join or organize cooperatives that would be issued consolidated franchises under the modernization program.
These cooperatives would be entitled to government subsidies, access to credit facilities, and other forms of assistance to help modernize their fleets.
Even if public utility vehicle operators and drivers who have yet to comply with the government’s PUV Modernization Program will still have until the end of this month to do so, will the continuing opposition to the controversial issue die down?
We don’t think so.
Opposition to the franchise consolidation of public utility vehicles is not limited to those who actually own and operate traditional jeepneys.
There’s the Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment which asserts that the plan of Department of Transportation (DOTr) to replace the existing PUV units with “fragile” minibuses is not environmentally sound.
The group actually prefers the rehabilitation of existing units.
“Importing surplus minibuses that break down easily, in the context of worsening climate change impacts like flooding, and essentially wasting thousands of PUV units when they can be rehabilitated, can hardly be called sustainable,” they said.
The group, acknowledging that while government’s intentions may be good, believes the PUVMP as it is being implemented now violates the principle of “just transition.”
This principle calls for “ensuring that people’s rights are protected as we address environmental issues.”
Another environmental group, the Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines likewise pointed out government’s enforcement of the modernization program tramples on the rights of transport workers: “In transitioning towards a more sustainable and genuinely eco-friendly future, the processes involved should be fair, equitable, and just…A project or a policy cannot be considered environmentally friendly if it is not pro-people.”
Meanwhile, the fisherfolk group Pamalakaya said its opposition to PUVMP does not mean its members are anti-progress, but they are concerned over the loss of livelihood in the transport sector.
The transport group Piston, one of those staunchly opposed to the PUVMP, has warned that over 28 million Filipinos will be affected by a “transport disaster” in Metro Manila if the government pushes through with its full-blown implementation on Feb 1.
The modernization of our mass transportation system is an urgent one due to rapid population growth in Metro Manila and other urban areas.
But modernization should not be focused on the traditional jeepneys and replacing them with mini-buses.
We need to rationalize transport routes and adopt a comprehensive plan to build an expanded rail system that can carry more people and goods to other areas in the country.
(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)