Transport group Manibela on Wednesday lauded the 22 senators who signed a resolution to halt the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
Manibela president Mar Valbuena, in an interview, welcomed this development and said “our sacrifices have paid off.”
“They (senators) have seen the many failures of the program, especially when it comes to the acquisition of new units. Would these be locally made or would these come from China that continues to bully us?” he told the Manila Standard.
“We appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to sign it. We really thank the senators,” Valbuena added.
The transport group leader said the government does not have the financial capability to subsidize the program.
When asked about the so-called Magnificent 7’s threat to stage a transport strike should the Senate pass a resolution stopping the consolidation program, Valbuena said “that is their right to do so.”
The Magnificent 7 is composed of Pasang Masda, the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytors Nationwide, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Stop and Go, and Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators ng Pilipinas.
“Aren’t they ashamed of themselves? They wanted to remove the iconic jeepneys out of our streets and replace them with modernized ones. They are always against our transport strike, and now, here they are planning to hold a strike,” Valbuena commented.
Roberto “Ka Obet” Martin of Pasang Masda said he looks forward to “have another discussion” with senators, who signed the resolution and “did not want change” in the modern transport sector.
“I respect their decision. Should the President refuse to sign it, it would just be nothing,” said Martin, who he believes the Chief Executive would stay firm on his stance to support the government’s modernization program.
Senate Resolution 1096 was filed and signed by the 22 senators on Wednesday to temporarily suspend the implementation of PUVMP. In a statement, Manibela thanked the upper chamber led by Senate President Francis Escudero and committee chairperson Sen. Raffy Tulfo for this action.
“To all our Manibela members and other sectors, thank you for your steadfast commitment to doing what is right. Your courage, intelligence, and resilience in facing all sacrifices, pains, and criticisms are deeply appreciated. Let us continue to stand together in this fight,” the statement added.
Valbuena urged all members to join them in their nationwide caravan to support the “PIRMA ng ating PANGULO” initiative! in Nagtahan, Manila on August 1, Thursday.
