Local truck body makers seek role in ‘Love Bus’ revival

MANILA—Local truck body manufacturers are requesting government approval to supply the vehicle bodies for the proposed “Love Bus” project, a revived transport system, to ensure at least 20 percent local content in its assembly.

The Automotive Body Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (ABMAP) is preparing a request, with ABMAP director Rommel Juan stressing that local firms possess the capability and capacity for the task. Juan cited ongoing investments in advanced facilities and equipment, including painting, stamping, laser cutting and welding technologies.

The “Love Bus” is a proposed government-led initiative designed to allow local manufacturers to participate in body production. ABMAP said the project would boost local manufacturing, create jobs and enhance technical skills within the sector.

ABMAP members have already invested heavily to support the broader Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), but their participation has remained limited because most modern jeepneys are arriving as completely built-up (CBU) imports, it said.

“We do not object to importing the chassis or transmission, but give the truck body to us,” Juan said.

“Local manufacturing should be prioritized because our industry is disappearing. Imported CBUs should be restricted,” he said.

Juan also noted that the PTMP has been slowed down by high loan default rates, which has prompted the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to stop financing several transport cooperatives.

He said the long-term success of the modernization effort relies on reliable after-sales service and easy access to spare parts, noting a current lack of local support and maintenance for imported units.