“Basta driver, sweet lover” and “God knows Hudas does not pay” are two of the most common signages found hanging on jeepneys.
Initially abandoned by the Americans after the war, these vehicles were adapted and modified by Filipinos to transport passengers, becoming a cultural symbol of the Philippines.
They are not just modes of transport; they serve as moving canvases adorned with artistry and messages that illustrate the stories of daily life, community, and the rich heritage of the Philippines.
Gerardo Felipe, a 56-year-old jeepney driver, has been driving his jeepney for over a decade. He takes pride in the fact that this work has provided for his family’s daily needs and allowed him to fulfill his dream of sending all three of his children to school.
“Hindi dapat tanggalin ang mga jeepney dahil ito ang nag re-representa sa atin bilang Filipino, dahil ito ay sariling atin at walang katulad ito,” he said.
Mandated by the Duterte government in 2017, the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program requires corporations or cooperatives with at least 15 vehicles to apply for new franchises. This means single operators and drivers, including those with jeepney fleets, must form a single legal entity through a corporation or a cooperative.
The program aims to transition from traditional jeepneys to modern vehicles prioritizing safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. These new vehicles, resembling mini-buses, are intended to maintain distinct designs that set them apart from the classic jeepneys, often celebrated as the “King of the Road.”
“Kung disenyo ang basehan [ay] wag tanggalin ang mga ito. [traditional jeep]. Dahil ang mga ibang jeep ay binibigyan ng meaning ang mga design, pangalan ng anak o mukha, yung iba naka base kung saan nakuha yung pera pantubos ng jeep na pinapasada,” Gerardo added.
In late 2023, local manufacturer Francisco Motors launched a modern jeepney that retains the iconic appearance of the trBy August 2024, the government reported that 80% of public utility vehicle operators had consolidated their franchises under cooperatives or corporations to purchase and replace traditional jeepneys. However, the transport group PISTON opposed the program, highlighting the 2,645 routes that would cease operations due to the modernization effort.
