Luis “Chavit” Singson said he is taking a hands-on approach to ensure the success of the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) by making it more inclusive and financially accessible to Filipino jeepney operators.
Speaking at the recent Western Visayas Transport Summit in Iloilo, Singson launched his e-jeep and shared how his involvement in the modernization effort began even before he officially entered the Senate race.
While Singson acknowledged that the PUVMP was a well-intentioned initiative, he pointed out that its financial model was impractical for many drivers—particularly those without access to bank loans or the financial literacy to navigate the system.
“When I saw the challenges faced by drivers, I knew there had to be a better way. Many of them could not afford the loans or had limited access to banking services. That’s when I decided I would personally fund the transition,” Singson said.
To address this, he pledged to provide zero-interest loans to jeepney operators, effectively removing the financial barrier that has kept many from participating in the program.
The fleet features state-of-the-art technology, including air conditioning for passenger comfort and solar charging stations to promote energy efficiency. To make the transition even more financially feasible, Singson negotiated discounted electricity rates at the solar charging stations, which will help reduce the operational costs for jeepney owners.
