ILOILO CITY – Traditional jeepney drivers and operators opposing the Public Transportation Modernization Program (PTMP) have expressed renewed hope after Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon promised to suspend the program’s implementation to address its flaws.
The announcement came during a dialogue between Dizon and representatives of the No to PUV (public utility vehicle) Phaseout Coalition on March 21, 2025. According to coalition convenor Elmer Forro, the meeting was initiated by Dizon’s office and has sparked optimism among stakeholders.
“This is a result of the collective efforts, unity, and sacrifices of drivers and operators. This hope wasn’t voluntarily given by the government; it was earned through our consistent actions and advocacy,” Forro said.
The coalition outlined several issues with the PTMP, including the failure of the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP), which Iloilo City was the first to implement as a model for other cities.
They also revealed that many transport cooperatives in Iloilo have already collapsed due to challenges under the program, and data on consolidated traditional jeepneys are inconsistent.
Forro emphasized that Dizon acknowledged the gravity of the problems surrounding the PTMP. The transportation chief assured the group that a decision to suspend the program would be formalized within 10 to 15 days through a memorandum circular, potentially by April 10, 2025.
“We feel validated that our concerns are recognized. Secretary Dizon admitted that the [PTMP] faces significant issues,” Forro stated.
The coalition, which has submitted position papers and demand letters to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), warned that they would stage more protests if the suspension is not implemented.
“If Secretary Dizon fails to fulfill his promise, we are ready to take further action to defend our cause,” Forro said.
Despite a planned three-day national transport strike by MANIBELA from March 24-26, Forro clarified that Iloilo transport groups have no plans to join the strike.
The PTMP (previously PUVMP), launched in 2017, aims to modernize public transportation by replacing traditional jeepneys with safer and eco-friendly alternatives.
However, it has faced strong opposition from transport groups who argue that the program is financially burdensome and poorly executed.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated. Originally posted with the headline “Transport groups in Iloilo City pin hopes on Dizon to address PTMP issues.”