Cartoon by Meldrid Ayag.
After being delayed to be implemented due to the pandemic in early 2020—now that it has subsided—the plan to upgrade the public transportation system through Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization or Jeepney Phaseout will finally be issued by the end of this year. The project was already proposed seven years ago by the previous Duterte administration for the same purpose of improving our transportation system and lessening environmental impacts. Although the government has emphasized its benefits, one major downside here is that it seems like drivers will be left out as soon as their franchises are no longer renewed after traditional jeepneys become phased out.
A merry Christmas and a happy New Year aren't the case for more or less 40,000 chauffeurs that are members of the Samahang Manibela Mananakay at Nagkaisang Terminal ng Transportasyon, commonly known as MANIBELA, who have been protesting since December 18 until December 29 against the jeepney phaseout as according to them, they fear that 300,000 people will frantically lose their jobs in case the program doesn't give them consideration.
Of course, chauffeurs are aware that they can continue their jobs as long as they avail the new jeepney after the phaseout of their old ones. However, replacement units or modern jeepneys are too good to be affordable. When the previous administration launched the program back in 2017, each replacement unit cost about ₱1.3 million, but now that the program has been revived, each replacement will now cost drivers double the previous price to ₱2.6 million up to ₱3 million. The cost has been the primary reason for the continuous opposition, with most drivers being overwhelmed by their required investment just to clear out their blurred livelihoods.
To be honest, modernization can be possible even without the phaseout. Instead of mandating drivers to upgrade their vehicles, they should have a choice for their livelihoods, especially since most of them can't afford the modern PUVs. At that cost, their choices are only to have a financial burden or to lose their job. In case drivers are left with no choice but to avail the modern jeepney, commuters might also be deemed to have a higher fare. This way, it's easier for drivers to earn the profit to pay for their possible loans upon availing of the modern PUV.
The first step in the participation of drivers in the program is only until December 31. To further encourage drivers, the government has already assured subsidies for them the moment they surrender their franchise. They are offering a 28% fund for the cost of each modern PUV, which is roughly around ₱360,000 from ₱1.3 million. The said cost of subsidy per modern PUV will require a total of P64.2 billion. But aside from that, what's not yet assured are the plans of the government for the jobs of chauffeurs after the deadline.
It seems that the authorities are already determined to proceed with the implementation of this program—hopefully, we won't attract what we fear during the process. As of now, the government should definitely be working on lessening the burden on the people who are affected. They should be supporting drivers to comply with the requirements of the program, may it be financially or technically. Fair subsidies should also be handed out so that drivers and operators wouldn't only be the ones who would bear the staggering cost. By any chance, the cost of replacement units should also be reasonable in order for the cost to not be passed down to commuters. Lastly, the government should have a concrete plan for securing the jobs of drivers during the process of transitioning to the modern PUV, as it can take away the jobs of many.
This program is actually a huge stride for our country—it's undeniable that this is such an innovation. Of course, all of us would long for modernization. However, during the process, we shouldn't overlook the situation the country’s drivers are in. The government should understand that there is no cheap modernization. No driver should be left behind and the transition should be smoothed out until every driver can afford it.
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