By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Just like a boxer who has only one hand to fight in the ring, the transport sector is sharply divided over the issue of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, with Pasang Masda fully backing it while Piston strongly opposing the government scheme.
On Tuesday, Piston confirmed the “great split” among transport groups as Pasang Masda president Obet Martin led transport operators and drivers to file on Monday (January 15) a motion for intervention at the Supreme Court (SC) with attached comment and opposition to the main petitions against the PUV modernization program.
Pasang Masda disagreed with Piston’s stance that modern jeepneys are overpriced.
“Kung sinasabi nilang mahal, ang pagpili po, ang choices nasa cooperative, nasa korporasyon. Marami na ho ngayong murang mga modern jeepneys compliant sa Philippine National Standards kagaya ng isang supplier na halos P1 million na lang po ang halaga,” Martin pointed out.
Earlier, Elmer Francisco, chief executive officer (CEO) of E-Francisco Motors Corporation, claimed that their company is selling modern jeepneys for P985,000 each unit “unlike the P3 million (per unit) sold by China.”
Speaking for the opposing transport groups, Piston national president Mody Floranda said that although he respects the position of some transport groups, he also stressed that some operators do not want to be saddled with huge debt.
“Nirerepesto natin yung posisyon ng ibat-ibang federation. Marahil ay okay sa kanila ‘yung modernization pero dapat ay tinitignan din ‘yung mga kaibigan natin ano epekto sa baba dahil marami rin ang lumalapit sa atin na local association na galing din sa ibat-ibang federation,” Floranda said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.
(el Amigo/MNM)
