By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros announced on Friday, August 16, 2024, that she will be signing the resolution seeking the suspension of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) after incorporating her amendments.

“Actually, nahuli lang ako sa pagpirma ng reso. Pero kinausap ko na si Chair Raffy (Tulto) na sa period of interpellation and amendments, meron lang akong gustong i-raise na mga tanong at i-propose na amendments,” Hontiveros said.

“Pipirmahan ko rin yung resolution para sa temporary suspension, kasi gusto ko rin munang ipasok yung amyenda,” she added.

The senator mentioned that her amendments include provisions to ensure that drivers and operators who have complied with the program should not be affected by the suspension and that the riding experience for commuters improves.

“So, ipo-put on record ko yun, ipo-propose ko yung amendments, hopeful ako na tatanggapin ni Chair Raffy. Pipirmahan ko rin naman yung resolution basta may ganung mga improvements,” Hontiveros said.

Earlier, 22 out of 23 senators signed Senate Resolution No. 1096, which sought the temporary suspension of the PUVMP.

However, the resolution was later rejected by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. saying the PUVMP has already been postponed seven times over un the past.

ia/mnm