By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In the wake of Senator Raffy Tulfo’s opposition to China-made modern jeepneys, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday washed its hands off, saying it’s totally up to the jeepney cooperatives what unit they will purchase in compliance with the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III stressed in a statement that the agency had “no say” on what unit and from what company the jeepney operators would purchase their modern jeepneys as this was the prerogative of the jeepney cooperatives.
“We also ensure that the primary aspect to consider in shifting to modern jeepneys is the safety and roadworthiness of the new jeepney units to provide better service to the commuters,” he said.
On Sunday (January 7), Tulfo charged that the purchase of Chinese-made jeeps reeks of corruption since it costs less to produce modern jeepneys in the Philippines.
He noted that imported jeepneys from China cost P2.6 million to P2.9 million per unit, while a local unit only amounts between P900,000 to P985,000.
But Guadiz pointed out that jeepney cooperatives should fully handle the process, and they could buy from any manufacturer, whether local, from Japan, or China, since the government would not meddle in this.
He added that transportation cooperatives could choose from Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-approved manufacturers that adhere to the Philippine National Standard.
“The DTI lists those compliant with the Philippine National Standard. It’s up to them [cooperatives] who they will choose. It’s their call… They have the full autonomy,” the LTFRB chief said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
