By Junex Doronio
MANILA – Despite opposition from the Senate, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. continues to support the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) revealed this on Monday, August 5, 2024.
“The program will continue. The President supports it, and it will proceed until the final stages of modernization are completed,” said LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III.
Guadiz made this statement during a program for protesting drivers and operators who have already complied with the PUVMP at Mendiola in Manila.
“The public can rest assured, with the support of the Department of Transportation, that the President is behind them. There will be no suspension. The program will continue,” Guadiz emphasized.
Recently, 22 out of 23 senators signed Senate Resolution 1096, urging the government to temporarily suspend the implementation of the PUVMP, now referred to as the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).
The resolution cites concerns about the high number of unconsolidated PUV units, the phaseout of the iconic jeepney design in favor of modern jeepneys, and the low percentage of approved routes, among others.
Surprisingly, opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros did not sign the resolution.
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