The country’s top transportation officials warned against the stalled implementation of the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) saying President Marcos remains firmly behind the initiative despite a majority of Senators seeking a moratorium on its implementation pending further review.
In a radio interview, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III assured the program aimed at upgrading public utility jeepneys (PUJs) and consolidating operators servicing specific PUJ routes “will continue until the final stages of modernization are completed.”
“The country can count on the support of the Department of Transportation. The President is with them. No suspension will occur. The program will continue,” he said over dzBB’s Super Radyo.
At least 22 of the 23 senators signed proposed Senate Resolution 1096, seeking the temporary suspension of the program implementation.
The PTMP, whose gradual implementation began in 2017, seeks to replace the traditional PUJs with vehicles that have a Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution.
The consolidation of individual PUJ franchises into cooperatives or corporations is the first stage of the modernization program.
As this developed, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) warned that suspending the PTMP, formerly called the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, would disrupt essential services for the public.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said, “continuing the Public Transport Modernization Program aligns with our common goal of benefiting the community and advancing public welfare.”
He insisted that the overall impact of the PTMP since its inception in 1992 has been “overwhelmingly positive.”
The transport chief assured that DOTr has been actively addressing some isolated issues through ongoing review and stakeholder consultations.
“We remain committed to refining the program to better meet the needs of our stakeholders,” Bautista added.
He asserted that suspending PTMP at this stage could disrupt services for many who depend on its benefits, adding that significant resources have already been invested in its development and implementation.
“This could undermine progress and damage relationships with stakeholders, particularly given that a significant percentage have already consolidated,” Bautista said.
