THE COLLEGE Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) condemns in the strongest terms the obnoxious franchise consolidation deadline and the ill-planned Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). Moreso, we hold the Marcos Jr. administration liable for its criminal negligence in developing a people-centered and accessible mass transportation system.
The Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) earlier issued Memorandum Circular 2023-052 that outlined the PUVMP and franchise consolidation among transport lines — a signed death warrant for traditional jeepneys, taxicabs, and UV Express cabs. Unconsolidated units will face show cause orders and possible franchise cancellation after December 31, 2023.
LTFRB, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are all stone deaf over transport workers’ and commuters’ legitimate concerns.
The fate of thousands of jeepney drivers hangs in thin air as LTFRB, DOTr, and Malacañang are yet to answer PISTON’s motion for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)
These triad of butchers rid Filipinos of their right to livelihood and access to public services. Moreso, they pit the general public—commuters and transport workers alike — against the ramifications of the PUVMP.
Commuters, on the other hand, will bear the brunt of the expensive transition to modernized public transport vehicles. Fares will soar as high as 60 pesos per one-way ride, compounded by rising fuel and commodity prices. Meanwhile, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and corporate bigwigs such as Toyota will benefit from the largesse of the loans that will be issued to aid drivers and operators processing franchise consolidation.
The Guild, together with the Filipino masses, reiterates the immediate disposal of the franchise consolidation deadline. This is not only an ill-devised plan but an affront to the people’s socio-economic rights and their future as well. Genuine progress must not be at the expense of the Filipino people’s welfare.
This duplicity — peddling coins to people while milking them out of their meager livelihood — only shows their ineptitude and apathy on our legitimate concerns. We must hold them accountable on all counts in this do-or-die fight. – COLLEGE EDITORS GUILD OF THE PHILIPPINES <cegphils@gmail.com>
