ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has reiterated the importance of the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), formerly known as the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), amid heated discussions on whether to suspend the modernization initiative.
This debate was sparked by a move in the Senate where, on Monday, July 29, a resolution was passed advocating for a temporary halt to the PTMP.
The resolution, backed by 22 senators, cites urgent concerns raised by the affected sector and calls for a resolution to these issues before moving forward.
But Defensor said the PTMP is already making significant headway in the province, with several modernized units currently operating and the approval process for the Local Public Transportation Route Plan (LPTRP) by the provincial government underway.
“We really need the modernization program because our public transport urgently needs to evolve. If not, we will be left behind,” Defensor said.
Drawing comparisons with neighboring countries that have modernized their public transportation systems, Defensor underscored the necessity for the Philippines to strive for similar advancements.
He linked the need for modernization to other significant infrastructure projects like the proposed Iloilo-Capiz-Aklan Expressway (ICAEx), Panay-Guimaras-Negros bridges, and Panay Railways system, emphasizing their roles in accelerating regional development.
In response to the Senate’s suspension move, Defensor expressed his desire to first understand the reasons behind the resolution, acknowledging the Senate’s prerogative and power to halt the program.
“While the PTMP is integral to the traffic management solution, there is an urgent need to thoroughly review and reassess the impact of the program,” stated the senators in the resolution.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has set an April 30, 2024 deadline for the consolidation of public utility vehicles (PUVs) in line with the PTMP, yet the Senate resolution highlighted that 36,217 units, or about 19% of the jeepneys and other PUVs, remain unconsolidated.
The senators cited insufficient government-led information drives and the financial burden of acquiring modern PUVs as primary reasons for the high unconsolidation rate.
DOTr Undersecretary Andy Ortega affirmed their respect for the Senate’s proposal but insisted on continuing the modernization program and engaging with the affected sector.
“We are pursuing the program because we believe we can resolve all issues through consultation,” Ortega added.
Similarly, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III confirmed the continuation of the modernization program, provided no directive to suspend comes from the President or DOTr.
Guadiz assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to addressing transport-related problems and enhancing the sector for the public’s benefit./PN
