ILOILO City – Transport cooperatives in Iloilo are urging newly appointed Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to enforce a firm and consistent implementation of the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), emphasizing that the government must prioritize the collective voice of the majority over the noise of a few dissenting groups.
The appeal came during a nationwide press conference held Monday, March 24, organized by transport groups supporting the modernization drive. In Iloilo City, the Western Visayas Alliance of Transport Cooperatives and Corporations, Inc. (WVATCCI) led the call, countering the three-day transport strike launched by MANIBELA, a group opposed to the program.
WVATCCI president Rizal Alido stressed that the modernization program, formerly known as the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), enjoys overwhelming support from the sector, with over 86% of traditional jeepneys nationwide already consolidated, including 98% in Iloilo City and 99% in Iloilo Province.
Alido called on the national government to enact legislation institutionalizing the modernization program, saying it should not remain as a mere department order or memorandum circular. A law, he said, would ensure a regular budget through the General Appropriations Act (GAA) and guarantee the continuity of crucial support programs such as fuel subsidies and service contracting.
“There is a serious lack of government support. We’ve held seven or nine press conferences already, but each time a new secretary is appointed, the approach changes,” said Alido. “Why not just follow through with what has been started? The program is government-initiated, and we ask for no less than full commitment from the government.”
According to Alido, a stable budget would allow cooperatives to strengthen their operations by providing training and seminars for their members. He lamented that while majority-backed cooperatives are pushing for modernization, the government seems to be listening more to “shouting in the streets” by smaller, opposing groups.
“It’s frustrating. We, the majority, are being ignored. Secretary, it’s time to wake up. Stand by the modernization program,” Alido appealed.
Alido also urged Secretary Dizon to issue a directive to the regional offices of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) to intensify operations against colorum and unregistered jeepneys that unfairly compete with legitimate operators.
His call was echoed by Perfecto Yap, consultant of Joroshely Transport Services and WVATCCI. Yap emphasized that modernization is long overdue and beneficial not only to transport groups but also to passengers and the nation as a whole.
“We need your support. We truly believe this program is good. Other ASEAN nations have already modernized; we are the ones left behind,” said Yap, who also underscored the need for the program to be backed by law.
Yap pointed out that due to limited government assistance, only 555 modern units have been procured in Iloilo City, despite the awarding of over 1,700 mini-bus units. Under the current setup, the government was supposed to provide a 5% subsidy per unit—a commitment that remains unfulfilled for many.
He also noted that other program components, such as livelihood and training assistance for displaced drivers and operators through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), have yet to be fully implemented.
Halley Alcarde, general manager of the Western Visayas Transport Cooperative (WVTC), also appealed to Secretary Dizon to listen to the silent majority who are working hard to provide quality service, rather than to the few staging street protests.
“If possible, please listen to the voice of the majority. We don’t run to the streets. We focus on running our cooperatives to provide better service to commuters,” Alcarde said.
Meanwhile, Secretary Dizon, in a press conference the same day, said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is open to reviewing aspects of the modernization program following talks with stakeholders. He committed to presenting a “solution” within two weeks.
“Absolutely, we’re open to changes… Clearly, there are issues that need to be resolved,” Dizon said, noting that while 86% of public utility vehicles (PUVs) have applied for consolidation, only 40% have been approved so far.
Launched in 2017, the PTMP seeks to replace old jeepneys with safer, more environmentally friendly vehicles with at least Euro 4-compliant engines. A modern jeepney unit costs over P2 million — a price tag that even government banks acknowledge as burdensome for many drivers and operators.
Transport leaders reiterated that unless the government shows consistency, resolve, and adequate financial support, the program risks stalling — despite the overwhelming readiness of the sector to move forward./PN
