• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Lawmakers have sought the suspension of the controversial PUV Modernization Program until all issues surrounding it will be resolved, following the hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Services yesterday.
Senator Juan Victor Ejercito said that he and Senators Francis Tolentino, Raffy Tulfo, as suggested by Senate president Francis “Chiz” Escudero, are recommending to hold in abeyance the implementation of PUV modernization.
All the problems and challenges in the PUV modernization program, such as consolidation, rationalization of routes, supply and financial scheme, which are important, should be resolved first, according to Ejercito.
If we have good financial packages, and make it available and affordable for them (operators and drivers), then it will make it successful, he added.
Escudero said he has been objecting to the PUV modernization plan, noting that it was not well-thought-out and would only burden the transport sector.
In the amount of P2.5 million each, where will the operator or the driver get the payment? No matter what calculation you do, to pay the monthly installment on a PUV worth P2.5 million, even if the driver overworks and becomes a hunchback, 24 hours of driving won’t be enough to pay that while the operator and the driver still profit, he stressed.
Ejercito said the Senate will have a resolution, as to what has been agreed during the committee hearing, which “I don’t think is a problem.”
While he is supporting the modernization program, Ejercito said it should be done correctly, and not abruptly, noting that it was not well studied and planned well.
Asked if there is a possibility that it will be scrapped, Ejercito said “there is no way for us, but to modernize, for safety and convenience.”*
