By Chloe Mari A. Hufana
THE GOVERNMENT’S modernization plan for the iconic Philippine jeepney is ill-conceived given the joblessness it would cause, according to the head of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP).
“This administration just inherited this program,” ECOP President Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis, Jr. told BusinessWorld by telephone on Monday. “It’s ill-conceived because thousands will lose their jobs. [We’re doing it] just so we can say we’re modernizing.”
He said commuters would be affected too by the eventual phaseout of old jeepneys. Employers are also forced to help their employees deal with the problem, he added.
“It’s like they introduced a new COVID,” Mr. Ortiz-Luis said. “We have no choice.”
He said the state should support local jeepney makers who can produce e-jeepneys at a much lower price compared with imported units.
“What should be developed is the local industry of jeepneys, which can also produce e-jeepneys, but they lack support,” he said. “We’d rather import our jeepneys.”
The ECOP chief also said vehicles that will replace traditional jeepneys, which are a tourist attraction, don’t look like the original. “They’re minibuses.”
An imported e-jeepney may cost as much as P2 million.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on April 30 said 60% of jeepneys are “more than enough” for Metro Manila commuters.
Commuters can use other public transportation such as buses, trains, taxis and tricycles, he said.
Transport advocate and AltMobility PH Director Ira F. Cruz said commuters should not suffer because of the modernization program.
He said jeepneys are unlike other modes of transportation. “Jeepneys ply different routes and cost substantially less than taxis,” he said in a Viber message.
“It’s also worth recalling that the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has recently been implanting restrictions on light electric vehicles and personal mobility devices and is studying the removal of bicycle infrastructure along EDSA,” he added.
Precious V. Piamonte, a member of PARA – Advocates for Inclusive Transport, said jeepneys complement bus and train routes.
“There are jeepney routes that are not covered by other modes of transportation. Jeepneys are also preferred for routes that are direct, so there is no need to change rides,” she said in a Viber message.
She said local transport officials should try commuting during rush hour to feel how difficult it is for normal people.
Jeepney group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) has asked the Supreme Court to stop the modernization program.
