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Suspend PUV modernization, support local jeep makers, gov’t urged
MANILA, Philippines — Experts from various sectors called for the indefinite suspension of the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) and pointed out the need for recalibration to ensure a fair and orderly transition to a net-zero carbon future.
Dr. Ted C. Mendoza, a retired professor of Scientist II of the University of the Philippines (UP) Los Baños, currently serving as the Science Director at Community Legal Help and Public Interest Inc., asserted the appeal.
Joining in the plea are Dr. Rene Ofreneo, a professor emeritus and former dean at the School of Labor and Industrial Relations in UP Diliman and Dr. Antoinette R. Raquiza, a professor at the UP Diliman Asian Center and convenor at the Political Economy Program.
In a statement, the experts stressed that the agencies involved in the PUVMP’s implementation make it appear that steering away from traditional jeepneys is the main solution to de-clogging and reducing carbon pollution on the country’s main thoroughfares.
They, however, noted that in Metro Manila, jeepneys constitute only less than two percent of the total vehicles.
“Why single out the jeepneys when they constitute a minority in the vehicle population?,” the experts said.
Additionally, they questioned what they called turning a blind eye to the “carmaggedon” that is paralyzing vehicular traffic in Metro Manila.
“We join the Management Association of the Philippines in its call for the government to address this carmaggedon by prioritizing the development of mass public transport, particularly a comprehensive and well-designed rapid bus transit system,” they said.
MANILA, Philippines — Experts from various sectors called for the indefinite suspension of the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) and pointed out the need for recalibration to ensure a fair and orderly transition to a net-zero carbon future.
Dr. Ted C. Mendoza, a retired professor of Scientist II of the University of the Philippines (UP) Los Baños, currently serving as the Science Director at Community Legal Help and Public Interest Inc., asserted the appeal.
Joining in the plea are Dr. Rene Ofreneo, a professor emeritus and former dean at the School of Labor and Industrial Relations in UP Diliman and Dr. Antoinette R. Raquiza, a professor at the UP Diliman Asian Center and convenor at the Political Economy Program.
In a statement, the experts stressed that the agencies involved in the PUVMP’s implementation make it appear that steering away from traditional jeepneys is the main solution to de-clogging and reducing carbon pollution on the country’s main thoroughfares.
They, however, noted that in Metro Manila, jeepneys constitute only less than two percent of the total vehicles.
“Why single out the jeepneys when they constitute a minority in the vehicle population?,” the experts said.
Additionally, they questioned what they called turning a blind eye to the “carmaggedon” that is paralyzing vehicular traffic in Metro Manila.
“We join the Management Association of the Philippines in its call for the government to address this carmaggedon by prioritizing the development of mass public transport, particularly a comprehensive and well-designed rapid bus transit system,” they said.
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