President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. wishes that the PUV modernization program will not cause other drivers and operators to lose their jobs.
In an interview with reporters this Wednesday, Marcos shared what was discussed in the meeting of some officials at the Palace and some leaders of the striking transport groups.
After the meeting, the striking groups called off their stoppage on Wednesday, which was supposed to last for a week.
“Ang problema na kanilang sinasabi ay baka hindi sila mapautang para makapagbili ng bagong sasakyan. Kaya’t yan ang tinitingnan namin ngayon na tiyakin na walang mawawalan ng trabaho dahil hindi nakapagbili ng electric vehicle pagdating ng panahon,” the president said.
“Wala pa tayo doon pero sa ngayon ang ginagawa lang natin tiyakin lang natin na safe ang ating mga sasakyan… na hindi malagay sa alanganin ang mga pasahero, ang mga commuter,” he added.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil confirmed the meeting held this Tuesday with PISTON president Mody Floranda and Manibela group leader Mar Valbuena.
In the video posted by the PCO, Valbuena and Floranda expressed support for the program but appealed to do it in a way that leaves no one behind, fair, humane, and reasonable.
Marcos wishes PUV modernization will not result to unemployment
Marcos thanked the transport groups who decided to stop their strike.
“I’m glad that… ako’y nagpapasalamat naman sa kanila na sa palagay ko ay naramdaman nila, they have made their point very clearly na kailangan natin tingnan at pag-aralan nang mabuti,” the president said.
This Wednesday, the Department of Transportation said the government would review the 2017 Omnibus Franchising Guidelines, which serve as a guide to the PUVMP.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) earlier announced the extension of PUV franchises until December instead of the end of June. Part of this is encouraging PUV operators and drivers to join a cooperative or corporation to get an electric mini-bus that they will drive.
On Monday, the transportation organization PISTON urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to halt the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program’s regulations.
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