Editorial/Opinion  • March 7, 2022

Written by Charmine Kimberly Viñas

Jeepneys are the most popular mode of public transportation in the country because of their low cost. You can get to your destination for 14.00 pesos, which is convenient for students and other commuters because it is the cheapest among all the public transportation available out there. Aside from that, jeepneys became one of the Philippines’ most popular symbols and cultural icons. Characterized by vibrant decorations and loud music, jeepneys became a big part of Filipino culture.

What will happen if these traditional jeepneys are modernized? What will happen to the transport workers? And how will it affect the commuters?

The Public Utility Vehicles Modernization Program (PUVMP) is a program started by Duterte’s Administration to improve the public transportation system in the country. Earlier this year, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issued a Memorandum Circular 2023-013 that ordered the jeepney operators to join the modernization program until the initial deadline of June 30 or they wouldn’t be allowed to continue their operations. As the program involves replacing the old and polluting jeepneys, it will also cost a lot of money for the transport workers. The cost per unit of the imported modern jeeps ranges from around 2.5 to 2.8 million pesos. Around 330,000 jeepney drivers will lose their job and 20,000 PUJ operators will lose their source of income. Not only that but commuters will be affected by the increase in the minimum fare, which will be around 25 to 40 pesos.

The transport group Manibela, together with other jeepney associations and other public transport vehicles are holding a 7-day transport strike, from March 6 to 12 to protest against the phasing out. The transport workers are not against modernization, they also want to protect the environment, help the commuters to feel safer, and for the modernization program to succeed. However, due to the transition and changes that will affect their lives, as well as the uncertainty of their jobs, they couldn’t help but strike in order for those in higher positions to hear their pleas.