QUEZON CITY – The Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives Inc. supports the call of the ANGAT KOOPERATIBA AT KORPORASYON NG ALYANSANG PILIPINO PARA SA MODERNISASYON (AKKAPMO) to oppose Senate P.S. Resolution No. 1096 introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo and 21 other Senators Expressing the Sense of the Senate to Temporarily Suspend the Implementation of the PUBLIC TRANSPORT MODERNIZATION PROGRAM (PTMP), formerly known as the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), pending the resolution of valid and urgent concerns raised by affected drivers, groups, unions, and transport cooperatives with the end in view ensuring a more efficient and inclusive implementation of PTMP.
It’s important to note that the modernization program has been in the works for some time, gaining momentum in 2017 and continued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. upon assuming office. The program has not been poorly planned, despite some senators’ attempts to portray it as such. President Marcos himself expressed his support for the program on December 12, 2023, stating that his administration will fully back the Public Transport Modernization Program.
According to the Department of Transportation and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, 83.3% of the nationwide Industry Franchise Consolidation has been completed, with the cooperatives operating and meeting the public’s transportation needs.
The transition of individual operators and drivers into cooperatives has faced challenges, including accessing loans, establishment of fleet management hiring personnel, and other requirements.
The coops have already invested huge amounts of money on monthly amortization to financial institutions such as Landbank and DBP; therefore, suspending the program will only create more financial problems for the cooperatives.
With the modernization program well underway and many cooperatives already consolidated, Senate P.S. Resolution No. 1096 creates more problems than resolving the issues mentioned in the said resolution. Suspending the program would only bring hardship to individual operators and drivers who have found success by organizing themselves into cooperatives.
While the program may have shortcomings, the solution is not to suspend it, but to institutionalize it through legislation This would involve providing more subsidies and tax incentives, especially for those interested in setting up local manufacturing or assembly of modernized vehicles in the Philippines. It is also critical to lower the cost of the vehicles as well as to provide free common terminals by the Local Government Units (LGUs).
One factor in the modernization program that needs immediate completion is the Local Public Transport Route Planning, the government should tap the grassroots transport leaders through consultation and include them in the team in finalizing the Local Public Transport Route Plan since they are the right people who are directly in the operation of the transportation sector and their leaders and members are those plying the routes in urban and rural areas.
it should be noted that the government in developed countries, public transport is provided and managed by the government.
The Coop Chamber stated that in the Philippines, the private sector, represented by transport cooperatives in partnership with the government, plays a crucial role in creating a modern, well-managed, and environmentally sustainable transport sector. This allows drivers and operators to have stable, sufficient, and dignified livelihoods while ensuring that commuters arrive at their destinations safely and comfortably.
Thus, we call upon President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to proceed with the Public Transport Modernization Program and consider this appeal to certify as urgent the passage of Senate Bill No. 105 and House Bill 09061 institutionalizing the Public Transport Modernization Program. The said measures will present a just and more humane modernization program that will benefit the riding public and the country as a whole.
Thus, the Public Transport Modernization Program must proceed.
NO TO SUSPENSION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT MODERNIZATION PROGRAM!
YES TO MODERNIZATION PROGRAM!
YES TO PROGRESS SA BAGONG PILIPINAS!
Contact Person:
Edwin A. Bustillos
Executive Director
09178017309
