Business Bayani PH

In a recent press conference at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) headquarters, chair Teofilo Guadiz III announced the availability of cost-effective modern public utility vehicles (PUV) for purchase by transport cooperatives. Emphasizing that the government has no say in these transactions, Guadiz revealed that both local and Japanese manufacturers are offering modern jeepneys at approximately ₱900,000.

Highlighting the affordability factor, Guadiz mentioned a significant government subsidy. “With the ₱280,000 subsidy per unit provided under the PUV modernization program (PUVMP), the price further drops to ₱700,000. Divide this into seven years, and it will only be something like ₱10,000 to ₱12,000 monthly. Hindi na po mabigat ito sa ating mga tsuper (This is not unaffordable to our PUV operators anymore),” he explained.

This disclosure was a direct response to criticisms that modern PUVs imported from China cost significantly more, ranging from ₱1.8 million to ₱2.8 million per unit. Guadiz pointed out that cooperatives purchasing these pricier units can still maintain profitability as they are operational for up to 16 hours a day.

Joel Bolano, Land Transportation Office Technical Division chief, shed light on the diverse options available. “There are currently 54 different modern PUVs made by several manufacturers accredited by the Department of Trade and Industry to have passed the Philippine National Standard,” he said. 

Bolano assured that information regarding these vehicles, including their designs and manufacturing origins, is accessible through the Department of Transportation.

Contrary to some misconceptions, Bolano clarified that the decision on which PUVs to purchase rests solely with transport cooperatives or corporations. “Hindi po totoo na mayroon pong nakikialam po ang LTFRB. Ang katotohanan po niyan ay sila ang may option kung saan po sila pwede bumili [It is not true that the LTFRB meddles with this. The truth is they have the option where to buy],” he affirmed.

In addressing concerns raised by House Committee on Transportation chair Romeo Acop and other lawmakers, Guadiz assured that the LTFRB and the Office of Transportation Cooperatives would recalibrate the PUVMP. This recalibration aims to resolve issues such as some operators losing ownership of their PUVs to their cooperative. Additionally, they remain open to feedback following calls for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to reconsider his decision not to extend the consolidation deadline.

The LTFRB’s proactive approach in promoting accessible and affordable modern transportation options reflects a commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of transport cooperatives. As the government encourages the adoption of modern PUVs, these developments aim to facilitate a smoother transition for operators while ensuring the continued efficiency of public transportation systems.◼