THE franchise consolidation for the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) of the government ended on April 30th.
Approximately 81% of the country’s passenger vehicles have entered the consolidation for the implementation of the said program, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
However, many have not yet joined the program.
Like Michael, who continues to drive even without consolidating.
He said he is ready to play hide-and-seek if the government runs after him.
‘‘Right now, our breaths are only up to our necks because we are really afraid that we might be caught here by the enforcers. So, we are always alert somehow,’’ according to Michael, Member, TTP JODA-Pasig.
The LTFRB has also said that they will not immediately apprehend drivers who have not consolidated.
But they will only be given a show-cause order where they need to explain within 2-3 weeks why they do not want to join the cooperative.
After that, it still depends on whether their reasons will be acceptable but if they insist on driving, they can be apprehended.
‘‘It’s like we’re playing hide-and-seek in situations like that, but as much as possible, maybe not. Of course, it’s hard when you’re hiding because you might get caught and our violation is around P50,000 plus our vehicle could be impounded so it’s hard,’’ Michael added.
Michael pointed out that they will have nothing to eat if they don’t drive.
They also won’t find other jobs.
According to the LTFRB, they will still assist drivers who have not consolidated or cannot travel using their jeeps.
They can apply as passenger assistants in various cooperatives that have received franchises so they won’t lose their livelihoods.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is also ready to help them.
DSWD Spokesperson Asec. Irene Dumlao said, they are just waiting for the request for assistance that can be given to affected drivers.
‘‘As of now, we have not received any information yet but of course, if someone comes and asks for assistance, it will be immediately addressed by the DSWD subject to our assessment of our social workers. If they are seen to need food, we can provide food assistance, cash assistance is also possible,’’ Asec. Irene Dumlao, Spokesperson, DSWD, said.
For Jose, who has been driving jeeps for decades, they do not need assistance.
‘‘We do not need assistance, what we need is to have a livelihood and we have a livelihood, that’s the most important. Until when can the government support us, the money of the DSWD also comes from us, it’s all our taxes and sometimes corruption comes from there,’’ Jose, Board Chairman, TTP JODA-Pasig, said.
Jeepey drivers tell Marcos Jr: You are making it hard for us
That’s why some drivers are calling on the Marcos administration not to make things difficult especially since they voted for it in the last election.
‘‘You, Bongbong Marcos, if you are not anti-poor, you will not do these kinds of programs, you will not continue this. I hope you wake up, Bongbong Marcos, because with what you’re doing, you’ll be killing so many families. Bongbong Marcos, listen, you have the nerve, we are the ones who put you in power, as poor people, we supported you and then you treat us like this. Where are your promises? Where is the [Php 20/kilo of rice], which 1/4? Your four-peso fare, which zero is missing? Right, where are your promises, you have the nerve. You have the nerve. You’re too anti-poor. You’re making the poor in the Philippines look stupid. You’re more comfortable with the rich. For every tax we pay, even for gasoline it goes to you. We are the ones paying your salary — we, the poor. You have the nerve,’’ Rudy, Board Member, TTP JODA-Pasig, stated.
