IT’S not just the anti-modernization program groups holding strikes or protests on the streets, but also the pro ones.
Monday morning, August 5 several transport cooperatives supporting the program rallied at Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City, despite heavy rains due to bad weather.
PUV drivers and operators who are members of Angat Kooperatiba and Korporasyon ng Alyansang Pilipino para sa Modernisasyon (AKKAP MO) gathered for a “Unity Walk.”
Rodolfo a modern jeep driver is already soaked in the rain, and sacrificed his Monday earnings just to join the rally.
He expressed his frustration with the Senate resolution to suspend the program, especially since he borrowed over two million pesos from the bank to acquire a modernized jeepney.
“We took out loans to meet the government’s modernization program. We embraced it, then they themselves oppose it. If those against the modernization are disappointed, we are even more so,” according to Rodolfo, Driver said.
Transport cooperative members fear that the suspension will affect their livelihoods.
“The credit standing of those who borrowed will be ruined, because a unit costs P2.8 to P2.7 million. Even with subsidies, it’s still insufficient,” Louie, Operator said.
However, the groups were prevented from holding the protest after being blocked by policemen by Manila District Police, but they were able to negotiate.
Despite the heavy rains they walked from Welcome Rotonda to Mendiola in Manila.
The groups called for the suspension to be junked and focus instead on providing solutions if there are flaws in the PTMP.
“This is what frustrates and angers the cooperative and corporation members because we are heavily invested in this program. We were invited and included, and we complied 83%, but why did 22 Senators call for the program’s suspension?”
“Where is the justice in that? They should have never implemented this program if they didn’t want any disruptions,” according to Ed Comia, Convenor, AKKAP MO.
While the program continued, LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III arrived to deliver a message from the Transport Department.
According to Guadiz, the modernization will proceed, and nothing can stop the program.
“The Senate Resolution is merely their opinion on the issue, our directive is, to continue the program and there is no reason to halt the modernization,” Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III, Chairman, LTFRB said.
To recall, some senators stated that the program’s implementation is uncertain due to the high cost of modernized units.
It is also unclear how subsidies will be provided to operators and drivers who applied for consolidation in the said program.
