By Camille A. Aguinaldo

SENATOR Grace L. Poe in a statement on Tuesday called on the Department of Transportation (DoTr) to submit a report on the latest developments of the jeepney modernization program.

“We want to know what has happened to the modernization program. Has the DoTr come up with clear guidelines on how to implement this? There are still many things to be ironed out,” Ms Poe said in her statement.

Ms. Poe also said DoTr should update the public to avoid confusion and misinformation regarding the modernization program.

“All the details should be laid on the table because as far as ordinary jeepney drivers are concerned, it is their livelihood that is at stake here,” she said.

Ms. Poe also appealed to jeepney operators planning to hold protests after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) began implementation of the “Tanggal Bulok, Tanggal Usok” program.

Transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) has been outspoken against DOTr’s plan for a gradual phaseout of old jeepneys within three years under the jeepney modernization program. The transport group is planning another protest action in front of the LTFRB office on Jan. 24.

In a Senate hearing last December, Ms. Poe has recommended a pilot test of the modernization program amid the absence of clear guidelines and lack of consultation with transport groups.

“The government should step in to ensure the public a convenient and safe way to commute, with the opportunity for the drivers and operators to upgrade their vehicles. However, it should not be too burdensome for them,” she said.

The DOTr had placed the cost of a new jeepney between P1.5 million and P1.8 million, with the government subsidizing P80,000.

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