House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro strongly criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his insistence on implementing the jeepney phase-out program, despite growing opposition from various sectors, including the Senate.
“President Marcos Jr. should listen to the Senate and its resolution to suspend the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). I believe that the House of Representatives has a similar recommendation, but the committee report is still to be released,” Rep. Castro stated.
The lawmaker emphasized that the overwhelming support for suspending the program, as evidenced by 22 out of 23 senators backing the resolution, should not be ignored by the administration.
“This near-unanimous call from the Senate reflects the genuine concerns of our transport workers and the riding public. It’s a clear message that the PUVMP, in its current form, is not ready for implementation and needs thorough review,” Rep. Castro added.
She further stressed that pushing through with the jeepney phase-out without addressing the financial burdens on operators and drivers would lead to widespread displacement and negatively impact public transportation, especially for the working class.
“We urge President Marcos Jr. to heed these calls and immediately suspend the PUVMP. Instead of forcing this ill-conceived program, the government should engage in genuine dialogue with transport groups and craft a modernization plan that truly serves the interests of our transport workers and the Filipino people,” Rep. Castro concluded.
