NO TO JEEPNEY PHASEOUT!

Jeepneys have been the Philippines’ most popular form of public transportation for more than six decades and they are a pure anachronism. They got their start as Willys Jeeps left behind when American GIs departed the Philippines at the end of World War II. Then, Filipinos started recycling them into buses with longitudinally mounted benches that could accommodate 20 (or more) passengers, bodies made of galvanized or stainless steel, fabric covers in place of the side windows. They made them somehow comfortable and friendly since jeepneys are always bright, colorful and decorated with religious symbols. 

Everywhere you go, you can see jeepneys that can take and help you to go to your destination because they don't just rule Manila; they also serve specific routes throughout the entire nation. Taking a Jeepney is much less expensive than taking a cab, the train, or even one of the many three-wheeled cycles that carry one to two passengers. In line with this, jeepneys are very affordable, simple and pang masa. However, the transportation that we all used to and ang kinakalakihan natin bilang Hari ng Kalsada are gradually phasing out. DOTr, seeks to replace jeepneys that are 15 years old or older with new vehicles that meet Philippine National Standards and are propelled by an electric drivetrain or a diesel engine that complies with Euro 4 regulations. Because we cannot deny the fact that traditional jeepneys are considered dangerous and harmful to the environment by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).  This phase-out requires jeepney operators to join cooperatives or corporations by the end of 2023 that should help them obtain loans and payment plans to purchase "modern jeepneys." The program intends to provide a 5.6% subsidy with a 6% interest rate for seven years of payments.

The "jeepney phase-out" is the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), which was first announced in 2017 by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who believes that phasing out traditional jeepneys will improve Manila's poor air quality and ease traffic congestion. The controversial proposal has been approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with the idea of replacing the traditional jeepney with modern jeepney to ease the unsafe design and implement the safer and efficient models. Government aims for the best and they want the best especially for the environment but the program they are trying to implement has a negative impact on jeepney operators, drivers and commuters. “It’s OK to have modernization for those who have money,” said jeepney driver Benito Garcia. “But for us jeepney drivers and operators, we cannot afford it.”  This modernization program will result in job losses and the displacement of many small operators, and the cost of a modernized jeepney will remain out of reach for the majority of drivers and operators even with subsidies. The loan would consume the majority of their earnings, leaving them with little to live on and a lot of debt. “drivers and small operators are ready to protect their livelihood because the lives of their families are at stake, especially at a time of intense economic crisis.” As Piston national president Mody Floranda emphasized. 

“Sa pagsiil sa aming karapatan sa aming buhay, ang ipapantapat po namin dito, sa taning na binigay sa amin, sa taning na makapaghanapbuhay, isang linggong tigil pasada,” said Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena. A protest that they held for one week- a week long strike is not just about being a komunista, but being a people in a country who have all the rights to say what you need to say especially if you feel oppressed. Jeepney drivers and jeepneys is more than just a mode of transportation; they have been part of our culture and heritage. It has been serving the people of the Philippines for decades and is regarded as the backbone of our public transportation system. While modernization is necessary, jeepneys should not be completely eliminated from our roads. Instead, we can work to modernize them by adhering to the basic standards for a public transportation vehicle that ensures the comfort of both drivers and commuters while retaining their classic appearance. The government must also understand how crucial it is to protect the livelihood of jeepney operators and drivers. Due to the phaseout's enormous financial impact on the affected parties—from the expensive cost of the replacement cars to various supplementary costs like gasoline, maintenance, and repair—there has been opposition. 

Sustainability encompasses more than just environmental concerns. We must not leave anyone behind as we strive for a better future. Climate action should be combined with social justice. It will not be easy, but it is doable. All policies, innovations, and actions necessitate robust multi-stakeholder participation in order to protect the most vulnerable members of society.

Titindig na! Lalaban na! Sa laban ng tsuper kasama ang mga komyuter!