MANILA -- Several pro-modernization groups on Tuesday expressed alarm over the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) plan to allow unconsolidated jeepney operators to ply their routes again, pending certain guidelines.

Speaking at a news forum in Quezon City, the Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators ng Pilipinas (LTOP) said the continued operations of unconsolidated jeepneys and other colorum vehicles affect the viability of their business.

DOTr chief: Unconsolidated jeepney drivers will be allowed on roads again

“Nagconsolidate kami since 2019/2018 tapos ngayon yung unconsolidated papayagan nila? Marami nang hindi nakakabayad sa bangko dahil nga sa mga colorum, dahil nga sa mga fly-by-night,” said LTO Executive Vice President Leonard Bautista.

Members of the National Federation of Transport Cooperatives (NFTC) even trooped to the DOTr office in San Juan City to seek clarification from Transport Secretary Vince Dizon himself.

NFTC National Chairperson Misael Melinas said that while Dizon has previously promised them that the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) will not be suspended, giving concessions to unconsolidated groups could impact the confidence of banks and providers of modern jeepney units.

“Kapag kasi urong-sulong ang programa natin, siyempre kami ang nasasakripisyo. Ang fear namin dito is mawawalan ng tiwala, lalo na yung mga bangko natin na nagpapautang na sa’min, yung mga unit provider na nagkakaroon na ng in-house policy,” he added.

But after meeting with the Secretary, NFTC President Ed Comia said Dizon was able to reassure them that unconsolidated jeepneys will not automatically be allowed back on the road.

“Hindi agaran yung pagpaparehistro (ng mga unconsolidated). Kinakailangan dumaan sa proseso at meron pang mga guidelines na ilalabas,” said Comia.

On Monday, DOTr Secretary Dizon faced members of transport group PISTON, who were picketing outside his office and told them that he has already instructed the special committee tasked to review PTMP to come up with a mechanism that would legalize their operations.

“Hindi po lalampas ng Holy Week, meron na po tayong mekanismo. Yun pong desisyon na makabalik kayo, andyan na yan, nagbigay nako ng direktiba dyan. Ang pinag-uusapan na lang ano ang mekanismo para makabalik kayo agad,” said Dizon.

Step in the right direction

Senator Grace Poe, who has long criticized the implementation of the modernization program, meanwhile welcomed the latest pronouncement of Dizon— even describing it as a step in the right direction.

“Untangling the messy modernization program will have to begin with the recognition of our drivers' right to earn a decent living and to be involved in meaningful opportunities for growth,” she said in a statement.

“We hope the DOTr and concerned agencies will make it easy for jeepney drivers and operators to secure their franchises anew,” added Poe.

Poe also said that the government should also prioritize the completion of the route plans to ensure that all roads will have available transportation for commuters.