Speaker Martin Romualdez on Friday assured local manufacturers of modern jeepneys that the government will prioritize Philippine-made vehicles for the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
During a dialogue with local jeepney manufacturers and other House leaders in Makati City, Romualdez said prioritizing locally-made vehicles in the PUVMP would increase the potential for job creation and other advantages of supporting domestic manufacturing.
“Ang priority po natin ay (Our priority is) Philippine-made [jeepneys] as this will bring out Philippine jobs and all other benefits,” Romualdez said.
Romualdez also gave assurance that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. would support this initiative.
“Asahan nyo po na si Presidente Ferdinand Marcos Jr., kagaya ng kanyang ama, ay suportado ang anumang Philippine-made initiatives (Rest assured that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. like his father, will be supportive of any Philippine-made initiative),” Romualdez said. “Itong gobyerno (This government), this Congress will be very much behind you and supportive of your industry.”
Romualdez cited the importance of supporting homegrown talent, noting that the innovation and expertise demonstrated by the local manufacturers deserve recognition and support.
He said local jeepney manufacturers play a crucial role in reshaping the nation’s public transport to meet modern standards.
The local jeepney manufacturing sector was represented by Elmer Francisco and Ed Sarao of the eFrancisco Motor Corporation and Sarao Motors, respectively.
Romualdez was joined in the dialogue by Deputy Speaker David Suarez and House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Elizaldy Co.
Francisco informed House leaders on a possible investment to expedite the PUVMP, particularly exploring the viability of securing USD200 million, around PHP11 billion, from the Maharlika Investment Fund following his consultation with Maharlika Investment Corp.’s (MIC) CEO, Joel Consing.
Suarez said Congress is swiftly working on a unified approach to find a delicate balance between advancing the modernization of the public transport system and accommodating the requirements of those aiming to adhere to consolidation standards.
President Marcos has extended the consolidation deadline for public utility vehicles until April 30 upon the recommendation of Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) reported that 145,721 units or 76 percent of PUVs and utility vehicle (UV) express have consolidated.
Under the government’s PUV Modernization Program, operators and drivers will be organized into cooperatives or corporations to ensure the efficiency of its operations with an upgraded fleet of low-carbon emission, safe, and efficient PUV units.
In a statement, LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz said the Board will adhere to President Marcos’s directive to extend the consolidation of PUVs until April 30.
“Operators and drivers are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity provided by the President,” he said.
The House Committee on Transportation has also adopted a resolution urging President Marcos to reconsider the lapsed Dec. 31 consolidation deadline. (PNA)