Business groups urge gov't to review PUVMP

The Philippine government must review the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) and its impact on the livelihood of drivers, operators and their families, according to several business and workers' groups.

- LOUELLA DESIDERIO

"We call for an urgent review of the PUVMP in order to address its legal, financial and human rights infirmities," the Leaders Forum said yesterday in a joint statement.

The groups also called for the suspension of the consolidation deadline for an indefinite period and the creation of "an affordable, sustainable and carbon-neutral mass transport system."

The Leaders Forum is comprised of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. and trade unions Federation of Free Workers, Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa and Trade Union Congress of the Philippines.

They said the transport system should include support for local jeepney manufacturers to design and produce affordable, safe and environmentally friendly vehicles.

It would take Filipino manufacturers several years to supply enough electric jeepneys for the country as local jeepney producers currently lack the  capacity to produce or assemble units quickly, with initial estimates suggesting 5,000 units could be produced at most per year, they said."