MANILA - Old jeepneys should be modernized, not phased out, to help solve Metro Manila's pollution problem, a transport leader said Saturday.

The Department of Transportation is calling for a voluntary phase-out of jeepneys that are more than 15 years old this year, before a mandatory phaseout by 2018.

"Nag-suggest kami na i-modernize Nanghihingi na kami ng tulong [We suggested that jeepneys be modernized instead of phased out. We have already asked for help]" Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP) President Zenaida Maranan told DZMM.

There are more than 60,000 in Metro Manila alone according to DOTr data. Dubbed the "King of the Road," jeepneys are a primary means of transportation and are very popular among the masses.

Officials in Quezon City, one of the country's largest urban centers, have pushed for the phaseout of jeepneys to minimize pollution and traffic congestion.

Jeepneys occupy roughly half of the city's streets, said Elmo San Diego, head of the city's public order and safety department.

San Diego said the city government would also ensure that displaced jeepney drivers would be given new jobs.

Maranan said FEJODAP has sought financial assistance from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to help drivers meet Euro 4 emission standards.

The Euro 4 standard requires lessening the amount of toxic sulfur in fuel by 450 parts per million for diesel and gasoline.

"Pakiusap namin sa DOTr, may mga operators na mahusay mag-alaga ng kanilang mga sasakyan. Pwede naman kaming mag-change motor [We ask the DOTr to examine what they are saying. There are operators who are good at taking care of their vehicles. We can change engines]," she said.