Jeepney drivers and operators picket in front of the House of Representatives in Quezon City on May 21, 2024, in time with the continuation of a House committee hearing on the PUV Modernization Program. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Senators on Tuesday said they will move to suspend the controversial Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program saying there seems to have been a lack of planning and a rush to implement it.

During the hearing of the Committee on Public Services, Sen. Raffy Tulfo said he will file a resolution for the suspension of the program, which is the subject of a petition at the Supreme Court.

“Susuporta naman po ako ng mga kasamahan ko sa Senado, sa majority and even the Senate president, then so be it. Suspendido muna,” panel chair Tulfo declared. 

“Talagang minadali po ito.”

 (My colleagues here in the Senate will support me, the majority and even the Senate president, then so be it. Suspended for the meantime. They really rushed this.)

A Senate resolution, if adopted, expresses the sense or sentiment of the chamber. It is not binding on the executive branch but can and has been used to send a message of support for or objection to a policy.

RELATED:  SC urged to halt PUV modernization program as apprehension looms

The PUV Modernization Program aims to transform public transportation in the Philippines into a safe and reliable one through franchise consolidation and the use of modern units. 

Some transport groups oppose the mandatory membership in a transport cooperative and the eventual phaseout of traditional jeepneys.

The transportation department and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board have both stood firm and said that there will be no more extensions for jeepney drivers and operators who have refused to join the program.

'NOT WELL THOUGHT OF'

Senate President Francis Escudero blasted the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for supposedly going through with the program despite shortcomings.

 “Hindi ito pinag-isipan, hindi ito pinaghandaan at hindi tinanong man lang 'yung sektor mismo ng PUV bago ito pinatupad sa nakaraang administrasyon. Sa madaling salita, binraso lamang po ito eh,” Escudero remarked during the inquiry. 

(This was not well thought of, this was not prepared, and the PUV sector was not consulted before this was implemented by the past administration. In other words, this was forced.)  

He said he did not allow the rollout of the program when he was still governor of Sorsogon province, especially since Vice President Sara Duterte — then mayor of Davao City — did not allow it in her jurisdiction either.

Escudero cited the huge amount of money that he said only went to waste. For example, he said, one cooperative in Sorsogon spent around P300 million to buy 40 to 50 units, of which only eight remains operational.

The Senate leader also blasted the agencies for allegedly removing the iconic jeep from the picture.

 READ: End of the road? Philippine jeepneys face uncertain future

"Sino kayo at sino nagsabing may kapangyarihan kayong burahin yun nang ganun-ganun na lamang?" he asked.

(Who are you and who told you you have the right to erase that?)

MARCOS MIGHT LISTEN

Escudero is confident they will get the support of fellow senators and even of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

"May isang bagay na ipinakita si Pangulong Marcos kahapon, siya ay nakikinig at siya ay sensitibo sa pulso at opinyon ng ating mga kababayan," Esudero said, in reference to Marcos Jr.'s announcement of a ban on POGOs in response to public clamor.

He said the Senate would convey the public's sentiments on jeepney modernization and that he hopes the President will listen.

The Department of Transportation said that it respects the stance of the Senate.

 "It is fair for everybody to speak," Transportation Undersecretary Jesus Ortega said, adding the department would also let the President know about the resolution once approved by the Senate.

Ortega maintained that they have been giving the President fair, accurate and proper information regarding the PUV modernization program.

RELATED VIDEO