By ILOILO – Amidst Dinagyang celebration, forum-discussion was held in Santa Barbara, Iloilo on January 28 with Senator Risa Hontiveros, Atty. Kiko Pangilinan and Atty. Chel Diokno to have a conversation with the people on the proposed PUV Modernization Program, and others.
According to the drivers and operators, they are not against the modernization of transportation in the country, but they do not want their fellow to lose their jobs and for the thousands of commuters to eventually suffer due to expensive fares.
According to the No To PUV Phaseout Coalition – Panay, the mandatory consolidation has resulted in severe corruption and repression of the members’ rights as they are being threatened.
For Hontiveros, entering cooperatives should be voluntary and not forced. She added that in pushing the modernization of transportation, it is important to have consultation and listen to the transportation sector and commuters.
The NTPPC – Panay also passed a position paper to Hontiveros, Atty. Pangilinan, and Atty. Diokno to express the sentiments of the drivers and operators and for it to reach the senate. Hontiveros also promised that he will push for the continuation of the inquiry against the PUVMP in the Senate.
After a series of congressional inquiries, the mandatory consolidation was extended until April 30, 2024. With this, the NTPPC – Panay believes that through collective efforts of the drivers, operators, and commuters, the PUVMP will eventually be scrapped./PT
