THE Palace on Thursday denied that the government’s transport modernization program that begins next year is a measure aimed at inflicting suffering on the poor.
In a statement, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the Department of Transportation is exhausting all efforts “not only to improve our transport facilities through the program but also to ensure our PUV drivers that their concerns regarding it will be addressed.
“The Palace clarifies that the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program of the Duterte Administration is not anti-poor, contrary to the claims of some transport groups.
“We assure Filipino jeepney drivers that this initiative of the government to improve our public transport sector will not put them out of business.”
Under the government’s modernization program, jeepneys 15 years and older will be replaced by electric-powered or Euro 4-compliant vehicles.
Euro 4 is a set of emission standards on particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons.
The venerable jeepney, an icon of the post-war era, is powered by Euro 2-compliant engines.
Among the government’s efforts is the provision of a financing scheme for the acquisition of new units available through the Development Bank of the Philippines’ Support Alternative Driving Approaches Program and Land Bank of the Philippines’ Special Environment-Friendly and Efficiently Driven Jeepney Program.
The Finance department is offering a five-percent equity, 6-percent interest rate and a repayment period as long as seven years on top of the PP80,000 subsidy per unit to cover the equity payment.