Senators call for temporary suspension of PUV modernization program: Ejercito

The Senate Committee on Public Services passed a resolution on Tuesday, July 23, calling for the temporary suspension of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) until all issues related to its implementation are resolved, Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito said.

The draft resolution was authored by Senator Raffy Tulfo and sponsored by Senate President Francis Escudero, Senator Francis Tolentino and himself, Ejercito said.

The resolution calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to temporarily suspend the PUVMP is expected to be submitted to the Senate plenary for approval on Wednesday, Ejercito said.

Ejercito said he supports the modernization program in the interest of public safety and comfort, but it must be carried out correctly and not abruptly.

“We need to modernize and develop our public transportation system,” but called for the PUVMP to be put on hold until concerns about consolidation, rationalization of routes and affordable financing are addressed, he said.

He said financing packages are needed to enable drivers and operators to afford vehicles worth P2.5 million.*