The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has created a special committee to review the government’s Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), formerly known as the PUV modernization program.
Based on a special order signed by Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, the committee shall consult with various stakeholders, evaluate and review the current status and progress of the PTMP, and identify issues and concerns relevant to the program.
It is also expected to submit its recommendations to the Office of the Secretary within one week from the issuance of the order, as well as perform other duties as may be necessary to fast-track the program implementation.
The committee will be chaired by DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Non-Infrastructure Ramon Reyes.
Newly appointed chairperson of the Office of the Transportation Cooperative and former Cainta Mayor and broadcaster Mon Ilagan will also serve as one of the members of the committee, based on a tweet of GMA Integrated News’ Joseph Morong.
DOTR creates special task force to review Public Transport Modernization Program. One of the members is newly appointed Chairperson of the Office of the Transportation Cooperative and former Cainta Mayor and broadcaster Mon Ilagan @gmanews @24OrasGMA pic.twitter.com/joj7Ury2tZ
— Joseph Morong ???????? (@Joseph_Morong) March 31, 2025
Earlier on Monday, DOTR held a dialogue with transport group MANIBELA, which has been asking the agency to allow them to renew their provisional authorities.
Last week, MANIBELA launched a three-day transport strike as a protest in relation to the PUV modernization program. They alleged that the the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) misrepresented the number of PUV operators who have complied with the consolidation requirement.
Initiated in 2017, the PTMP—formerly the PUV Modernization Program—seeks to replace old jeepneys with Euro 4-compliant models to reduce pollution and improve road safety.
However, the cost of a modern jeepney exceeds P2 million, a price deemed too steep even by government financial institutions.
The program mandated the consolidation of individual PUV franchises into cooperatives or corporations. Unconsolidated units were classified as colorum and were subject to penalties.—Giselle Ombay/AOL, GMA Integrated News
