The Philippine government enacted the Jeepney Phase-Out Law, also referred to as the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) in order to phase out old and inefficient vehicles that are referred to as jeepneys and replace them with modern, safer, and more environmentally friendly public transport vehicles. The proposed law is composed of two main components: the PUV Modernization Program and the PUVMP Regulatory Framework. The PUV Modernization Program includes the provision of financial support and technical assistance to jeepney operators and drivers who will be affected by the phase-out of traditional jeepneys, while the PUVMP Regulatory Framework is a set of regulations that will govern the operation of modern PUVs. The main proponents of the law are the government, including the Department of Transportation, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The program has been met with resistance from traditional jeepney drivers and operators, who fear the costs and disruption that transitioning to the new system would bring. The government has taken the initiative to support drivers through subsidies and loans for electric jeepneys, along with training and assistance for a smooth transition to this new system.
President Bongbong Marcos has expressed his support for the jeepney phase-out program, stating that it is important for the government to modernize the country’s public transportation system. He has also acknowledged the concerns of jeepney drivers and has promised to assist them in transitioning to the new system. He emphasized that the modernization program should be planned & implemented cautiously to make sure it does not harm drivers’ sources of income.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Teofilo Guadiz announced yesterday the delay in the consolidation of public utility vehicles (PUVs), effectively allowing tens of thousands of jeepneys, UV Express Service units, and multicabs to continue unhampered operations until the end of December.
“In compliance with the advice of Sec. Jaime Bautista and the pronouncement of President Bongbong Marcos, we extended the consolidation of jeepneys from June 30 to the end of December 2023,” Guadiz, speaking in Filipino, told a press briefing.
Jeoff Solas 