The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday ruled out any suspension of the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), saying such would disrupt the delivery of services essential for the public.
According to Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, “continuing with the PTMP aligns with our common goal of benefiting the community and advancing public welfare.”
He said the overall impact of the PTMP since its inception in 1992, detractor claims to the contrary notwithstanding, has been overwhelmingly positive.
Bautista has actively addressed some isolated issues through an ongoing review and stakeholders consultation process. “We remain committed to refining the program to better meet the needs of our stakeholders,” he reiterated.
Bautista, however, said that “suspending PTMP at this stage of its implementation could disrupt services for many who depend on its benefits. This could undermine progress and damage relationships with stakeholders, particularly given that a significant percentage have already consolidated.”
Also, he added that significant resources have already been invested in developing and implementing the PTMP.
In 2024, government already appropriated P1.6 billion for the Program, with utilization rate at 53 percent of the total P7.5 billion budget from 2018 to 2024.
“Suspending the Program now risks wasting these investments and incurring additional costs to reestablish similar initiatives in the future,” Bautista said.
As of April 30, 2024, there are 6,090 consolidated routes. Out of 1,574 LGUs nationwide, 71 percent have submitted their draft LPTRPs for DOTr/LTFRB review and approval.
As of July 17, 2024, 11,165 Philippine National Standards-compliant modern jeepneys/vehicles are operating nationwide; 80 modern PUV models are offered by 28 manufacturers/assemblers, of which 58 percent are locally assembled by 16 manufacturers.
As of April 30, 2024, nationwide consolidation reached 83.38 percent; the Office of Transport Cooperatives has accredited 1,781 cooperatives with 262,870 members
A total of 42,352 beneficiaries received social support from the Program’s Tsuper Iskolar Program (TESDA training), while 10,867 beneficiaries benefitted from the EnTSUPERneur Program (livelihood package).
The Program’s last component – Vehicle Useful Life – establishes a long-term vehicle scrappage process, wherein government will purchase the old jeepney units from operators for a fixed and attractive price to help them finance the acquisition of new units.
