Taking away livelihood of drivers to worsen condition of commuters — Anakbayan

Progressive youth group Anakbayan on Monday, Nov. 20, echoed dissents to contradict the “phaseout” of the Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) as it will “only worsen the current economic crisis.”

The group joined the protestants including jeepney drivers and operators to amplify calls to abolish the program under the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG) which seeks to address transportation problems and to push through technological advancements particularly the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP.)

“Tinutututulan namin ang jeepney phaseout sa tabing ng huwad na modernisasyon bilang isang hakbang tungo sa corporate takeover ng pampublikong transportasyon (We condemn the jeepney phaseout under the shade of fake modernization as a step towards corporate takeover in public transportation),” Anakbayan National Spokesperson Kate Almenzo said.

The group said the PUV phaseout will make the drivers and operators lose their jobs and jeepney fares will increase.

“Should the PUV phaseout push through, fares are projected to reach P40-50 in order to make up for the price of modern jeepneys,” the group said.

Anakbayan also emphasized that the phaseout will burden student commuters who would have to shoulder the cost of” higher” fares.