The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it supports the proposed priority for local automotive parts makers and body builders in supplying assembled public utility vehicles (PUVs) under the government’s Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).
In a social media post on April 12 after a meeting with transport officials, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said she “underscored the need to align our PTMP with the growth of our local manufacturing sector.”
She met on Friday with officials of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and key industry players, such as the Philippine Parts Makers Association (PPMA) and the Automotive Body Makers of the Philippines (ABMAP).
Locally assembled PUVs would have a “greater economic impact” for the country and the program because these vehicles have more local content, she said.
“Modernization isn’t just about new vehicles, it’s about creating opportunities for Filipino parts makers, like the PPMA, who are ready to support the shift with quality, locally made components,” she said.
She said one example of showing government support to the local industry is by adopting procurement policies and incentives that give advantage to Philippine-made vehicles, Roque added.
Introduced in 2017, the PTMP requires PUVs to meet stricter emission standards and consolidate as cooperatives or corporations for a more organized fleet management.
Data from the DOTr showed there were 88 modern PUV models with certificates of compliance as of February 2025.
Of these, 52 are locally produced and 36 are imported as completely built-up models.
There are 38 Class 2 vehicle models and 34 Class 3 models. Class 2 models can carry more than 22 passengers, including standing passengers, and are priced between P2.7 million and P2.8 million per unit.
Class 3 models have a seating capacity of more than 22 passengers, all seated.
Citing data from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, ABMAP said 85.6 percent of PUVs such as jeeps, buses and UV express models, have been consolidated toward a modernized transportation system as of December 2024.
The consolidated modernized transportation system include members of cooperatives, such as the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, 1-United Transport Koalisyon, Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, and Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila & Suburbs Drivers Association, while Cavite Transport Cooperative and Taguig Transport Service Cooperative have successfully transitioned to modern PUVs.
