SEN. Grace Poe yesterday welcomed the Department of Transportation’s review of the Public Transportation Modernization Program, saying this will give the government a chance to make the program “just, humane, and right.”
In a statement, Poe said the DOTr must make sure that transport and commuter groups, the private sector, local government units, the academe, and other stakeholders are consulted on the issue aso they can produce a “comprehensive outlook of the modernization situation and appropriate solutions.”
She said the review should not only “look forward” at how the program would be rolled out smoothly, but also “look back at the situation of the drivers and operators reeling from financial losses because of the exorbitant cost of jeepney units.”
“We need a modernization program that will ensure that everybody is on board,” she added.
Poe has opposed the full implementation of the PTMP due to the “unfulfilled commitments” of past DOTr leaderships to stakeholders, which she said contributed largely to the “push back against” the program.
She said among the issues not addressed include comprehensive transport routes, high prices of modern jeepneys, insistence on using the design of the modern jeepneys over the traditional ones, which have been an icon of the country’s transportation system, and the lack of ample government subsidy to effectively implement the program.
“Bukod pa rito, mababa ang paggamit ng pondo. Sa kabila ng inilaan na P7.5 bilyon mula 2018 hanggang 2024, tanging 53 porsiyento lamang ang nagamit (Aside from this is the low disbursement rate. The government allotted P7.5 billion for it from 2018 to 2024, but only 53 percent of the funds were spent),” Poe said.
For 2025, Poe, who chairs the Finance Committee, said she hopes that issues will finally be addressed now that the DOTR has a new secretary and with the government allotting P1.6 billion “which must be utilized to resolve the program’s critical issues,” which include some P147 million for research and review of the program under Program Management Fees.
“Genuine modernization cannot be achieved through rushed implementation. It demands careful planning, inclusive consultations and a commitment to ensuring that no driver or commuter is left behind. Now is the time for the DOTR to deliver for all stakeholders,” she added.
Last Monday, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon announced the creation of a special review committee for PTMP to address the issues raised by various groups about the program.
Special Order No. 2025-0152 signed by Dizon said the committee members were directed to consult with various public transport stakeholders, evaluate and review the status and progress of the program, and identify issues and concerns regarding the PTMP.
The DOTr said the committee is expected to submit its recommendation to Dizon next week.
