EDITORIAL
PUV Modernization Program should adopt
CPG’s Filipino First Policy
Amid the hustle and bustle caused by the government’s PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP), whose deadline has been moved several times due to problems in its implementation, a group of academics, mainly from the University of the Philippines, urged the government to suspend the program and support local jeep makers.
On paper, the program is very laudable. The LTFRB claims that the program is the government’s response to address the aggravating transport-related problems and the future transportation demand of the country. It aims to fundamentally transform the country’s public transport system, making both commuting and public transportation operations more dignified, humane, and on par with global standards. The program also aims to give a comfortable life for all Filipinos by providing a safer, more efficient, reliable, convenient, affordable, climate-friendly, and environmentally sustainable transportation system in the country.
The academic experts criticized the program, saying that the agencies involved in the PUVMP’s implementation make it appear that steering away from traditional jeepneys is the primary solution to de-clogging and reducing carbon pollution in the country’s main thoroughfares. However, jeepneys constitute only less than two percent of the total vehicles in Metro Manila. They pointed out that the Carmageddon that paralyzes vehicular traffic in Metro Manila and other highly urbanized cities is caused by the government’s failure to develop and modernize mass transport systems. The program ineluctably “incentivizes” people to buy private vehicles while waiting for the PUVMP to deliver the modern jeepneys.
The Management Association of the Philippines has called on the government to prioritize the development and modernization of the country’s mass transport systems. The association urged the government to suspend the PUVMP indefinitely while the central issue of a mass public transport system is not in place.
Experts noted that the government agencies implementing the program seem to have a blind eye to the golden opportunity the program brings to local jeep manufacturers.The government has already stressed that it will not be the one to decide on the brand of modern vehicles for the modernization program. This policy is neutral to all manufacturers. Given the current condition of our local manufacturers, still the policy favors Chinese manufacturers who can mass produce vehicles with the assistance from their government.
This situation brings to mind Boholano President Carlos P. Garcia’s “Filipino First Policy.” CPG’s observation in his SONA delivered on January 25, 1960, still holds true today. Politically, we became independent in 1946, but economically, we are still semi-colonial. With this in mind, he introduced the policy to Congress: “This policy is a national effort to the end that Filipinos obtain major and dominant participation in their own national economy.”
CPG’s “Filipino First Policy” is enshrined in national and local legislation and the 1987 Constitution. Although CPG’s vision for the Philippines has remained relevant in our modern economy, we continue to rely on imports from foreign manufacturers funded by foreign governments.
Unless we open our eyes to this golden opportunity, the PUVMP will obliterate from our history the old jeepneys that have been part of the daily lives of ordinary Filipino citizens. Our national economy will continue to be under the influence of foreign interests. Worst, in an economic warfare, we have already sealed our death warrant.(Sources: Inquirer.net and ltfrb.net)