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Advocates Philippines
House Investigates Alleged Corruption In PUV Modernization
Photo credit: Congress PH
In response to mounting concerns over potential corrupt practices surrounding the implementation of the jeepney modernization program, the Committee on Transportation, led by Chairman Romeo M. Acop initiated a motu proprio investigation today.
The directive came from Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who expressed support for the program while emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the livelihoods of jeepney drivers.
Romualdez urged the committee to probe allegations that current transport officials may be colluding with their predecessors in negotiations for the procurement of imported modern jeepney units. The investigation aims to ensure transparency and fairness in the conceptualization and execution of the modernization initiative.
During the hearing, Acop and committee members interrogated key figures, including Land Transportation Franchise Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III and officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and other relevant agencies. The focus was on understanding the industry consolidation process and the practicalities of implementing the modernization program.
Romualdez, while advocating for the program, highlighted the need to prioritize the welfare of jeepney drivers. He emphasized the importance of providing assistance, affordable financing options, and training programs to support drivers in transitioning to new vehicles and adapting to modern technologies.
The Committee, in response to its findings, is poised to draft a Resolution recommending to President Ferdinand R. Marcos a reconsideration and rescheduling of the January 31, 2024, deadline for the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) consolidation.
Key government agencies, such as the DOTr, LTO, LTFRB, DENR, and DILG, as well as financial institutions like Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), were present in the hearing.
Representatives from transport groups and operators affected by the PUV modernization program also attended.
The directive came from Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who expressed support for the program while emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the livelihoods of jeepney drivers.
Romualdez urged the committee to probe allegations that current transport officials may be colluding with their predecessors in negotiations for the procurement of imported modern jeepney units. The investigation aims to ensure transparency and fairness in the conceptualization and execution of the modernization initiative.
During the hearing, Acop and committee members interrogated key figures, including Land Transportation Franchise Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III and officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and other relevant agencies. The focus was on understanding the industry consolidation process and the practicalities of implementing the modernization program.
Romualdez, while advocating for the program, highlighted the need to prioritize the welfare of jeepney drivers. He emphasized the importance of providing assistance, affordable financing options, and training programs to support drivers in transitioning to new vehicles and adapting to modern technologies.
The Committee, in response to its findings, is poised to draft a Resolution recommending to President Ferdinand R. Marcos a reconsideration and rescheduling of the January 31, 2024, deadline for the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) consolidation.
Key government agencies, such as the DOTr, LTO, LTFRB, DENR, and DILG, as well as financial institutions like Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), were present in the hearing.
Representatives from transport groups and operators affected by the PUV modernization program also attended.
Jan 11, 2024
