Jeepney operators want PUVMP abolished due to financial hardship

Some jeepney operators are calling for the abolition of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), citing lost livelihoods and financial hardship.

Members of the Piston transport group shared their "nightmare" experiences during a press conference, highlighting the negative impacts of consolidation.

Rommel Odevilas, representing the Guadalupe-FTI Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association, Inc., recounted how his cooperative dissolved, leading to operators losing their promised daily earnings.

Odevilas expressed deep regret over his decision to consolidate, having spent P50,000 and surrendered his franchise, only to face joblessness and the forced sale of vehicles.

Oscar Dela Peña, secretary of Pasig-Mandaluyong-Quiapo Operators and Drivers Alliance Transport Service Cooperative (Pamaqoda), stated that their cooperative reported no income in three years and no dividends for officers.

Dela Peña added that their cooperative's debt reached up to P4 million.

The operators described the emotional toll of consolidation, with some experiencing sleepless nights and profound sadness over the loss of their hard-earned livelihoods.

They have been writing letters to officials of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) but have yet to be given any solution.