#jeepney phase out

[liberatingjepoy]

Jeepney Phase Out Program is Extended until December 2023

“In compliance with the advice of Sec. Jaime Bautista and the pronouncement of President Bongbong Marcos, we extended the consolidation of jeepneys from June 30 to the end of December 2023,” Guadiz, speaking in Filipino, told a press briefing.

The Philippine government enacted the Jeepney Phase-Out Law, also referred to as the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) in order to phase out old and inefficient vehicles that are referred to as jeepneys and replace them with modern, safer, and more environmentally friendly public transport vehicles. The proposed law is composed of two main components: the PUV Modernization…

[jillianwarts]

in fairness naman no? paano maiintindihan ng mga tao, lalo ng kabataan yung dahilan ng strike kung gagawing online ang klase kada may strike?

[artistslashperfectionist]

Pagpupunyagi

Momoy Sarabia

2024, cellphone picture

Hihintay ako kahit gaano katagal ang mga pasahero dito sa Sports Center dahil malamang na abala sila mag-praktis para sa mga laro nila. Ginagawa ko lang ang trabaho ko para may makasakay at makauwi ng ligtas, pero iniisip ko rin ang pamilya ko at ang boundary ng operator ko, kaya, hindi ako susuko para sa lahat ng mga nakakasalimuha ko sa kalsada.

[onenettvchannel]

OneNETnews EXCLUSIVE: Local Transport Group in Negros Oriental opts out of Nationwide Transport Strike ensures continued operation amidst challenges of PUJ Modernization Programme

DUMAGUETE, NEGROS ORIENTAL -- National transport groups, namely the Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers para sa Karapatan sa Paggawa (MANIBELA) and Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) declares a nationwide transport strike on Sunday (November 19th, 2023), which is for the unconsolidated individuals. However, Central Visayas-wide including Cebu, Bacolod, Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental, have chosen not to partake in this regional transport strike during the upcoming Holiday and New Year's Eve celebrations in the early first weekend of 2024.

(FILE PHOTO COURTESY for REPRESENTATION: Negros News Online)

Romeo Subaldo, a former News Chief of ABS-CBN Bacolod (now Kapamilya Channel: Bacolod) and current Regional Multimedia News Anchor of Favorite Music Radio & Digicast Negros, shared his insights on the matter during the final minutes of his local radio newscast of 'Arangkada Negrosanon Balita' at 6:30am on Monday morning (Bacolod local time). Subaldo emphasized that the jeepney franchises in Western Visayas and Negros Occidental will not participate in the regional strike: "I think sa mga probinsya po na sang Transport Strike sa Metro at Mega Manlia, wala ma gupod ang mga provinces naton… Sa mga taga-Metro at Mega Manila nila ng Transport Strike, kana ka nausang Department of Education (DepEd) kahapon ng Linggo (Nobyembre 19th, 2023) na way klase sa Maynila na may Transport Strike. Pero diri sa aton, padayon na pag-biyahe sa mga di pa-pasaherong mga salakyan", Subaldo said in the exclusive radio interview to OneNETnews via Facebook LIVE video.

In an exclusive phone patch interview, where it was independently verified to OneNETnews as one local transport group in-charge of Bindoy-Mabinay-Bais Transport Cooperative (BIMBATCO) named Rey Alpeche, a representative in-charge of the Bindoy-Mabinay-Bais Transport Cooperative (BIMBATCO) in Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental, confirmed that they are not part of the nationwide transport strike. Alpeche highlighted the importance of paperwork consolidation and their close monitoring of the cooperatively-owned jeepney units: "So far in Negros Oriental, maliliit lang yung persiyento ang unconsolidated. Sa aming kooperatiba, lahat kami consolidated [ng BIMBATCO] na single indibidual mga sa tingin ko siguro, mga 20 to 30 ganun. Lahat naman na cooperatiba dito is nag ko-consolidate, hindi kami sasali sa transport strike. Ano naman silbi kasi consildated na po kami. I'm meaning to say that, hindi po talaga phase out dere-diretso. Yung ang unconsolidated ng kina-kansela na prankisa nila o franchise", Alpeche said in an online media interview on Friday afternoon (December 29th, 2023).

(CONTRIBUTED FILE PHOTO COURTESY for REPRESENTATION: The Philippine Star)

He emphasized that their cooperative of BIMBATCO is already consolidated and therefore unaffected by the phase-out of older jeepney units in Negros Oriental. While concerns regarding commuting without modernized jeepneys in the future, and the availability of unemployment benefits were raised from the SSS or GSIS (Social Security System or Government Service Insurance System), Alpeche clarified that these issues do not directly impact BIMBATCO and other localized transport groups: "Yung amining nila ng gobyerno is to consolidate. Consolidation is yung mga papeles ng iko-consolidate kasi hindi na po biro na yung gobyerno na for example… Hindi kaya ng LTFRB o Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board na mag-monitor ng indibidual na prangkisa o operators. Kailangan mo i-monitor yung sa kooperatiba kasi, yung sa sinabing cooperative ay mo-monitor ng mga [Jeepney] units", he added.

(FILE PHOTO COURTESY: Google Images)

Loans in Negros Oriental, with the example of government-owned banking 'Landbank' cannot cover all the jeepney vehicle modernization expenses and was yet to be revisted in the Q1 of 2024 or later. Nonetheless, BIMBATCO needs to reassess areas for modernization based on its passenger volumes: "Kailangang po talaga e-revisit mo na yung [sinabing probinsya] ng Negros Oriental kasi, sa amin ngayon may modernized jeepney galing isa, taas namin kinuha yun. Ang problema, hindi talaga kaya ang umo-utang ta sa banko. Pag umo-utang pa ron, siguradong hindi na ka mababayad. Sa Negros Oriental ang problema kasi, wala po tayo mga masyadong volume ng pasahero o passengers. So, kailangan po naming na e-revisit muna yung every area na kailangan na modernisasyon".

Alpeche suggested that if drivers were to become unemployed and experience a decrease in income for commuting purposes, they would need to be re-hired, despite of the upcoming nationwide transport strike including Negros Oriental. He expressed the drivers' resistance to the boundary system and emphasized that drivers earn more than the operators themselves: "Meron nang dahan-dahan na tayong phase-out, yung mga driver din yun is ire-hire din. Saan pong kami kukuha ang driver sa kanila rin? Kasi ayaw ng mga drivers na itong nangyari. Ayaw kasi ng mga drivers is boundaring system yun ng mga drivers. Mas malaki pa yung kita kaysa sa operator".

The consolidation process for BIMBATCO began in 2018 or 2019 and was soon to expire by 2024, as early as 6 years before the December 31st, 2024 deadline on Sunday. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr. stated that there would be no extensions for the nationwide and regional jeepney phase-out for the unconsolidated individuals, urging sincerity from the government. He also pointed out the lack of communication with the Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Negros Oriental: "Dapat unahin natin yung LTFRB, we do talk with the cooperatives na kabisado yung ruta. Kasi, kami ang nakakaalam so ruta kung pwede bang dagdagan, pwede bang tanggalan ng [Jeepney] units at i-modernize. Kasi, kami yung apektado at kami yung may alam pero, pag wala namang threat nandito sa Negros Oriental sa ngayon, hindi nai-tolerate yan. We don't talk to the government. At saka, pag wala pang consolidation po sa kanila ng ilang taon na palaging ine-extend, paano naman kami which is so unfair for us na hindi na ko-consolidate as early as 2018 o 2019, na palagi sinabing ine-extend. Pag ayaw talaga ang consolidasyon, ayaw na din talaga ng extensyon". Alpeche expressed frustration with the extension of consolidation deadlines and the unfair treatment of cooperatives that have already consolidated to them. Alpeche expressed frustration with the extension of consolidation deadlines and the unfair treatment of cooperatives that had already consolidated.

(FILE PHOTO COURTESY: Bayan Negros)

Fortunately in conclusion… Western and Central Visayas, including Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, are not participating in the regional transport strike. BIMBATCO has ensured the necessary paperwork and franchises to secure the continued operation of their regional vehicle franchises without any revocations or phasing out in the new year by January 1st, 2024.

The transportation crisis in Metro and Mega Manila is a significant concern for MANIBELA and PISTON. Drivers are pushing for the modernization of new jeepney vehicles under the Public Utility Jeepney & Public Utility Vehicle - Modernization Programme (PUJ/PUV-MP) as a last resort to preserve the driving culture associated with older jeepneys. However, individual Filipino drivers cannot afford this potential upgrade.

OneNETnews has learned that Negros Oriental will no longer participate in the local transport strike for now, as confirmed by Alpeche of BIMBATCO. They have sought legal assistance to ensure proper registration and consolidation by the Land Transportion Office (LTO) and LTFRB, allowing them to operate safely and normally in Central Visayas.

A big SPECIAL THANKS to Neil Ceriño Rio of DYGB-FM 91.7 MHz's Power91FM and Fil News Balita: Cable TV 6 in Dumaguete City for their assistance in contacting BIMBATCO and facilitating our phone patch interview and local news report. Also, you can listen a full phone patched interview provided below the source links. Thank you!

PHOTO COURTESY: Rhayniel Saldasal Calimpong (Freelanced Photojournalist and Media News Presenter of OneNETnews) CONTRIBUTED LOGO via FB PHOTO BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: Tegna

SOURCE: *https://archive.org/details/onenetnews-interviews-with-bimbatcos-rey-alpeche [Exclusive Audio Interview from OneNETnews with Rey Alpeche - Dec292023] *https://www.topgear.com.ph/features/feature-articles/puv-modernization-program-jeepney-phaseout-guide-a4354-20230310-lfrm [Referenced Editorial News Article via Top Gear Philippines] *https://www.rappler.com/voices/ispeak/analysis-rethink-public-utility-vehicles-transportation-modernization-focus-commuters/ [Referenced Editorial News Article via Rappler] *https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1213731 [Referenced News Article via Philippine News Agency] *https://mb.com.ph/2023/11/20/iloilo-city-unaffected-by-transport-strike [Referenced News Article via Manila Bulletin] *https://watchmendailyjournal.com/2023/12/09/transport-strike-mulled-bacolod-transport-group-protest-vs-franchise-consolidation/ [Referenced News Article #1 via Watchmen Daily Journal] *https://watchmendailyjournal.com/2023/12/13/impending-phase-2-transport-groups-bacolod-refuse-join-transport-strike/ [Referenced News Article #2f via Watchmen Daily Journal] *https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/cebu-transport-groups-will-not-join-3-day-strike [Referenced Mini News Article from SunStar: Cebu] *https://www.facebook.com/100063703909926/posts/668507635282694 [Referenced FB News Article via The NORSUnian] and *https://www.facebook.com/107637454505360/posts/107640491171723 [Contributed BIMBATCO Logo via FB PHOTO]

-- OneNETnews Team

[mariellaolden]

NO TO JEEPNEY PHASEOUT !!!!!!

SAY HELLO TO A WORSENED TRANSPORT CRISIS BY 2024

By: Mariella Angela H. Olden (December 28, 2023 | 9:25 PM)

Following a meeting with transportation officials, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on December 12 that no further extensions for consolidation of public utility vehicles (PUV) shall be granted.

One of the cultural markers of Philippine identity is the jeepney. Jeepneys have been the primary mode of transportation for Filipinos due to its affordability and accessibility, particularly for students and workers. Furthermore, it has traditionally been the primary occupation of drivers and operators.

In June 2017, the government established the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), intending to replace and eventually phase out traditional jeepneys to improve public transportation. However, with the impending phaseout of jeepneys by December 31, 2023, drivers and operators will be forced to purchase costly modern vehicles supported by the government.

Data from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) indicates that five days before the consolidation deadline, 31,058 traditional jeepneys, or 73.5% of them in Metro Manila, have yet to be consolidated. These unconsolidated units are highly not a minority.

Why should drivers, operators, commuters, and workers fight back? Among the many effects of the PUVMP is the increase in the minimum fare that will continue to make Filipinos suffer. The PUV Modernization program is a business. Corporations and large businesses will take over and have the advantage of raising fares to pay for expensive "modern jeeps." In contrast, this is a big disadvantage to the families of the drivers and operators, who will sink into debt due to the burden of the monthly payment of the modernized vehicle.

In addition, the Department of Energy and LTFRB has reported that the number of registered vehicles in the Philippines exceeds 9 million. Just over 250,000, equivalent to 2% of jeepneys, make up the total.

More detrimental effects of this program include the modern jeepney being way more expensive than the traditional jeepney. The price of a typical jeepney ranges from P150,000 to P250,000. The cost of operating a modern e-jeepney will rise by 1,766.7% to P2.8 million for drivers and operators. Although P160,000 will be given as a subsidy according to LTFRB, which amounts to a mere 5.7% of the jeepney's entire cost, jeepney drivers will be forced to make at least more earnings each day to be able to settle their loan if they were to switch to the modern jeepney.

By the year 2024, the mass transport crisis in the country will worsen. The government cannot fill such a large and significant gap in public transport in the country. With the influx of imported cars, many local manufacturers and industries will be affected.

The PUVMP program is forcefully erasing one of the main parts of our identity as Filipinos and only in favor of a few rich and foreign interests, making the Filipino masses suffer, further impoverished, and left behind.

Drivers, operators, commuters, and workers—

Unite and fight for #NoToJeepneyPhaseout #NoToPUVPhaseout #NoToPUVModernizationProgram!

[upismediacenter]

OPINION: STOP THE E-JEEP! #NoToJeepneyPhaseout

Commuter or not, every Filipino is familiar with jeepneys. Once dubbed “King of the Roads”, jeepneys are a symbol of Philippine culture and resourcefulness, as they were made from converted jeeps left by American troops after World War II. As the most popular public transport vehicle in our country for decades, these jeepneys are now at risk of disappearing, causing public uproar.

The controversy surrounding the phasing out of jeepneys first sparked in 2017 when the government launched the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). The program’s goal is to replace the old model jeepneys with modern electronic jeepneys (e-jeeps) that are claimed to guarantee cleaner emissions and improved safety. This has been met with several worries that could adversely affect the Filipino populace.

Public unrest over the jeepney phaseout has been going on for years. The consolidation deadline for Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) which included jeepneys, UV Expresses, and Filcab units was extended three times. The first was due to the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple protests from transport groups, which affected the government’s original plan to consolidate PUVs in March 2020. As a result, it was rescheduled at the end of last year, December 31, 2023. The second extension was on January 31, 2024, to allow unconsolidated PUVs to ply their routes with the stipulation of being barred from joining cooperatives and corporations. The third and “final” deadline was on April 30, 2024—three months after the last deadline—to allow driver-operators one last time to consolidate, or else they would not be allowed to ply their routes. Amid these several deadlines, protests and strikes are unwavering as dissents push for the PUVMP to be suspended, arguing that imposing deadline extensions does not address the structural problems of the modernization program.

One day before the “final” deadline, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) declared that unconsolidated jeepneys have a 15-day leeway to continue their usual routes before they are impounded. Again, this is another smokescreen from the systemic issues brought by the modernization program. The PUVMP must be suspended, as it ostensibly presents more problems than solutions. If the PUVMP truly is for the people, why is there a persistent and contentious pushback by the public?

Enforcing deadlines and giving grace periods for jeepney drivers only delays—the government must suspend the PUVMP and reevaluate its effectiveness. Displacing and disenfranchising jeepney drivers from their livelihoods defeats the purpose of an inclusive and sustainable program as the PUVMP endorses itself to be.

Who are those affected?

Jeepney drivers are most affected by the modernization program. If they choose not to consolidate with cooperatives and corporations or cannot afford an e-jeep alone, their vehicles will be impounded, taking away their only source of income. Additionally, commuters, UP Diliman constituents, and other sectors also have to bear the cost of the PUVMP due to the policies and funds allocated to this program.

The transport group for jeepney drivers, Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide, more commonly known as PISTON, is the leading opposition group against the PUVMP. First established in 1981, PISTON serves as an organization that aims to promote the welfare and democratic rights of jeepney drivers. In 2013, they launched a campaign against the oil price hike, directed at the country’s main petroleum companies, namely Petron, Shell, and Chevron. Since the government has revealed plans to phase out jeepneys over 15 years old, they have been organizing protests against the PUVMP, criticizing its anti-poor policies and prioritizing for-profit corporate consolidation.

The PUVMP pressures jeepney drivers to switch to e-jeeps or new combustion engine vehicles that meet Euro IV emission standards which only permit carbon monoxide (CO) emissions of 1.0g/km for gasoline and 0.5g/km for diesel vehicles. Units and parts that make up the e-jeep are imported from other countries, which is why they are priced as high as PHP 3 million. While the modernization program offers subsidies of PHP 160 thousand through loan programs by the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to help offset the costs, this amount is only 5.7% of the total cost of a modern jeepney. Jeepney drivers state that they will need to make around PHP 3.5 thousand each day to pay off the debt from switching to an e-jeep, but at the moment, they only make around PHP 2 thousand a day.

The large amount of money that needs to be spent transitioning to modern e-jeeps is the main concern of dissent to this program. Replacing a huge fleet of jeepneys requires massive resources, taking away from vital sectors such as education and healthcare. Additionally, the PUVMP disproportionately affects low-income citizens—specifically, jeepney drivers who mostly come from low-income families and struggle to meet the high e-jeep cost. The debt burden forces them to work longer hours just to break even, negatively impacting their livelihood. Jeepney drivers worry that the transition to e-jeeps or new combustion engine vehicles will exacerbate their financial burdens and force them to work longer hours just to break even.

Furthermore, units from local manufacturing companies such as eFrancisco Motor Corporation and Sarao Jeepneys are still priced at around PHP 2.5 million, further putting jeepney drivers at odds with the financial burden of the PUVMP. With large corporations dominating the market and the PUVMP’s policy to consolidate driver-operators to cooperative-led fleets, this raises concerns of corporate takeover and the economic marginalization of jeepney drivers. Since large companies are the ones who have the capacity to fully adhere to the program, jeepney drivers are left disenfranchised because of their financial disadvantage.

Commuters are also affected heavily by this program. Modern jeeps usually charge higher fares because, aside from the initial cost of modernization, their maintenance and repair costs are higher than the traditional jeepneys’. This adds more financial problems to Filipinos already facing higher living expenses as a result of inflation rates. Moreover, unfamiliar technology could present a significant challenge for traditional drivers transitioning to modern jeepneys, leading to potential operational difficulties and increased maintenance expenses.

Constituents of UP Diliman (UPD) share similar concerns. The UP Transport Group (UPTG), which consists of jeepney drivers from all routes around the campus such as Ikot, Toki, UP-Pantranco, UP-Philcoa, and UP-Katipunan, organized a silent strike on December 13, 2023, in protest of the earlier December 31 deadline. Based on interviews with the UPD Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Roehl Jamon, UP jeepney drivers may have to comply with the modernization. According to Jamon, the only two options they have are for the university to pay for the units themselves, which cost about PHP 1.4 to 3 million each, or for the university to partner with transport cooperatives that already own modernized units and invite them to service the campus, which is the less expensive option between the two. Although the latter is cheaper, this still gives way for corporations to take advantage of the modernization program.

Jeepneys are extensively used by UP college students and students of UP Integrated School (UPIS) for commuting to and from the university campus because they charge less than other PUVs. However, these fares could be completely changed by the PUVMP’s effect on jeepney availability and rates, possibly altering their daily commutes by making them spend more on transport alternatives or by forcing them to look for different routes. This might put additional financial burden as well as longer hours of travel in their everyday life, affecting not only their academic performance but also their general welfare.

Moreover, the PUVMP is taking attention and funding from other sectors that have more pressing needs. In particular, the Department of Education (DepEd) is significantly impacted by lack of funding. Classroom and teacher shortages have been notable areas of concern with an estimated 165,444 classrooms and nearly 90,000 teachers needed. According to DepEd, PHP 105 billion would be needed each year up until 2030 to address the classroom shortage, while PHP 5.6 billion would be needed to hire 20,000 teachers in the upcoming school year, as discussed in the Senate plenary deliberations on the proposed 2024 national budget. Aside from the education sector, the Department of Health (DOH) has been grappling with vaccine shortages, namely pertussis, which has led to 54 infant deaths since the beginning of the year. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in 2022, the Philippines was among the top 5 contributors to the 18 million zero-dose children in the world. Despite this and multiple warnings from health authorities, the Philippines still hasn’t fully addressed this vaccine gap, leaving one million unvaccinated Filipino children vulnerable and susceptible to life-threatening diseases such as polio, measles, and tuberculosis. In light of these issues, resources should be prioritized in these matters instead of the PUVMP. Action must be taken immediately to address these pressing concerns and ensure the well-being of the Filipino people.

Are E-jeeps really the “better option”?

According to a study by the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED), jeepneys only make up about 2% of the total registered vehicles in the nation and PUVs only contribute about 15% of the total particulate matter emissions in Metro Manila. If the PUVMP aims to transform our public transportation into becoming more sustainable and environmentally friendly, this number does not justify the relentless pressure on jeepney drivers to consolidate. The PUVMP will only contribute 2% to the country’s vehicles that cause pollution. This raises the question of the significance of its impact on saving the environment and reducing emissions in the long run. Additionally, modern jeepneys still run on fossil fuels, such as petroleum oil, defeating the purpose of the program’s goal of creating a more environmentally friendly public transport system. In the same study by CEED, it was argued that solely focusing modernization efforts on jeepneys to reduce air pollution would be negligible. Taking this into account, the government should instead consider upgrading traditional jeepneys to meet the proposed emission standards which would be cheaper for the program.

Furthermore, as said in a paper by the UP Center for Integrative and Developmental Studies, drawing from the current rate of assembly of modern jeepneys, it will take an estimated 270 years before all traditional jeepneys in the country are replaced. This begs the question of why the government keeps enforcing deadlines when it will take almost three centuries before all jeepneys are replaced with e-jeeps.

The PUVMP, while well-intentioned, presents a flawed solution. The environmental costs being too high, the unjust burden on the poor, and the uncertain consequences of such a drastic transition are strong arguments for reconsideration. The government should consider other options like rehabilitating existing jeepneys and using cleaner-burning fuels. One example that can be improved with the government’s help is the rehabilitated jeepney proposed by the Libmanan Transport Service Cooperative (LIBTRASCO). This model includes all government-specified features of the modernized jeepney—such as a side door, a higher ceiling, bigger windows, and even stabilizers to account for the increased height. Compared to e-jeeps, these rehabilitated models only cost around PHP 400 thousand to PHP 500 thousand, making them more affordable for jeepney drivers. Though the rehabilitated jeepney still uses the jeepney’s diesel engine, it can still be adapted to use a Euro 4 engine and even include air conditioning. If the government chooses to work with LIBTRASCO and retrofit the rehabilitated jeepney as an alternative, the Philippines can then improve its transport system while keeping its traditional jeepneys and people’s livelihoods by prioritizing affordability, inclusiveness, and a sustainable future.

Modernization shouldn’t be at the expense of the workers. The primary reason why many are aggressively opposing the program is that the welfare of jeepney drivers was not carefully considered when they should be the center of the solution. For the past years that the modernization program has been implemented, instead of listening to the pleas and concerns of jeepney drivers, commuters, and other constituents, the government has kept imposing the jeepney consolidation and resisting any demands by the public.

Taking all of this into account, we must request the government to prioritize policies that consider the money and power of all citizens, especially those from poor backgrounds. This includes subsidizing the move towards modern vehicles or examining other options that do not oppress marginalized communities. Instead of pushing jeepney drivers to consolidate and buy e-jeeps, the government should consider exploring and supporting initiatives that use cleaner-burning fuels and retrofitting existing jeepneys to meet emission standards to help maintain the environment in its sustainable state without overhauling the iconic jeepney fleet.

Above all else, this transition must be led by the workers—jeepney drivers whom the public has relied on for decades. Development must be made with the public in mind, not without.

// by Kela Alcantara & Xia Mentes

References:

Abarca, C. (2024, March 21). Calabarzon, Metro Manila top classroom shortage list – DepEd. INQUIRER.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1921036/fwd-on-public-classroom-shortage#:~:text=The%20estimated%20total%20number%20of,country’s%20classroom%20shortage%20by%202030

Ansis, JC (December 14, 2015). "Piston: Continuing to fight for the transport sector". CNN Philippines. https://web.archive.org/web/20190131083905/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2015/12/14/piston-protests-continuing-to-fight-for-transport-sector.html

Bautista, P., Moya, R. (2023, September 3). Jeepney modernization program: Drivers have a steep price to pay. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/09/03/2293549/jeepney-modernization-program-drivers-have-steep-price-pay

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Conde, M. (2019, November 16). Transport coop makes pitch for ‘affordable, safe’ rehabilitated jeepney. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/nation/244909-camarines-sur-transport-cooperative-rehabilitated-jeepney/

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Mendoza, T. C. (2021, February). Addressing the “blind side” of the government’s jeepney “modernization” program. University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Developmental Studies. 1-69. ISSN 2619-7456.

Mondoñedo-Ynot, L. (2024, April 10). April 30 is final deadline for Puv Consolidation. SunStar Publishing Inc. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/april-30-is-final-deadline-for-puv-consolidation

Ombay, G. (2023, November 9). DepEd lacks nearly 90,000 teachers - Pia Cayetano. GMA News Online. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/887851/deped-lacks-nearly-90-000-teachers-pia-cayetano/story/

Pabustan, D. (2017, September 21). Euro 4, what does it mean and why do we need it?. AutoDeal.https://www.autodeal.com.ph/articles/car-features/euro-4-what-does-it-mean-and-why-do-we-need-it

Philippine Daily Inquirer. (2024, April 14). DOH’s Lack of Vaccine Urgency. INQUIRER.net. https://opinion.inquirer.net/172935/dohs-lack-of-vaccine-urgency

Presidential Communications Office. (2024, January 24). PBBM approves three-month extension of PUV Consolidation. https://pco.gov.ph/news_releases/pbbm-approves-three-month-extension-of-puv-consolidation/

RAC. (n.d.). Euro 1 to Euro 6 guide – find out your vehicle’s emissions standard. https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/emissions/euro-emissions-standards/

Relativo, J. (2023, December 28). Unconsolidated jeepneys, UV Express “allowed to operate” until Jan. 31, 2024. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/12/28/2321963/unconsolidated-jeepneys-uv-express-allowed-operate-until-jan-31-2024

Relativo, J. (2024, April 30). Unconsolidated jeepneys given “15-day leeway” after consolidation deadline. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/04/30/2351543/unconsolidated-jeepneys-given-15-day-leeway-after-consolidation-deadline

Reyes, R. O. (2024, January 29). Jeepney drivers rejoice “partial victory” for phaseout extension. SunStar Publishing Inc. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/tacloban/jeepney-drivers-rejoice-partial-victory-for-phaseout-extension#:~:text=approved%20the%20extension%20for%20franchise

Rivas, R. (2023, March 7). In numbers: Why jeepney phaseout is anti-poor, will do little for environment. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/business/numbers-why-government-phaseout-jeepneys-anti-poor-do-little-environment/

Santos, J. (2024, February 7). Consolidation extension is not what the protest demands. Philippine Collegian.https://phkule.org/article/1106/consolidation-extension-is-not-what-the-protest-demands

[gr2humss12-4]

If you want more insights and perspectives about the different social issues we've encountered, we would love to recommend different topics. This blog recommendation covers a wide range of topics, from Inflation to Genocide, offering diverse viewpoints and in-depth analysis. Check it out for thought-provoking articles and discussions on today's most pressing social issues.⚖️💫 (PART 1 OF 2)

#VoicesForChange

Inflation

https://www.reuters.com/markets/goodbye-maybe-great-inflation-scare-world-bank-blog-2023-12-18/

https://www.creditkarma.com/financial-planning/i/what-causes-inflation

Jeepney Phaseout

False Information

Teenage Pregnancy

[matcha-berry]

no bcs the ph government is so anti-people it is literally insane. They're phasing out the jeepneys, which is a transportation vehicle that has been ingrained in filipino culture. I get where they're coming from, really. The issues with jeepneys and the pros to the modernized ones BUT maybe not do this now? Maybe come up with a more solid plan that will not jeopardize hundreds, if not, thousands of filipinos' livelihoods? Not NOW when we legit just got out of the pandemic and due to shitty governance, the inflation rate is skyrocketing. How do they expect the jeepney drivers to comply with the money and the debt it will bring to buy a modernized jeepney? And the people sitting on government seats are calling the protestors "commúnists" AND these asshole "public servants" are threatening said protestors of administrative and criminal sanctions for PROTESTING. WHICH IS A RIGHT? It's literally in the philippine constitution? Article 3, section 4??? Yudipota, i literally cannot handle this stupidity.

[riammm]

Imbis na sana nag hahanda sila para sa bagong taon kasama pamilya nila andito sila sa kalsada dahil sa napaka walang kwentang gobyerno. Nakakagalit kasi napaka rich-centric ng bansa natin knowing na majority ay working class and lower class, lahat nalang mas nagbebenifit ang mga mayayaman, kaya di na talaga ko nagtataka bakit halos karamihan sa mga mayayaman gustong gusto si Marcos.

NO TO JEEPNEY PHASE OUT YES TO MARCOS-DUTERTE PHASE OUT

[catdotjpeg]

Anakbayan-USA stands with the jeepney drivers as they begin their strike today! We commend the 40,000+ jeepney drivers in Metro Manila and beyond for their unity and strength in waging this historic work stoppage. After 5 long years of struggling to participate in the jeepney phaseout and modernization program, the drivers are taking a huge stand to oppose and expose the phase out’s anti-people roll out.

This program would mandate that individual drivers join a cooperative or corporation that must acquire at least 15 modern public utility vehicles, each costing P2.4-2.6 million or $43,000+ US dollars. Only larger businesses or corporations will be able to afford this requirement, resulting in the disappearance of small business owners and ordinary drivers in the jeepney industry.

In the midst of ruinous inflation on top of the pandemic-caused one year service stoppage, the government is forcing drivers into predatory debt with no subsidies. Many drivers will be pushed to work under larger businesses who will further exploit them. Many drivers will lose their livelihoods, and be thrust into an economy where thousands toil as contractual workers or thousands more leave the country each day in search of employment.

Truly, the only winners of the jeepney modernization plan are the big corporations who already have access to huge amounts of capital, the banks doling out the loans and reaping all of the interest, the foreign car manufacturers producing all of the vehicles, and the capitalists amongst the ranks of the government.

The Philippine government wants to push forward a bogus modernization plan to reap the benefits for themselves. Vice President Sara Duterte blasts the strike for its supposed "hardship on students." But what is the reality?

The strike is only temporary, while the lasting impacts of the jeepney modernization pose the greatest hardships on students: higher fares to pay for these new vehicles, joblessness that this plan forces students and their families into, and a lack of future opportunities.

If the government is not willing to provide a modernization plan that has lasting impacts to secure the livelihoods of the drivers and prioritizes working class people, how can we expect that they will do any different for any other sector?

The people deserve safe, accessible, and quality public transportation. Drivers deserve to have true inclusion in the modernization plan that has lasting impacts and secures their livelihoods.

We call on all youth to stand with the striking drivers!

No to Jeepney Phase Out, Yes to Pro-People Modernization!

TAKE ACTION

- Follow the "No to PUV Phaseout Coalition" on FB - Post a selfie or poster with your support for the protest. Use the hashtags #NoToJeepneyPhaseout #NoToPUVPhaseout #SupportTransportStrike - Donate to BAYAN USA to support the strike

-- “No to Jeepney Phaseout! Yes to Pro-People modernization!”, Anakbayan-USA, 5 March 2023

[cullenakingirog]

Personal story of a jeepney driver’s child about the phaseout:

[TRANSLATION: I feel bad for my papa :(( He is a jeepney driver so when he learned that the jeep will be phased out, we weren’t able to properly speak to him for almost a whole week since it always seemed that his mind was far away like awhile ago, I woke at around 3 am then I saw him sitting at the sofa speaking to our dog when I heard him crying while stroking our dog. “I feel bad for my kids if their papa has no job since driving is the only thing I know how to do. It would have been okay if I studied something, I’d be able to find a job immediately but what about me who didn’t graduate elementary?” then he laughed but I know papa’s struggling, it hurts so much. :(( #NOTOJEEPNEYPHASEOUT]

Explanation why the Jeepney phaseout is not well-planned:

[TRANSLATION: Your office gave a memo that they will replace your PC with a Macbook.

You and your workmates were delighted because, wow, Macbook. It’s faster. Better.

But you learned that the payment for the Macbook is coming out of your own pockets. One Macbook is 75k PHP, but you get to pay monthly installments. 7k a month for the next 10 months.

But how could that be if your salary is only 18k? Your commute, meals and money to give to your family.

You tried to negotiate with the company, you told them that you can’t pay that amount. That your salary can’t make it work.

But your company tells you it’s required. So that the company will look good. So the company won’t look like it’s struggling.

So either you agree to pay in installments for an expensive new laptop, or you’re fired.

That is the Jeepney Phaseout. That is what the jeepney drivers are going through. They are being forced to pay in installments for a new jeep they can’t even afford.

If this happened to your job, you would be protesting too.]

Why should we say no to the Jeepney Phaseout?

[TRANSLATION: With the PUV Modernisation, jcommute would cost 34 PHP minimum.

Jeepney drivers will be forced to buy the modernised vehicles at 2.5 million PHP for each vehicle. Because of this, the commute cost will have to go up for the operators to be able to pay the bank loans and the other expensive operational costs.

This isn’t genuine modernisation. This is a burden to the commuter, driver and operator.

So let’s say #NoToJeepneyPhaseout! Let’s fight for a pro-people, worker-led, just transition!]

[asta-daily]

Jeepney

We cannot talk about the Philippines without showing a jeepney. Made from jeeps left behind by WW2 GIs, they are still produced to this day. Wonderful, creatives, colorful, they are works of art, highly customized to the extreme. You can go anywhere, you can repair them on the spot, rear opening ease the passengers loading, what's not to like about the jeepneys? Well... to be honest, a bit. Poor emissions, traffic congestion, noise, security... The old generations are gradually phased out, there's talk about e-jeepney replacement program that would let behind a lot of drivers (and small rural locations). It's like having an old trusty car. It's custom, comfy and handy, you have so much memories attached, you wouldn't sell it for the world but boy, does it gulps!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeepney

/* Pencil doodle on A6 sketchbook - Portemine sur carnet A6 */

Impossible de parler des Philippines sans mentionner les Jeepneys. Faites à partir de jeeps abandonnées par les soldats américains, elles sont encore produites aujourd'hui. Merveilleuses de créativité, colorées, instantanément reconnaissables, ce sont de véritables oeuvres d'art modifiées à l’extrême selon les envies et lubies de leur propriétaires. Vous pouvez vous rendre partout, les réparer à la volée, la montée à l'arrière permet de se passer d'abribus. Franchement c'est pas le meilleur des transports en commun ? En fait, pas vraiment. Polluantes, encombrantes, bruyantes, pas de ceinture... Les anciennes générations sont peu à peu remplacées. Il y a bien un programme de jeepneys électriques mais qui laisserait beaucoup de chauffeurs (et le monde rural) dans les choux. C'est comme posséder une bonne vielle bagnole depuis des lustres. On l'a personnalisée de stickers et de gadgets, on la trouve confortable, pratique, attachante, chaque bout évoque un souvenir et vous ne l'échangeriez pas contre une fortune ou deux mais bon dieu, qu'est-ce qu'elle boit et fume !

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeepney      

[artistslashperfectionist]

Simple But Rock

Momoy Sarabia

Nothing ever beats a colorful jeepney even if it looks like a regular piece of tin can.

[grvntld]

28 june 2023—took one of mah bebi sistuhrs out on a date tahday 𖡼⊱✿⊰𖡼 we did a bit of ukay hopping but rlly we just went to two of my fave ukay shops hehe i got so many good finds while my sistuhr got two grad dress options and a few other pretty items too ♡ then we went to megamall bc i wanted to buy smthng in zara but omg phased out na raw huhu so then we just ate our hearts out instead hihi we had so much fun

p.s. i rlly need to relearn driving and finally get my license para di kami grab grab + commute pag di avail si moosey. tbh, this is the first time that i crossed a busy highway and rode a jeepney in years—like maybe four years ganOrn. aint a flex, im just sharing kasi i find it strange na ganOrn na pala katagal. lol.

[saerotonins]

OMG A BARBIE THEMED BLOG!! nice to meet you, ate rica!! and yes, no to jeepney phase out hehe. advanced happy new year to youuu. wishing you so much love and joy for the upcoming year <333

ps nakita ko yung opm playlist mo 😭 do you have a taglist for it??

ABSOLUTELYYYYY the only one we should phaseout is [redacted] and his family 😝‼️ also, hello kaori!! welcome to my blog, im glad u liked my theme tehehe (urs is so pretty too btw !! glad to see a fellow jenjen luvr!! shes so gf coded). advanced happy new year as well!! may 2024 become a yr for us baddies 🫶🏻 as for my opm taglist, i dont have one yet but maybe i'll work on it soon! thank u for showing interest 🫶🏻🎀

[tagapagsalaysay]

phasing out jeepneys and raising mrt prices. Wow. We need to burn peoples cars now