- MAGUS

STRIKE: Call against JMP constructive deprivation

Filipino jeepneys became trademark of the country for its unique features, driven by many Filipinos as
their main source of income. This has been the trend until Duterte’s administration paved the way for
the modernization of these jeepneys. Through the Jeepney Modernization Program or JMP, traditional
jeepneys receives significant threat of being phased out. This is continuously implemented under BBM
administration, supported by some local government units.

Jeepney drivers and operators embarked in several critical rebuttals, most observed are the transport
strikes, in the hope that the government stop such oppression and hear their interest of the people with
the detrimental economic and transition burden of JMP.

Speaking in figures, Department of Transportation admits the cost of a single unit of modernized jeepney
plays around 1.4 to 3 million pesos. The government encourage drivers and operators to avail such
vehicle claiming that it is more efficient than the daily maintenance of the PUVs. However, the assertion
seems unbelievable because the daily maintenance of traditional jeepneys wont even reach half of the
price of the modern jeepneys even in three years. This will put so much burden in their pockets knowing
that daily expenses of these drivers doesn’t revolve around their driven jeepneys and there is preexisting
struggle they are experiencing.

For instance, in the local jeepney terminal in Naga City, drivers experience low number of daily
passengers due to the alternative vehicles such as buses and the existing problems about colorum
vehicle that also travels on the same destination around Bicol provinces. This brings major affect on
jeepney drivers to have lower income, therefore, loaning for such expensive vehicle would not only take
their savings, but it can also deprive them of their daily needs. JMP creates a doubt among Filipino PUV
drivers, that the government promotes their own interest rather than the interest of the affected mass.

Even in pain of continuous oil price hike, students and regular commuters still choose to ride on
traditional jeepneys believing that it is far more convenient than the modernized one. These jeepneys
can carry high loads of weight and can travel in uphill. These factors are yet to be promised by the
modernized jeepneys. Therefore, the government’s claim of the progressive approach of JMP is still yet
to have faith on.

Jeepney drivers and operators calls for one thing. It is to hear them of their cries that complete
modernization of jeepneys implies detrimental economic and transition burdens to them. Instead of
complete implementation, the government could have help them repair the old jeepneys, and let those
only who can, avail modern jeepneys. Moreover, the government must make immediate actions for the
continuous rising of diesel cost, and this is the best “ayuda” they can receive.

The modernization of jeepneys can never be inclusive, ethical, and progressive, as the government
claims. It will never be feasible ss long as the affected mass are oppressed, deprived, and impressed with
a thought that a progressive country needs a modernized jeepney.