Jeepney Phaseout: The modern-day equivalent of a purge?

In the heart of the Philippines, a storm is brewing, threatening to erase a treasured part
of the nation's identity. At this very moment, the country is embroiled in a contentious
battle over a program that seeks to eliminate a cultural vehicle—the jeepney. This bold
and generally despised project, known as the jeepney phaseout, intends to replace
and swap out Traditional Jeepneys, with more contemporary, electric-powered
vehicles. Some, including myself, contend that the phaseout of Jeepneys will be a
challenging, costly, and extravagant plan that disregards the socioeconomic effects
on regular drivers and operators and insults Philippine history. Others, however, see this
as a praiseworthy and morally righteous act, particularly for the environment. But in all
honesty, for me, and many others; Traditional Jeepneys should be operated as is
without any interference and “modernized” changes.

In 2023, the cost of a modern jeepney is expected to be around P2.8 million, but
conventional jeepneys only cost between P200,000 and P400,000. Based on the paper
authored by Rivas (2023) “Subsidies offered to the jeepney drivers and operators start at
P80,000 and later (increase) to P160,000.” These subsidies only cover around five
percent of the total cost of a modern jeepney in 2023. The drivers are therefore forced
to foot the bill of the remaining ninety-five percent for the updated vehicle, which they
keep for themselves and their families. This led many drivers and commuters to accuse
the project of being “anti-poor” and “unjust”. The government's unwillingness to offer
drivers significant financial assistance or subsidies amplifies the burden on drivers, the
majority of whom are from low-income households. As a result, drivers are left feeling
unsure and may be in debt. “Wala po tayong problema sa jeepney modernization,
pero dapat suportahan ng gubyerno ang mga driver (We have no problem with
jeepney modernization, but government needs to support the drivers),” PISTON national
president Mody Floranda states in a rally in Quezon City.

In addition, thousands of drivers who rely on their jeepneys for a living are at risk due to
the jeepney phaseout. These drivers are equipped with the skills, resources, and
expertise needed to operate and own conventional jeepneys. If modern electric
automobiles abruptly replaced these vehicles, most drivers would find it difficult to
adjust and support their families or find work. "There are no safeguards whatsoever with
respect to the affected drivers and operators who will be displaced because of this
supposed modernization." Escudero said (2023)

Lastly, jeepneys have always had a huge cultural and historical significance in the
Philippines. They elicit pride in all Filipinos and serve as an iconic symbol of
transportation. “The Philippines is known for its jeepneys and all of a sudden, overnight,
they want to phase it out and replacing it with these square-looking buses from China
and Russia?" Escudero said (2023) The Philippine administration constantly appears to
be trying to keep up with other Western nations and states, hurrying toward an
industrialized economy despite being well aware of our lack of readiness on both a
mental and financial level. Plus, the creativity and resourcefulness of the Filipino people
are reflected and seen in these eye-catching, colorful vehicles. The phase-out of the
jeepney not only disrespects our cultural values, but it also repudiates future
generations the opportunity to experience a part of Filipino heritage.

In conclusion, drivers, operators, and the general public have expressed their
disapproval and worries regarding the modernization of jeepneys in the Philippines. The
majority of the drivers aren’t well off, and yet they make the most out of the little they
get. The phaseout of jeepneys will only cause a hefty burden for these drivers for the
cost of contemporary jeepneys are far greater than that of traditional jeepneys. Though
the government continuously rebuts that they will offer subsidies, their so-called
“compensation” only provides for a small portion of the entire cost of modernizing a
traditional jeepney. Consequently, drivers are still the ones who’ll be responsible for
paying most of the cost. Not only that, it will also potentially erase and harm a fragment
of Filipino history.

References:

Rivas R. (2023, Dec. 14) Jeepney modernization program: Drivers have a steep price to
pay. Philstar: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/09/03/2293549/jeepney-
modernization-program-drivers-have-steep-price-
pay#:~:text=In%202023%2C%20costs%20have%20risen,P500)%E2%80%94%20reduce%20t
hat%20income.

Escudero (2023, February 28) Chiz says LTFRB’S Jeepney Phaseout Plan Lacks Support
For Drivers, Operators. Senate of the Philippines:
https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2023/0228_escudero1.asp

PISTON national president Mody Floranda (2023, Dec. 14) Jeepney modernization
program: Drivers have a steep price to pay. Philstar:
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/09/03/2293549/jeepney-modernization-
program-drivers-have-steep-price-
pay#:~:text=In%202023%2C%20costs%20have%20risen,P500)%E2%80%94%20reduce%20t
hat%20income.