A party-list lawmaker on Tuesday pushed for the allocation of about PHP1.8 billion for the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program for 2024.

AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee said the PUV modernization program received zero funding for next year.

“We need to understand na holistic at comprehensive itong modernization program (We need to understand that the modernization program is holistic and comprehensive). It does not end in just consolidating or buying new public utility vehicles or units,” Lee said.

Lee said a jeepney driver or operator who earns about PHP500 to PHP750 a day cannot afford to buy a modern jeepney worth more than PHP2 million.

“We must keep in mind that the transport sector is not only a public service but most importantly, a source of livelihood. Napakarami po nating kababayan ang umaasa sa kabuhayang ito na kasa-kasama nila sa pagtataguyod ng pamilya at pagpapaaral ng mga anak hanggang sila ay maka-graduate (A lot of Filipinos depend on this for their livelihood as they support their families and finance their children’s education until they graduate),” Lee said.

Aside from the budgetary allocation for next year, Lee also called on the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and other government financial institutions to simplify and streamline the loan requirements for transport cooperatives and corporations to purchase modern jeepneys.

“Let us liberalize and simplify these requirements,” Lee said. “Kaya po tayo nagsusulong ng ganitong mga programa, kaya natin pinapataas at pinapalaki ang budget, ay para makatulong (That’s why we are pushing for these kinds of programs. That’s why we are increasing the budget, so that we could help).”

Lee asked the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to work hand-in-hand with his office to compel the Land Bank, Development Bank of the Philippines and other government financial institutions to expedite the process of providing loans for modern jeepneys.

During the budget deliberations of the House appropriations committee, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the Department of Transportation will continue its modernization program for PUVs despite zero funding for next year. (PNA)