Motoring Today Column

Sep 28, 2022

It seems the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program is not a priority of the new administration.

According to news reports, the proposed Php167-billion 2023 budget for the Department of Transportation (DOTr) makes no mention of any allocation for the PUV Modernization Program.

The program was one of the priorities of the previous administration which allocated hundreds of millions in subsidies as well as providing easy payment loans through government banks and other financial institutions to drivers and operators looking to acquire modern PUVs to replace old jeepneys.

During recent hearings conducted byHouse Committee on Appropriations, it was learned from DOTr Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor that the department had proposed to allocate Php778 million for the PUV Modernization Program.

But the National Expenditure Program for 2023 presented by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to Congress apparently chose not to include that in the allocation for the DOTr.

Members of the House, including Kabataan party-list Representative Raoul Manuel, were reportedly surprised by the revelations, especially since the DOTr itself had said it was eyeing to increase the number of modern PUVs, now placed at 5,300, by 50 percent next year.

Manuel said Congress should find ways to continue direct subsidies to drivers and operators of jeepneys who want to modernize their units and operations.

As it is, the DOTr through the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has been encouraging operators to shift to modern PUVs through its route rationalization program, opening new routes only for brand new units meeting modern PUV classifications.

The automotive industry has been supporting the PUV modernization program by offering Modern PUVs. How defunding the subsidies will affect this support should also be considered?

Isuzu PUV Turnover

Among those highly visible in supporting the PUV modernization program is Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC).

Isuzu has just turned over Modern PUVs to the Victoria Operators Drivers and Commuters Transport Cooperative (VODACTCO).

A ceremonial turnover was held at the Isuzu Calapan of the first Modern PUVs in Oriental Mindoro.

All in all, 28 units of the Isuzu NLR PUV will be plying the route from Calapan City to Victoria, Oriental Mindoro.

Attending the turnover, IPC president Noboru Murakami said: "We are happy and proud to be part of your progress and development in terms of transportation. Being the number 1 truck brand in the Philippines for 22 consecutive years, Isuzu's goal has always been about providing transport solutions to people."

Also at the turnover, VODACTCO General Manager Gaudencio Callo said: "To comply to the PUV modernization program of LTFRB, we made sure that the replacement of our old traditional jeepneys are durable and fuel-efficient vehicles because this is a big investment for our cooperative members."

Truck Expo

Aside from government's PUV Modernization Program, IPC continues to support the trucking industry.

In cooperation with one of its partners, NMADI, Inc., Isuzu held a Truck Expo, a three-day event held at the Isuzu Cagayan de Oro.

The Truck Expo showcased various Isuzu trucks perfect for transport and business solution needs.

At the opening of the Truck Expo, IPC president Murakami said: "Isuzu has been the number 1 truck brand in the Philippines for 22 consecutive years and we are able to retain this title because we don't only provide durable and reliable trucks complete with extensive aftersales support and fleet program to customers."

"We also like to consider ourselves Filipinos' responsible partner, as our tagline states, because we continuously contribute to the growth and development of both large- and small-scale businesses through our dependable trucks and aftersales programs," he added.

The NMADI group has a network of four dealerships, catering to Isuzu vehicle owners as well as businesses inNorthern, North-eastern and Western Mindanao.

New Lexus Hybrid

Those looking for hybrid vehicles in these times of expensive fuel now have another option. Although it must be said that if you can afford the newLexus ES 300h Luxury, available at Php4,218,000, fuel prices may not be issue.

Still owning a hybrid vehicle can and should be seen one way of living life with a smaller carbon footprint. Even the rich could contribute to the fight against the danger of climate change.

The ES 300h Luxury is the third ES variant offered locally. The other two are the ES 300h Executive, also a hybrid priced at Php3,838,000, and the ES 350 Premier priced at Php4,828,000.

Lexus promises the ES 300h Luxury delivers unmatched craftsmanship, refinement, and exhilarating driving experience, hallmarks of all Lexus vehicles.

It also comes with the new 4th generation hybrid batteries. Both the ES 300h Executive and Luxury are offered with 8-year HEV battery warranty, as well as 3-year, 100,000-kilometer standard drive train warranty.

Happy Motoring!!!

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