Motoring Today Column

Oct 18, 2023

Drivers and operators of traditional jeepneys who called for the latest transport strike are living in the past.

The call for a nationwide "tigil pasada" is an old tactic that may no longer be as effective as it was back when they were called traditional jeepneys were called kings of the road.

The strike called by the group calling itself Manibelais supposed to protest the alleged corruption at the Land Transport Franchising and Regulatory Board in the approval of franchises for public utility vehicles.

But the main reason is to protest government's plan to force them to join cooperatives or form new corporations and participate in the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.

The deadline is December 31,2023. Past that franchises of traditional jeepneys may be revoked or not be renewed.

Perhaps members of Manibela still believe they can make government blink again and extend the deadline.

But government appears resolute about implementing regulations and programs meant to bring public transport to the modern age.

Government has also learned how to minimize the impact of any "tigil pasada" with the quick deployment of buses and shuttles to serve stranded commuters.

Schools have also learned to shift to online classes, diluting any effect of any lack of public transport.

Other large transport groups did not join the strike. These include the so-called Magnificent 7 which include Pasang Masda, theAlliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Stop and Go,and Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators ng Pilipinas.

Also not participating is the UV Express group dubbing itself the "Mighty One."

Members of this group say they are supporting the modernization program which government claims has already achieved 70 percent of the targeted PUV units to be modernized.

Meanwhile, government continues to float initiatives to encourage transport operators to modernize their fleets.

Former LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III recently told a press conference that the agency is asking Congress to allocate an additional P1.2 billion to increase the subsidy for PUVMP participants from P180,000 to P250,000.

He said the LTFRB is also planning to give those who already received P180,000 in subsidy an additional 70,000 to make up the difference.

Senator Win Gatchalian called for an increase in subsidies to encourage more participation in the PUVMP.

Those still clinging to their old and dilapidated jeepneys should really stop living in the past.

Libreng Sakay

It may just be coincidence but the LTFRB also announced that the Libreng Sakay program will be resumed in November.

LTFRB Head told a press conference that commuters will again get free rides on the EDSA Bus Carousel as well as some jeepney routes in Metro Manila.

It was revealed that the LTFRB expects the P1.3-billion peso budget for the resumption of the Libreng Sakay program would be released soon.

A joint circular on the release of the budget and the resumption of the Libreng Sakay has been approved and would be released soon, he said.

The free ride program would be implemented from November to December as LTFRB's early Christmas gift to commuters.

D-Max Limited Out

Isuzu Philippines Corporation has just unleashed a new edition of the D-MAX.

It's called the Isuzu D-Max Limited and is aimed at those who want to unleash their passion for adventure, according to IPC president Tetsuya Fujita .

Said Fujita-san: "Designed with uniqueness and individuality in mind, the new D-Max Limited is perfect for those seeking for an active lifestyle, those who do not want to conform with the norm, those who have an inner passion in life and want to unleash their drive."

The new Isuzu D-MAX Limited is only available on the 3.0L 4x2 LS-A AT variant in Onyx Black color and its priced at P1,580,000.

For those who would like to check out the new D-MAX Limited, IPC will be holding mall displays in major cities across the country.

This includes the SM Mall of Asia on October 19 to 25 ; SM Megamall on October 27 to November 2; Festival Mall Alabang on November 9 to 15 ; SM Clarkon November 17 to 20; SM Seaside Cebu on November 23 to 26, and SM Lanang Davao on November 30 to December 6.

Happy Motoring!!!

For comments & inquiries:

(email) sunshine.television@yahoo.com

(website) www.motoringtoday.ph