JEEPNEY PHASE OUT: “STEERING TOGETHER FROM A SUFFERRING PRESENT

TO REFUEL THE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE”

VILLAFLOR N VINTE JR. Philippine Law School

INTRODUCTION

Jeepney is the most popular mode of public transportation especially in the metropolitan road in
the Philippines due to its convenience, accessibility and lower fare. Consequently, it claimed the brand as
the “King of the Road” occupying not only the busy and congested metropolitan cities but also the
provinces passing through the rivers and climbing the mountainous terrain while carrying cargo, goods or
freight along with the passengers. Due to the nature of Jeepneys in the provinces, it has also evolved to be
significantly larger and tougher than those in the cities and are built to take on bad roads in all weather
conditions.

In spite of the praises and contribution of the Jeepney in the Philippine society, it is also seen as
an old-rugged artifact needed to be replaced. In fact, the phase out of the Jeepney has been circulating
across the global news. The possible phase-out of the Jeepney is being linked to many factors. In the
fishbone diagram of Chiu (2008) who studied about the problems of the Jeepneys and its possible
solution, she identified factors such as environmental, technological and economic. The results of the
2022 Urban Mobility Readiness Index released its findings placed the Philippine capital as 58th in "urban
mobility readiness" among the 60 cities studied around the world with the worst public transit systems.
Manila also ranked 48th for Sustainable Mobility and 56th for Public Transit.

Those are few of the reasons why there is a need to steer from old-aged transportation vehicle to a
more sustainable, modern and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. The Jeepney Phase out or
also known as the PUV modernization Program seeks to address all of those things which is lacking in
this present Jeepneys and more advance kind of transportation. This program is the thrust from the
Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising Board (LTFRB) to
“transform the public transport system” to make it “more dignified, humane, and on par with global
standards.” Ultimately, it aims to make public utility vehicles safer and environmentally sustainable. This
paper will further discuss in detail the rational of modernization program, number of Filipinos who voted
in support of this program, the findings of various researchers on Jeepneys’ negative impact to
environment and its importance to the health of Filipino people in the future.

1. CERIO, C. T. (2017). THE MOTORCYCLE TAXI PHENOMENON IN THE PHILIPPINES: IS THE DEMISE OF JEEPNEY
POSSIBLE? International Journal of Tourism & Hospitality Reviews.
2. Samson, J. (2023). How might we better the public transportation in Metro Manila in 2035?"
JEEPNEY PHASE OUT: STEERING TOGETHER FROM A SUFFERRING PRESENT
TO REFUEL THE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

PUV MODERNIZATION PROGRAM: FUEL FOR THE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

In 2017, the government, through the Department of Transportation (DOTr), embarked on a Public
Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) as a move towards changing the landscape of public
transportation in the Philippines. This is in response to the prevalent challenges brought about by the
continued increase in motor vehicles in the country especially in urban areas which lead to traffic
congestion, air pollution, and reduced road capacity, among others. Contributing to the motor vehicle
growth rate is the continuous operation of public utility Jeepneys (PUJs), majority of which are already 15
years old and above. The lack of mandatory age limit for PUJs allows vehicles to ply around despite old
age. The commuting public’s safety from road accidents is also put at risk due to the questionable
roadworthiness of these PUJs. As more PUJs are deemed unsafe and unreliable, individuals are
incentivized to rely on privately-owned vehicles instead of public conveyances. Consequently,
automobile dependency or the level of vehicle ownership rises which exacerbates the traffic congestion.
(CPBRD).

This growing of numbers in Jeepneys on the road may not be too alarming for many off course, on the
reason that most of us merely inclined on the premise that “to see is to believe” but the same cannot be
ignored, as the law of nature supported by scientific evidence dictates that it would likely brought this
result sooner if no immediate action should be done. It is better to prepare for the incoming atmospheric
contamination based on the smoke emitted by these old-engine of Jeepneys. Now is the high time to act,
let us make this first step to kick the goal we want, the greener environment for Filipino?

PULSE OF FILIPINO MAJORITY

7 out of 10 Filipinos, A significant majority or 70 percent of adult Filipinos expressed support for
the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP), according to the results of a
survey conducted by research and analytics firm Capstone-Intel Corp. The survey, conducted from Nov.
22-29 involving 1,503 respondents, showed that 70 percent of the respondents approved of the
government's performance on PUV modernization, with 41 percent rating the program as "good" and 29
percent giving it a "very good" performance rating (PNA 2023). It cannot be denied that masses were now
ready and in fact they are willing to abandoning the idealistic of old Jeepney to this present era. It is not

1. Congressional Policy and Budget Research Development: Looking into the implementation of PUVMP
2. PNA-https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1215495
3. Luis Liwanag and Jojo Riñoza 2023. BN
4. Agaton, C., et. al., (2019) ‘Diesel or Electric Jeepney? A case Study of Transport Investment in the Philippines Using the
Real Options Approach’, World Electric Vehicle Journal
5. Kuzuma, N. (2023). Is Jeepney Phase-Out a Just Transition to Sustainable Transport System? Green Network.Asia.
6. GR No. 110861
JEEPNEY PHASE OUT: STEERING TOGETHER FROM A SUFFERRING PRESENT
TO REFUEL THE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
about forgetting the history of Jeepney but this is to preserve the incoming future from possible negative
impact if this Jeepney operations will continue.

Modern time needs modern tools and no one could ever deny that most of us being the generation
of “Gen Z” preferred technology for its efficient and fast transaction. If these program is fortunate enough
to wipe out the current system of transportation, it will create a form of transportation that is relevant with
technology such as the installation of air conditions, CCTV, Dashboard Cameras and Speed detector
units. This is to enhance the safety measures for the souls loaded inside such common carrier and most of
them have family to feed and relied upon, safety is a must.

Some striking people categorically argued that the program is nothing but sticking the people into
poverty because many of them will lose their livelihood and the same could delete the Filipino identity of
transportation. Certainly, this voice echoed from those people who did not open their eyes to visualize
and value the days to come. This program will enhance the system of routes and would potentially pay the
drivers with fixed-salary scheme regardless of their “Barya lang po sa Umaga” income. Is it not an
assurance especially being a breadwinner? If Jeepneys lacks technological, environmental and sometimes
economical safety means so why should still choose Jeepney? Just to protect Filipino identity and pride?
Or to protect the next generation’s environmental stability and well-being? What is the culture or symbol
as Filipino people for, if our successors will blame us for the poor system in the Philippines? That so
called depletion of adapted culture and mythical poverty as a result thereof, or to more sustainable and
advance Public transportation? Let us be inclined to the latter.

SMOKE EMISSION AND ITS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

“They will take away our right to be on the streets, they are taking away our right to earn a living,” said
Julius Aniban Aban, 52, a Jeepney driver for three decades. “At my age, do you think any establishment
would still hire me should Jeepneys be phased out?” Inasmuch as being a Filipino, it’s hard to hear such
words from my “Kababayan”. However, I cannot trade that off to the fact that this Jeepneys emissions
contributed to certain amount of Sulphuric and Nitrogenic oxide which is harmful to the environment and
would cause to contribute for the pollution in our country especially in Greater Manila Area. Those
particulate that accumulated will later on be faced by our countrymen and they may suffer health
problems.

1. Congressional Policy and Budget Research Development: Looking into the implementation of PUVMP
2. PNA-https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1215495
3. Luis Liwanag and Jojo Riñoza 2023. BN
4. Agaton, C., et. al., (2019) ‘Diesel or Electric Jeepney? A case Study of Transport Investment in the Philippines Using the
Real Options Approach’, World Electric Vehicle Journal
5. Kuzuma, N. (2023). Is Jeepney Phase-Out a Just Transition to Sustainable Transport System? Green Network.Asia.
6. GR No. 110861
JEEPNEY PHASE OUT: STEERING TOGETHER FROM A SUFFERRING PRESENT
TO REFUEL THE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Currently, the transport sector accounts for 23% of global energy-related CO ₂ emissions and is
continuously growing due to increasing passenger and freight activity. As shipping, and heavy-duty roads
are the most difficult modes to decarbonize, the electrification of passenger cars and public utility
vehicles (PUVs) appears to have the potential to reduce GHG emissions and other pollutants. According
to government data, around 65% of Jeepneys and 75% of UV Express units have already been
consolidated. The LTFRB also claims that 90% of transport groups support the program. Additionally, a
study from 2019 revealed that most commuters prefer to ride e-Jeepneys over conventional ones when
available. On the other hand, some transport groups deem the Jeepney phase-out anti-poor as it puts the
burden of buying new vehicles on drivers and operators.

“It’s OK to have modernization for those who have money,” said Jeepney driver Benito Garcia.
“But for us Jeepney drivers and operators, we cannot afford.”

Contrary to such argument, it was clear from the purpose of the said PUVMP and its solution to
give incentive to those who are affected. This move of the government in fact done by a thorough
research and further taking into consideration the sake of every Filipino people who are most vulnerable.
The state did not degrade her subordinates by not taking into account social justice and sustainability for
all. No more argumenta as to the promotion of social justice and environmental safety at the same time.
Government is aware that sustainability is more than just the environment. In pursuing a better future, we
must leave no one behind. Climate actions should go hand-in-hand with social justice. It is not easy, but it
is possible. All policies, innovations, and actions require robust multi-stakeholder participation and ensure
the protection of the most vulnerable of the population.

In conclusion, this Jeepney phase out is the response of the state to our suffering status in terms of
environmental stability, and systematic road management involving Jeepney. In the exercise of its police
power and being the parents patriae, it sought to protect its people from the cause of Jeepney emissions in
environmental destruction. Contrary to the claim of some people that it is unjust to poor and such policy
is in contravention of social justice. Clearly, Social justice is "neither communism, nor despotism, nor
atomism, nor anarchy," but the humanization of laws and the equalization of social and economic forces
by the State so that justice in its rational and objectively secular conception may at least be approximated.
Social justice means the promotion of the welfare of all the people, the adoption by the Government of
measures calculated to insure economic stability of all the component elements of society, through the
maintenance of a proper economic and social equilibrium in the interrelations of the members of the

1. Congressional Policy and Budget Research Development: Looking into the implementation of PUVMP
2. PNA-https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1215495
3. Luis Liwanag and Jojo Riñoza 2023. BN
4. Agaton, C., et. al., (2019) ‘Diesel or Electric Jeepney? A case Study of Transport Investment in the Philippines Using the
Real Options Approach’, World Electric Vehicle Journal
5. Kuzuma, N. (2023). Is Jeepney Phase-Out a Just Transition to Sustainable Transport System? Green Network.Asia.
6. GR No. 110861
JEEPNEY PHASE OUT: STEERING TOGETHER FROM A SUFFERRING PRESENT
TO REFUEL THE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
community, constitutionally, through the adoption of measures legally justifiable, or extra-
constitutionally, through the exercise of powers underlying the existence of all governments on the time-
honored principle of salus populi est suprema lex (Calalang vs. Williams 1994)

I Villaflor N. Vinte Jr., hereby declares that the “Position Paper” hereto submitted electronically
in accordance with the Efficient Paper Use Rule are complete and that I have caused the preparation of
the same based on my personal knowledge and thorough research.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 26 th day of Mach 2024 at
Lanao Del Norte, Mindanao.

VILLAFLOR N VINTE JR.

1. Congressional Policy and Budget Research Development: Looking into the implementation of PUVMP
2. PNA-https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1215495
3. Luis Liwanag and Jojo Riñoza 2023. BN
4. Agaton, C., et. al., (2019) ‘Diesel or Electric Jeepney? A case Study of Transport Investment in the Philippines Using the
Real Options Approach’, World Electric Vehicle Journal
5. Kuzuma, N. (2023). Is Jeepney Phase-Out a Just Transition to Sustainable Transport System? Green Network.Asia.
6. GR No. 110861