Jeepney drivers in Manila took to the streets on Tuesday in a noisy protest against the government’s plan to phase out these iconic vehicles nationwide. The plan aims to replace them with modern mini-buses as part of a program to improve the country’s public transport system. However, the phase-out has faced delays due to protests and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Jeepneys, which were originally made from leftover US jeeps after World War 2, hold a special place in the hearts of the Filipino people. They have become a national symbol and serve as the backbone of the country’s transport system. For as little as P13 (23 cents), jeepneys provide rides to millions of people across the country.
The government has given jeepney operators until the end of 2023 to join a cooperative, which will then have two to three years to replace their fleet with modern, safer, and less polluting vehicles. To ease the financial burden of this transition, the cooperatives will have access to bank financing and receive a government subsidy of between 200,000 and 300,000 pesos per vehicle.
However, many drivers are opposed to the phase-out plan, arguing that joining a cooperative and purchasing a new vehicle will leave them buried in debt and unable to earn enough money to survive. Emilio Millares, a jeepney driver with four decades of experience, expressed his frustration, saying, “We are not against modernization, what we are against is the system. They made a program without consulting us. We will continue to fight for these jeepneys and our livelihoods until our last breath.”
Protests have not been limited to Manila. Demonstrations have also taken place in other cities, where drivers like Restituto Rocafort are concerned about the financial implications of the phase-out plan. Rocafort, who has almost paid off his jeepney, fears that the plan will only leave him with a massive debt. In order to meet his contribution requirements to the cooperative, he would need to earn P7,000 a day, compared to his current daily earnings of P600-P700.
According to the transport bureau, nearly 77 percent of registered jeepneys in the country have already joined cooperatives, with 97 percent in Manila having consolidated. However, drivers who missed the December 31 deadline have been given permission to continue operating until the end of January. This extension provides some relief for older drivers like Artemio Cinco, who worry about their ability to find employment after January 31 due to their age. Cinco, who supports a large family, shared his concerns, saying, “I’m losing sleep, especially now that the grace period is ending in a few days. I have eight children and many grandchildren. All are dependent on me.”
The phase-out of jeepneys is a contentious issue that highlights the challenges of balancing modernization with the livelihoods of those who rely on these iconic vehicles. While the government aims to improve the country’s public transport system, it is crucial to consider the concerns and financial realities of the jeepney drivers. Finding a solution that supports both progress and the well-being of the drivers is essential for a successful transition.
Source: The Manila Times
