The Automotive Body Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (ABMAP), led by Executive Director Edgar Manuel, urgently calls for the full and immediate implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). This appeal comes in the wake of several tragic accidents involving traditional jeepneys, underscoring the critical need to transition to safer, more reliable public transportation.
In February 2024, a significant accident occurred in Quezon City, where three traditional jeepneys collided along Commonwealth Avenue near Tandang Sora. The incident resulted in injuries to 14 passengers, who were promptly taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Preliminary reports indicated that the collision was due to brake failure in one of the jeepneys, leading to a chain reaction involving the other two vehicles.
Similarly, in March 2024, a tragic incident in Lobo, Batangas, involved a traditional jeepney crashing into a roadside tree. This accident led to the loss of two lives and left 22 other passengers injured. The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle while navigating a descending curve, raising concerns about the roadworthiness of aging jeepneys.
In August 2024, another fatal accident occurred in Rizal province when a jeepney lost its brakes while traveling downhill in Tanay town. The vehicle veered off the road, resulting in the death of one passenger and injuries to nine others. Most of the passengers were government employees returning from a trip to a neighboring province.
These alarming incidents highlight the pressing need for the PUVMP, which aims to phase out jeepneys over 15 years old and replace them with modern, safer, and environmentally friendly models. ABMAP emphasizes that modern PUVs are designed with advanced safety features, including improved braking systems and enhanced structural integrity, and comply with current emission standards, contributing to environmental sustainability.
However, the transition to modern PUVs faces significant challenges. ABMAP has raised concerns about the depletion of funds allocated for the program by financial institutions such as the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and Land Bank. Without immediate government intervention to secure additional funding, the progress of the PUVMP is at risk, potentially stalling the shift to safer and more efficient public transportation.
Executive Director Edgar Manuel emphasizes that the PUVMP is not merely a policy initiative but a moral imperative. Delays in its implementation continue to endanger commuters’ lives daily. ABMAP urges the government to expedite the program’s rollout, provide financial assistance to operators and drivers for a smoother transition, and enforce stringent safety regulations to ensure all public utility vehicles adhere to the highest safety standards.
In conclusion, the recent spate of jeepney-related accidents serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive modernization of the Philippines’ public transportation system. ABMAP remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborating with government agencies, transport operators, and other stakeholders to realize a safer, more reliable, and modern public transport network for all Filipinos.
