By Vhee-Jei M. Bringas/THE RED CHRONICLES
Layout by/THE RED CHRONICLES
Las Piñas, PH—“Ang jeep ay ang inaasahan ng isang commuter sa pagpunta sa paaralan at kung saan saan man,” stated Mr. Mody Floranda, the National President of Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON), in a phone interview with The Red Chronicles on May 15, 2024.
Representing 900,000 jeepney drivers and operators nationwide, Mr. Floranda expressed their persistent hope that the planned phaseout of traditional jeepneys will be reconsidered, emphasizing the significant impact on workers and students who rely on jeepneys for their daily commute.
According to him, their study showed that an estimated 2.8 million drivers, operators, and commuters will be affected by the so-called phaseout. Floranda reiterated that “public transport is the helping hand of the government.”
He also underscored the financial challenges faced by jeepney drivers in transitioning to modern jeeps or e-jeeps, which cost millions and are unaffordable for traditional jeepney drivers. Moreover, Floranda condemned the push for e-jeeps, noting that they are not Filipino-made. Such a move will not contribute to the prosperity of our economy but of other countries. He also emphasized that the rich class will be the only ones who can afford them, leaving poor drivers and operators behind.
As to the environmental issues and impacts that are attributed to jeepneys, Floranda defended the jeepney sector, stating that since 2017, efforts have been made to rehabilitate jeepneys to reduce their environmental impact.
“Nakita ng gobyerno ang isang maliit na problema [na ibinubuga ng aming mga jeep], pero hindi nila nakita ‘yong mas malaking problema na nagbubuga ng mga usok – ‘yon ay ang mga pabrika na kung magbuga ng mga usok ay hindi makita ang kalangitan at ang pagkasira ng kabundukan [na dulot ng] pagmimina. Kaya kung titignan natin, sino ba ang may mas gusto ng malinis na hangin? Mas kami! ,” said Floranda.
Since their introduction in 1946, jeepneys have been an integral part of the lives of Filipinos, providing an affordable and accessible mode of transportation. For a fact, jeepneys have been part of the Filipino culture since the end of World War II, which is 78 years now. From a 9-seater to a 30-seater jeepney, it had made a great contribution to the transportation of the Filipino masses.
At present, in the Metro Manila Area, including Las Piñas and Alabang, where jeepneys are always seen on the traffic-famous Alabang-Zapote Road, the minimum jeepney fare is ₱13, while modern mini-buses start at ₱15 and buses start at ₱15-₱17. When it comes to booking apps like Angkas, MoveIt, or Joyride, a single ride starts at ₱50, while a grab ride sets its minimum fee at ₱90-₱100, depending on the distance.
“Others might not understand how one could save with those little differences when it comes to a day-to-day commuter, but riding a jeep would always be the most convenient and friendly for some,” said a commuter.
Floranda called out the government to impose ‘National Industrialization’ as a solution to the issue instead of pushing the phaseout, which would not only affect the lives of the drivers and operators but also carinderia owners and commuters. He stated that their fight is a collective one for the benefit of all.
Despite the government’s announcements in December 2023 to phase out jeepneys by April 30, 2024, and the subsequent extension to May 15, 2024, the presence of jeepneys on the roads continues to bring hope to commuters and stakeholders that the phaseout might still be halted.
Following the announcement, PISTON recently spearheaded the 2024 Transport Summit at the College of Science Admin Auditorium, National Science Complex, UP Diliman, Quezon City. The summit addressed the urgent and pressing issues brought by the transport crisis to the mass transportation system. Calls for a progressive, nationalist, and mass-oriented public transportation system were forwarded during the summit.