Special body to review jeepney modernization program - DOTr

Metro Manila, Philippines - A special body will review the public transport modernization program, a week after a transport group staged a three-day protest against it, the Department of Transportation said on Monday, March 31.

In a press statement, the agency said the committee will evaluate the status of the program and identify key issues on implementation and submit its recommendations to Secretary Vince Dizon within a week.

The committee is led by Ramon Reyes, undersecretary for road transport and non infrastructure, along with other transport officials.

On Monday, March 31, Dizon met with transport group Manibela, which flagged alleged inaccurate figures on the jeepney franchise consolidation.

READ: Gov’t clears the air on franchise data

“Para itong sinulid na nagkabuhol-buhol. Kailangan isa-isahin natin ito [mga isyu] para maituwid natin ang programa,” Dizon said in a press statement.

[Translation: It's like a thread that's all tangled up. We need to address each issue one by one so that we can straighten out the program.]

Before facing Manibela, Dizon also met with other transport groups to discuss their concerns and vowed to present a concrete action in two weeks.

While keeping discussions open, he earlier said the modernization program would have to proceed.

Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena is running as an independent in the senatorial race.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Lance Mejico contributed to this report