𝘼 𝘾𝘼𝙇𝙇 𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝘼 𝙅𝙐𝙎𝙏 𝙏𝙍𝘼𝙉𝙎𝙄𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 𝙏𝙊 𝙈𝙊𝘿𝙀𝙍𝙉 𝙅𝙀𝙀𝙋𝙉𝙀𝙔𝙎
We, the Philippine Misereor Partnership, Inc. (PMPI), a social development and advocacy network of more than 250 church faith-based groups, non-governmental organizations, and people’s organizations in the Philippines, stand in solidarity with the jeepney drivers and operators who are facing the threat of losing their livelihood due to the jeepney modernization program. We support their campaign against the phaseout of jeepneys, which are not only a symbol of Filipino culture and ingenuity, but also a vital mode of transportation for millions of commuters.
While we acknowledge the need to rehabilitate our public transportation vehicles for clean air and better service, the jeepney modernization program should not be implemented in a way that violates the economic rights and dignity of the jeepney drivers and operators.
No one should be left behind on the path to progress.
We echo the calls of different groups, congressmen, and senators who call for the sincere and holistic study of the program – one that takes into account the environmental sustainability and economic viability of jeepney modernization. We call for a just transition to modern jeepneys that ensures their participation, consultation, and representation in the planning and implementation of the program. We also call for adequate government support for the drivers in its implementation of the PUJ Modernization Program, including higher subsidies for drivers and operators, the elimination of the consolidation requirement, and full support in the local jeepney manufacturing industry. We urge everyone to stand with jeepney operators and drivers as they fight for their livelihood and rights.
No jeepney modernization program should be implemented unless it is environmentally sustainable and socially just. We are not the enemies of progress, but rather the partners of development – not for the few but for all.
#NOTOPUVPHASEOUT
