‘Division tactic’ on transport groups shouldn’t stop PTMP review

MANILA: Senator Grace Poe called on "program masterminds" of the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) to stop "terrorizing drivers" with franchise revocation, arbitrary deadlines, and loss of investment if the program review will push through. "The tactic of pitting groups against each other is anti-cooperatives," Poe said in a statement on Monday. "Spreading baseless fears to excuse the program's flaws is classic division tactic that should not stop the government from doing a proper review," she said. Poe issued the statement after supporters of the PTMP launched a protest against a Senate resolution signed by 22 senators, including Poe, that calls for the program's suspension in response to concerns from some drivers and transport groups. Poe said she also respects the right of the transport groups to express their position on the issue, but said the suspension is timely to make the program right and humane. Despite being introduced seven years ago, she said the Department of Transportation ( DOTr) has no clear plan yet on lowering the costs of modern units, and shifting support from importers to local manufacturers. "Sa mismong local route plans, 11 percent or 174 sa 1,574 LGUs pa lang ang approved ng LTFRB [Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board] (On the local route plans, only 11 percent or 174 of the 1,574 LGUs were approved by the LTFRB)," she said. Poe called on the DOTr to establish a "well-studied program" which is based on local routes with the needed funding requirements and a reasonable timeline. Source: Philippines News Agency