MANILA -- The Public Utility Vehicles Modernization Program of the government will address the traffic problem in Metro Manila, according to a top transport executive.

Liga ng Transportasyon at Operator ng Pilipinas (LTOP) national president Orlando Marquez told a weekly forum in Quezon City on Saturday that the PUV modernization will solve the traffic problem in the metropolis just like how Singapore addressed its problem when they introduced modernization.

“Kami po ay nakasuporta dito sa modernization na ito dahil nga po na gusto natin na mai-transfer naman iyong mga maunlad nang bansa kagaya ng Singapore, ay dati problema nila iyong traffic sa Singapore,” Marquez said.

Marquez added the modernization of public utility vehicles in the Philippines will also provide comfort to the Filipino workers where majority of them are commuting daily to work.

This is aside from the fact that the Philippines could be able to produce such vehicles which can be exported abroad, he said.
“Huwag sana tayong makuntento na kapag sinabi na ‘only in the Philippines iyong Jeep’ tuwang-tuwa na tayo. Huwag po. Kailangan iyon pong talion at gawa ng Pilipino maibenta naman natin sa ibang bansa,” Marquez said.

While he supported PUV modernization, Marquez stressed that the government should start with “road rationalization” to avoid the impact of inconvenience to the commuters and the riding public. (PND)