BILANG tugon sa panawagan ni Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, magsasagawa ng pagdinig ang House Committee on Transportation ngayong Miyerkules sa umano’y anomalya at korupsyon sa implementasyon ng public utility vehicle (PUV) o jeepney modernization program na sinimulan ng Duterte administration.

Ayon kay Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop, chairman ng House Committee on Transportation, nagsimula itong makipag-ugnayan sa mga miyembro ng kanyang komite isang araw matapos na atasan ni Speaker Romualdez na imbestigahan ang natanggap na ulat ng kanyang opisina na mayroong mga pinaboran sa pagpapatupad ng PUV modernization.

“We are responding to the directive of Speaker Romualdez to investigate these very serious allegations. We will just get the consensus of members of the committee so we can start our hearings by Wednesday,” saad ni Acop.

“We cannot allow corruption to take root in the implementation of the modernization program. If we are to proceed with the modernization of our PUVs, we must make sure there is not even a whiff of irregularity,” dagdag pa niya.

Kahit na walang resolusyon o privilege speech na nananawagan na siyasatin ang isyu, ipinaliwanag ni Acop na maaaring magsagawa ng imbestigasyon ang kanyang komite motu proprio sa ilalim ng Section 2 ng House Rules of Procedure Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation.

Nakasaad sa naturang rules na: “Section 2. Modes of Initiation. – Inquiries may be initiated through the following modes:

a. motu proprio action of a committee on any matter within its jurisdiction upon a majority vote of all its Members: Provided, That the committee shall first seek authority from the Committee on Rules to proceed with their motu proprio inquiry;”

“So it is clear that under our rules, we can proceed with the investigation. And I believe this a matter that requires our urgent attention. Lalo na’t kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan ang nakasalalay sa epektibong pagpapatupad ng programang ito,” sabi ni Acop.

Nauna rito, tinukoy ni Speaker Romualdez ang ulat na mayroong mga transport officials na nakipagsabwatan sa mga dating opisyal ng ahensya para sa negosasyon ng importasyon ng modern jeepney units na ipapalit sa mga lumang jeep.

Kasabay nito, hiniling ng pinuno ng Kamara na mayroong mahigit 300 miyembro sa Department of Transportation ang masusing pagrepaso at pagpapalawig sa pagpapatupad ng programa na nag-aatas sa mga jeepney operator at driver na sumali o bumuo ng transport cooperative.

Sinabi ni Speaker Romualdez na bagama’t buo ang suporta nito sa modernization program, dapat ay mailatag ang mga hakbang para maprotektahan ang mga jeepney driver.

Nagtapos na nitong 2023 ang pagsali sa kooperatiba, ngunit pinalawig hanggang sa katapusan ng buwang ito.

“While we stride towards modernity and efficiency, we remain steadfast in safeguarding the welfare and livelihood of our jeepney drivers, who are an integral part of this journey. Together, we can achieve a transportation system that is reflective of the Philippines’ growth, respecting our traditions while paving the way for a more sustainable future,” saad ni Romualdez sa naunang pahayag

“As we embrace progress and innovation, it is imperative that we address the need for modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly transport systems. The jeepney modernization program is not just about upgrading vehicles; it’s a comprehensive plan to rejuvenate our urban transportation landscape, making it safer, more reliable, and in tune with sustainable practices,” dagdag pa niya.