MMDA: Traditional PUJ fatalities up 27% in 2019

MANILA: A study by the MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) shows that deaths, physical injuries, and damage to property from accidents caused by traditional PUJs went up in 2019 compared to the year before.

• 2018
  • Fatalities                             -        26
  • Non-fatal injuries          -        1,642
  • Damage to property    -        8,266

• 2019
  • Fatalities                             -        34
  • Non-fatal injuries          -        1,749
  • Damage to property    -        8,266

This data come out as the DOTr (Department of Transportation) continues to defend its position on the imposition of a ban versus non-roadworthy traditional PUJs (public utility jeeps).

According to Goddes Hope Libiran, DOTr Assistant Secretary for Communications and Commuter Affairs, the move is not anti-poor and is in full compliance of the longstanding PUVMP (Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program).

“For the record, ginagawa lang namin ang tama. Ang sinasabi nilang solusyon sa problema ay ang pagbabalik ng mga luma at karag-karag na jeepney sa kalsada. Hindi mo maitatama ng isang mali ng isa pang mali (For the record, we are just doing the right thing. They are saying that the solution to the problem is the return of old and dilapidated jeeps on the road. We can’t correct a mistake with another mistake), said Libiran in a statement.

She details that per the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources), more than 80% of air pollution in Metro Manila comes from unabated emissions of motor vehicles in the metropolis.

Part of the PUVMP’s goals is to remove the "boundary" salary scheme, the culture of racing for passengers, unorganized routes, long waiting time, illegal loading and unloading habits, overloading, and excessive emissions.

Under the PUMVP, drivers will get a regular salary, have fixed work hours for better work-life balance, and benefits such as SSS (Social Security System) and PhilHealth.

“Sa tanong naman kung papayagan o hindi ang mga traditional jeepney next week, ang sagot ay oo, papayagan, alinsunod sa hierarchy of transportation, at PROVIDED na ang mga unit ay ROADWORTHY (Regarding the question of whether or not traditional jeepneys will be allowed next week, they will be allowed in accordance with the hierarchy of transportation and provided that the units are roadworthy), added Libiran.

Photo from the DOTr

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