False GMA News Online report provokes anger at " jeepney modernization program" ~Share

It is understandable if a reporter makes an error in a story it reports, after all, they are just human.

However, the GMA News Online story posted on November 28 “JV Ejercito appeals to the public to ‘embrace’ jeepney modernization program” and December 30 “Transport groups hopeful Tugade will attend Senate hearing on Thursday” is too much. GMA News Online made three false reports.

How in the world could the reporter make three glaring inaccuracies in its story? Was the reporter incompetent or worse, was the "error" deliberate?



Both reports read: “Under the modernization program, operators are required to own at least 20 Euro-4 compliant e-jeepneys and have a market capitalization of at least P7 million.”

According to the DOTr the statement is incorrect on three points:

1. It is not true that the program requires each operator to own at least 20 units.One of the components of the program is fleet consolidation.
   
   The number of units will be determined by the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP), which is an integral part of the route rationalization program, that will identify the approved routes nationwide.
   
   
   
   The number of units, as well as the maximum number of operators, shall depend on the demand of the approved route.
   
   If a certain route requires a maximum of 30 units, and an operator who only has one unit wants to join, he may join a legal entity such as a transport cooperative or a corporation in order serve the route.
   
   DOTr requires the consolidation of existing operators in order for them share operational and maintenance costs, reduce on-street competition, and improve the reliability of their services through coordinated dispatching.
   
   
   
   A template of the LPTRP Manual may be downloaded via the DOTr website for everyone's reference.
   
2. The DOTr does not require the use of e-jeepneys.
   
   Modern PUVs may or may not be e-jeepneys, as long as they comply with the emission standards (Euro-4 and above) set forth in the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG).
   
   
   
   
3. There is also no minimum capitalization.
   
   The investment per route depends on the LPTRP, which can be shared by an entire fleet.
   
   The PUVMP aims to improve the quality of public transport in the country and move towards safer, more comfortable, and environment-friendly PUVs.
   
   It is not the corporations who will benefit, but operators and drivers who can earn more while saving on fuel costs and repair.
   
   
   
   The government has also made it a point to help operators and drivers migrate into the system by offering a financial package that has low interest, low equity, and long-term.
   
   The PUVMP is long overdue. Filipino commuters deserve better, and operators and drivers deserve an industry that is competitive and at par with global standards.