TULFO SLAMS MOVE TO IMPORT MODERN JEEPNEY FROM CHINA

SENATOR Idol Raffy Tulfo slammed moves to import modern jeepney units from China to replace the old passenger jeepneys in the country as part of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

According to Tulfo, the project reeks of corruption considering that a local jeepney manufacturing industry can produce a quality modern jeep at a lower cost.

Tulfo learned that imported jeepneys from China cost ₱2.6 to ₱2.9 million per unit, which is way more expensive than a brand new unit that local companies such as Sarao and Francisco Motors can make for only ₱900,000 to ₱985,000 each.

“Ang karagatan natin sa West Philippine Sea ay sinasakop na nga ng China, pati ba naman mga kalsada natin ay papayag tayong sasakupin na rin nila?!” he said.

Tulfo said that the government will save an estimated ₱1.7 million per unit if a local manufacturer is chosen over a Chinese company. Moreover, if the cost of the jeepney to be purchased is around ₱900,000, the government will be able to afford the subsidies to implement the modernization at no cost to the jeepney drivers and operators.

He added that buying from local manufacturer, which is expected to create thousands of jeepneys would translate to thousands of jobs for Filipino workers, not to mention that it could also preserve the style and design of jeepneys which are already part of Filipino culture.

The senator from Isabela and Davao stressed that above all else, it is important to prioritize the welfare of jeepney drivers in implementing the modernization program.