Puerto Princesa City may not yet be ready to implement the national public transport modernization program, prompting the City Council to take a cautious attitude as it reviews the proposed five-year Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP).
During a Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, February 16, the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) presented the LPTRP covering 2026 to 2030.
The plan identifies designated routes, vehicle classifications, and the number of units per route, and will serve as the basis for franchise issuance by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
CPDO Engr. Jovenee Sagun said it integrates route networks, vehicle types, and unit allocation per route, in line with national guidelines under the Public Transport Modernization Program.
“Ito ay integrated plan na magiging basehan para sa ating local public transport development. Sa planong ito ay ikino-konsidera ang bawat network o mga dadaanan, anong klaseng mga sasakyan at ilang bilang ng mga sasakyan sa bawat ruta,” Sagun said.
“Ito rin ay basehan para sa issuance ng franchise ng LTFRB at para sa efficient and sustainable transport route na compliance sa guidelines sa implementation ng public transport modernization plan,” she added.
Under the proposal, 18 routes will cover urban areas and six will serve rural areas. A central terminal is planned within the SM Puerto Princesa property along Lacao Street.
Public utility vehicles will be divided, with half passing through Rizal Avenue and the rest through Malvar Street.
The plan has been submitted to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the city has received a notice of compliance.
However, Sagun clarified that implementation will depend on whether the City Council passes the required ordinances.
“Sa ngayon ay for information kami dito sa plano dahil ang sakop lang namin ay ang route plan. Binigyan na tayo ng notice of compliance ng DOTr at nag-comply na tayo,” she told the city legislative body.
“Sa ngayon, ang mga ruta na ‘yan ay gagawan ng ordinance at nasa inyo [City Council] kung gagawan ng ordinansa ang mga ruta na ‘yan for implementation o hindi. Kung mayroon na kasi tayong ordinansa ay saka lang magbibigay ang LTFRB ng prangkisa,” he explained.
Councilor Elgin Damasco said approval of the route plan could immediately lead to modernization.
“Once na ito ay inaprubahan natin, that’s the time na i-implement na talaga ang modernization whether we like it or not. Ito nalang ang hinihintay ng national government na i-implement ang modernization program kung aprubahan natin ang local route plan na ito,” Damasco said.
“Kung hindi natin aprubahan ang route plan na ito, ibig sabihin, stastus quo at hindi nila ma-implement. Timbangin nating maigi kung ano ang magiging epekto nito sa transport sector natin,” he added.
Councilor Modesto “Jonjie” Rodriguez II, on the other hand, questioned whether the city would still have flexibility once the plan is approved.
“Para sa akin, parang hostage itong plano na ito. Bakit? Kapag in-approve ang route plan, magbibigay sila ng prangkisa pero ang kasunod naman nun ay i-implement nila ang modernization. Is that what I heard? Kaya sabi ko, parang hostage,” Rodriguez said.
“It is very imperative na ito bago i-submit o ano man, siguro maganda na magkaroon muna ng consultation with the stakeholders. Kaya ba nila o payag ba sila? Kasi kung hindi, sino ang makaka-afford? Kaya ba nila? I would suggest na mag-consult muna tayo at hindi gagawin natin for compliance lang,” he added.
Vice Mayor Jimbo Maristela also sought clarification before any ordinance is enacted.
“Ano ang maaaring mangyari sakaling aprubahan ng City Council ang LPTRP? Pwede ba na wala munang modernization kung magpasa tayo ng mga ordinansa? Dapat malaman muna natin para sa ating mga kababayan,” Maristela said.
Transport groups admitted they are not financially prepared for modernization due to the high cost of replacing units.
The Jeepney and Multicab New Market Terminal Operators and Drivers Transport Cooperative said government assistance would be necessary if the program proceeds.
“Given kami ng 5 years pero walang sinabi doon na mag-modernize na kami. Mabigat sa aming mga operator kasi hindi namin kaya. Nakausap na namin si Mayor [Lucilo Bayron] noon at talagang sinasabi namin na hindi namin kaya at kailangan namin ang local government,” Nerrie Rodriguez, chairman of the cooperative, said.
“Ang ibinibigay lang sa amin ngayon ay ang number of units at marami sa amin ang madi-displace na mga operator at drivers, especially ang drivers na doon lang nakasalalay ang kanilang hanap-buhay,” he added.
The City Council has yet to decide whether to pass the ordinances required to implement the LPTRP, saying it wants to study its possible impact on the city and the transport sector before making a final decision.
Launched in 2017 by the DOTr as a nationwide strategy, the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) aims to replace older, non-compliant public utility vehicles, such as jeepneys and other PUVs, with newer, more modern units.
The program’s objectives are to decrease air pollution, increase road safety, and boost the effectiveness of public transportation.
Operators must transition from privately held businesses to consolidated entities, such as companies or cooperatives. These organizations will use a route-based method to apply for franchises.
The policy mandates the phasing out of traditional jeepneys that are a minimum of 15 years old, to be replaced with new vehicles.
The new vehicles are required to comply with Euro 4 emission regulations, be equipped with GPS, CCTV, automated fare collection systems, and adhere to accessibility norms.
Approved LPTRPs are now required for franchise issuance. Route plans must be submitted by cities and municipalities in order to comply with federal regulations. Operators are unable to acquire new or renewed franchises without an authorized route plan and consolidation.
Cost is one of the main problems. Depending on the specs, a new jeepney unit might cost anywhere from ₱2 million to ₱3 million.
Drivers and operators nationwide argue that even if the government provides financing packages and subsidies through state banks, many drivers and small operators claim that the amount is still too much for them.
Supporters, on the other hand, defend that modernization will professionalize the sector and improve commuter experience.
