The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) expressed strong support for Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III’s call for the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to be transparent about the suppliers in the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program, which plans to replace the iconic Philippine jeepneys with mini buses.
“We need to know if we tap Filipino labor, use domestic materials and locally produced goods in this jeepney modernization,” the FFW said.
Section 12, Article XII of the Constitution specifically mentions: “The State shall promote the preferential use of Filipino labor, domestic materials and locally produced goods, and adopt measures that help make them competitive.”
PROGRAM SUSPENSION
Senator Pimentel’s proposal for an indefinite or a six-month to one-year suspension of the program is laudable, the FFW stressed. “The suggestion is both reasonable and practical. It allows for a more thorough review and consideration of the implications of this transition.”
The government appears to have forgotten our local Sarao, Francisco, Malaguena, Armak, Amante, etc., said the FFW, which supports the drivers and operators who believe in the Philippines’ capacity to manufacture and refurbish jeepneys. “The government’s failure to engage local manufacturers and rebuilders in this program would violate the Constitution. Our local industry has the capability to contribute significantly to this modernization effort”
Drawing parallels with a historical case, the labor group referenced the Supreme Court’s decision in Manila Prince Hotel vs. Government Service Insurance, et al. “Just as the Manila Hotel is a living testament to our heritage and protected by the State, the iconic jeepney, a symbol of Filipino ingenuity, deserves similar consideration.”
FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION
The FFW also highlighted a joint trade union report to the International Labor Organization (ILO) High Level Tripartite Mission to the Philippines, which criticized the PUV Modernization Plan for its impact on the freedom of association, especially concerning the disenfranchisement of jeepney drivers and operators.
The FFW raised concerns over the mandatory consolidation of jeepney operators into cooperatives or corporations, citing potential constitutional issues and conflicts with international human rights standards. “Forcing operators to join cooperatives or corporations challenges the constitutional right to freedom of association. It also contradicts Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that no one should be compelled to belong to an association.”
