P17-B subsidy eyed for public transport

FILE: KEEPING DISTANCE. Passengers observe safe physical distancing while aboard a modern jeepney plying the Roces-Cubao (Diamond) route along Panay Avenue in Quezon City on Monday (June 22, 2020). (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA – The Duterte administration’s economic team has recommended the implementation of a PHP17 billion subsidy program for public transport amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

In a virtual presser on Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque bared the fund will be used to assist critically impacted workers and businesses in the transportation industry.

“Iniisip din po ng economic team na magbigay ng subsidiya, hindi po malaking subsidiya, iyong enough lamang para naman makabawi iyong mga public transportation na hindi po nakakapagbiyahe ng 100 percent capacity (The economic team is considering giving a subsidy, not a very big subsidy, just enough for the public transport to recover for not being allowed to resume 100 percent of their capacity),” he said.

Roque, however, noted that this proposal will need the approval of Congress.

He did not clarify whether the amount would be part of the assistance under the proposed “Bayanihan to Recover as One” bill.

“Iyong proposal para sa subsidy na umaabot mahigit kumulang PHP17 billion pero ito po ay proposal, kinakailangan apruban pa ng ating Kongreso (The proposal which will reach more or less PHP17 billion is just a proposal, and will need approval from Congress),” he said.

Currently, Roque said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID) is revisiting restrictions on certain public transportation modes such as public utility jeepneys (PUJs).

He, however, noted that several parts of the country with low-risk of Covid-19, such as Baguio and Bohol, have already allowed the operation of PUJs.

Meanwhile, Roque urged motorcycle riders to comply with the “no back ride” policy to minimize the risk of catching or spreading the deadly disease.

He acknowledged possible lapses in law enforcement but noted that an “entire nation” approach was necessary for curbing the pandemic.

Earlier, he said motorcycle back-riding will soon be allowed despite the strict quarantine restrictions.

The IATF-EID ordered the departments of Transportation, Science and Technology, and Health; the Metro Manila Development Authority; and the Bureau of Philippine Standards to look for the “safest and effective” manner to ensure safe motorcycle back-riding amid the outbreak.

The government has imposed a “no back ride” policy amid the nationwide community quarantine due to health safety reasons.

Under IATF Resolution No. 50, the IATF has recommended the government to optimize the use of sufficient and safe public transportation to facilitate the opening of the economy.