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 Sen. Tulfo, this 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.

He 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.

Tulfo 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 said modernization program.

Tulfo, binatikos ang planong pagimport ng modern jeep mula China

Inalmahan ni Senator Idol Raffy Tulfo ang pag-aangkat ng modern units ng jeepney mula pa sa China na ipampapalit sa mga lumang pampasaherong jeep sa bansa bilang parte ng Jeepney Modernization Program.

Ayon kay Sen. Tulfo, nangangamoy korapsyon ang proyektong ito lalo pa at kaya naman ng isang local manufacturing industry ng jeepney ang gumawa ng isang kalidad na modern jeep sa mas mababang halaga.

Napag-alaman ni Sen. Idol na ang imported jeepney mula sa Tsina ay nagkakahalaga ng ₱2.6 hanggang ₱2.9 million bawat unit. Higit na mas mahal ito sa isang brand new unit na kaya namang gawin ng local company gaya ng Sarao at Francisco Motors sa halagang ₱900,000 hanggang ₱985,000 lamang bawat isa.

Sinabi ni Sen. Tulfo na aabot sa tinatayang ₱1.7 million per unit ang matitipid ng gobyerno kung pipiliin ang local manufacturer kaysa sa isang Chinese company. Bukod dito, kung nasa ₱900,000 lang ang halaga ng bibilhing jeepney, mas kakayanin ng gobyerno ang subsidies para maipatupad ang modernization ng walang gastos sa jeepney drivers at operators.

Dagdag pa ni Sen. Idol, kapag sa bansa mismo natin ginawa ang modern jeepney, ito ay makakalikha ng libo libong trabaho para sa mga manggagawang Pilipino.

Makasisiguro rin ang taumbayan na mapapanatili ang estilo, porma, at disenyo ng jeep na simbolo na ng kultura ng ating bansa kapag ito ay gawang Pinoy.

Nabanggit din ni Sen. Idol na mahalagang isaalang alang sa modernization program ang kapakanan ng mga Pilipino, lalo pa ng mga pobreng jeepney driver.

Binigyang diin ni Sen. Idol: "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?!"