PUVs: Profit and public service

WHAT would the world be like if motorized road vehicles were never invented? Quieter, less polluted, slower-paced, arguably more pleasant, BUT, yes, inconvenient to an unimaginable degree.

Road transport – buses, cars, motorcycles, tricycles – is now indispensable to the human lifestyle. The concept of a public road transport system is a smart development because simply imagine if there were only private vehicles? In the Philippines, public utility vehicles (PUVs) are not really “public” in the sense that they are not owned and operated by the government. Private operators are issued franchises, for a fee, to deliver the transport service to the commuting public and their income is also subject to tax. This set-up has proven to be problematic and so many conflicts are currently plaguing transport groups and the government. On Monday, a nationwide strike (once again), has been planned, but fortunately Pangasinan won’t be affected. The Alliance of United Transport Organization Province-wide (AutoPro) announced that its more or less 20,000 members will not participate in the Tigil Pasada, but that does not mean that PUV operators and drivers in Pangasinan are a satisfied lot. The group said it is merely giving the Aquino administration a chance to help them sort out their concerns through a dialogue scheduled this week. A salute to them for choosing the way that is un-disruptive.

During the discussions, other than the pressing issues of rising fuel prices, stagnant commuter fare rates, and a defective subsidy system crafted by the government, some very basic issues should be taken up. These include the policy covering issuance of franchises by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for buses and jeepneys, and the local government units for tricycles to ensure that there aren’t way too many more PUVs than the demand for them, the way it is now. The Land Transportation Office also needs reminding to strictly implement policies on the issuance and renewal of driver’s licenses and vehicle registration – let’s get rid of PUVs that are not road worthy and drivers who act like deranged devils behind the wheel. Operating a PUV is not simply a means of income or a venture for profit; each franchise denotes responsibility to public service.

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Beauty and brains

SHAMCEY Supsup did not win the Miss Universe contest as many had expected.  But her fourth-place finish wasn’t something to be frowned upon. In fact, by improving by one notch Venus Raj’s standing in 2010, Supsup cemented once more the Philippines’ reputation as a nation of not only beauties but brains as well.  For, it has always been like that—the Miss Universe pageant being a perennial major factory of beautiful and intelligent women.

Of course, the thrill of victory had presented itself again.  Had Supsup, an architecture magna cum laude of the University of the Philippines-Diliman and a board topnotcher as well, emerged victorious in Sao Paolo, Brazil (Ms Angola won), it would have made the city of GenSan doubly proud. GenSan is also the birthplace of Manny Pacquiao, the eight-division world-boxing champion in eight different weight categories.

Still, good job, Shamcey! Bravo!

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