While she expressed support for the implementation of the jeepney modernization program, Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday also urged the government to look at the issue from “all angles.”

In a transcript of her interview during the Bicol Express Modernization Forum at the Avenue Convention Center in Naga City, Robredo said that, while the implementation of the jeepney modernization program would beneficial to all, the government should give the drivers enough time to comply.

“We’re not against the modernization, but we have to look at it from all angles,” Robredo said in Filipino.

She also underscored that, while modernization might be good for the society as a whole, “we have to think also what will be the effect on our drivers?”

Robredo said that if the government will really push for the jeepney modernization program, “we have to give our drivers enough time to comply and help them so they can cope with this.”

After reading the “testimonials” of the drivers, Robredo said that they will have a hard time dealing with the cost of the modern jeep. “The question would be is how we can help them to lessen the burden when it comes to complying,” she said.

Robredo also reacted to the ultimatum given by President Rodrigo Duterte for the drivers to comply with the modernization by the end of the year.

“I don’t think it’s proper that we express irritation or anger [on issues like this]. It’s not right to instill fear when we are implementing programs like this,” she added. “I believe that if we listen to the voices of those who will be affected, we can be more discreet in finding solutions,” she ended.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Merlina Hernando-Malipot

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