Senators and transport groups have rallied behind the government’s Net Service Contracting Program, which aims to provide financial assistance to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, operators, and commuters, cushioning the impact of the ongoing Middle East oil crisis.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian recognizes the benefits of the program, expressing openness to provide additional funding for the net service contracting program.
“I’m really in favor of this program,” said Sen. Gatchalian, saying the Net Service Contracting Program is really meant to help the income of public utility vehicle drivers.
During Wednesday’s Senate Committee hearing on Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT), he said there are ways to augment the funding for this program.
Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez welcomed the support of the legislators and committed to recompute for a possible higher financial assistance extended to the drivers and operators.
“We note with appreciation po yung sinasabi nila na we have to re-crunch our numbers when it comes to Net Service Contracting (Program). Once we have the additional budget, sabi ko nga po we discussed this already with LTFRB and we have given this situation serious thought po and maybe I can say we’re almost there po,” the transport chief said.
Move As One Coalition Public Transport Lead Isabel Agregado expressed support to DOTr’s initiatives. It also urged the agency to review the Net SCP so it may be extended for a longer period of time and be able to accommodate more PUV operators and drivers.
“Unang-una po, we strongly support the Department of Transportation’s Net Service Contracting Program as a key mechanism to support operator and driver income and ensure po delivery for commuters. Sa madaling salita po, siguradong sakay para sa mga commuter, siguradong kita po para sa mga tsuper,” Agregado said.
United Transportation Coalition Philippines and TNVS Coalition President Lisza Redulla also commended the government’s efforts, acknowledging both the challenges that have surfaced and the progress made in addressing them.
“I would like to end my piece with gratitude po sa ating mga regulators. Dahil sa mga problemang lumabas, meron naman pong mga problema rin na masosolusyunan. So for that, nararapat lang po sigurong i-commend po kayo — ang DOTr, DSWD, ang LTFRB — para po sa lahat ng efforts na inyong nagawa,” Redulla said.
Meanwhile, Senator Mark Villar also commended the DOTr for its programs in helping various transport sectors cope amid the ongoing oil crisis.
“I’d like to commend the DOTr dahil marami na—marami na kayong programa para sa lahat ng sektor. Binanggit ninyo lahat, covered lahat ng sektor natin,” Senator Villar said.
