By Sam Faj. Calaca
Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis ‘Chavit’ Singson and former Presidential Chief Counsel Salvador Panelo made significant revelations during a press conference held in San Juan City on Friday, April 5. At “The Agenda” held at Club Filipino and moderated by Attorney Siegfred Mison, former Governor of Ilocos Sur, Luis “Chavit” Crisologo Singson, emphasized the longstanding government plan for electric vehicles. He recalled that this initiative dates back to the administration of President GMA and continued through subsequent presidencies. Singson noted the extensive delay in implementing modernization programs for jeepneys due to funding constraints.
Singson’s announcement captured attention as he outlined his forthcoming initiative to introduce electric jeepneys, designed in traditional style yet fully compliant with the government’s Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program standards, to jeepney drivers and operators, starting in May. “Maraming factories sa South Korea. Nagvolunteer ako. I told the government na tutulong ako. All electric. Walang downpayment, no need for a downpayment, no need for a quarantee as far as the drivers are concerned. Walang porsyento. In short, hindi ako magnenegosyo. Tutulungan ko sila kung may manufacturing dito. Marami rin kasing gumagawa ng electric jeeps dito. Pero kung mahal, tutulungan ko sila. Hanapin nila ang mababang presyo at doon ako tutulong. Ang koment lang ni PBBM ay papiliiin mo rin sila at sabi niya yung pinaka mura.” Chavit expressed. Notably, Singson emphasized a groundbreaking aspect of his proposal: the elimination of down payments and interest charges for these electric jeepneys, aiming to alleviate financial burdens within the PUV sector and facilitate a seamless transition to eco-friendly transportation options.
Concurrently, Panelo, renowned for his legal counsel to then President Rodrigo Duterte, addressed pertinent geopolitical concerns. He clarified that there existed no ‘Gentleman’s Agreement’ between the Philippines and China regarding the longstanding conflict in the West Philippine Sea. These clarifications shed light on the intricate dynamics of diplomatic relations and underscored the importance of transparency in navigating sensitive geopolitical matters.
