#YesToConsolidation I for one will always always try to understand grievances, especially when it is about livelihood. All day long! I have reading post regarding #NoToJeepNeyPhaseOut, trying to make some sense why people are against the December 30 deadline and why as of writing people are still on the streets. I swear! I joined X Spaces, read several articles, and watched interviews thinking maybe they have a point. I am not going to try to discredit the message of those pushing for yet another extension but I sincerely hope this perspective would give you a sense why I am with the President on this. 1. Looking at the timeline as attached, we have been extending the deadline for consolidation since 2018. How will this extension be any different? When will we ever move forward with the PUV Modernization? 2. Industry consolidation is just one part of the modernization (THE FIRST STEP), contrary to what you think this is the answer to most of your grievances. How? A. If you are concerned about the livelihood of the jeepney drivers: An aspect of the PUV modernization is provision of a more secure salary system, SSS, Philhealth amongst other things. B. If you are concerned about the affordability of the units, the consolidation is actually the government’s way of making sure that jeepney drivers have access to gov’t subsidies and financing programs. A single entity like a cooperative can also negotiate better terms and would give financing institutions confidence in loans. A single entity can assert demands and requests to the government agencies harder. Right? C. I’ve read that if we finally finally be able to implement the PUV modernization, there will be fixed routes and schedules, simplified trip planning, (at least) estimated time of departure just like in buses. No more unnecessary competition amongst our jeepney drivers to get more passengers and maybe that can also ease traffic. The President being firm on his decision to not extend the deadline is a decision for the majority. We cannot fix the transport system and make our vision of the country happen… if we keep pushing this.