QUEZON City, Philippines (December 8) – Without a doubt, the jeep is the most used form of public transportation today. Add to the fact that it is also the cheapest, makes one find it unimaginable looking at the roads of our country without the ubiquitous jeep.
But did you know that the jeep is also one of the biggest contributors of heart and lung disease in the country. According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, jeep emissions are major sources of sulfuric content – known to cause said diseases as well as increase the risk of cancer.
This is the main reason why the Department of Transportation and Communication and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board decided to phase-out the jeep starting 2016.
Let’s clarify: Only those that have been in the road for 15 years and above will be phased-out,
Such a move may be threatening to the livelihood of jeep drivers and operators, but if it is the solution to save Mother Earth and at the same time prevent smog and traffic, then why not?. They are not saying to totally eliminate jeepney in the Philippines or in Metro Manila but they are suggesting solution to solve the biggest problem which is traffic and pollution.
If you totally understand the reason why they are implementing this kind of decision, you will actually support the government’s step in solving such problems; they are not opposing the jeep drivers’ intention to have a dignified and peaceful work but their concern is to have better environment. Do not act as if you lose in a battle, they know what they are doing, do not just let yourself to believe on what other people says. Make our own decision, think as an individual, just think, then you will know the reason why the government implemented the plan to phase-out old jeeps.
Surely, the government will provide a generally acceptable standard to follow, if your jeep passes the standard even if it’s too old then, you’re free to drive as you can, and take your route and work as you can, you do not have to worry about your livelihood, it’s just that you have to undergo some emission testing and other related tests to find out if your jeep is qualified, and will not harm other people.
If your jeep will not pass the said examinations, then do the recommended action for you to passed the test, and again if it’s not, maybe you need to replace you jeep for your own safety and for the passengers. Do not just think about livelihood, think about yourself because this is for us. It is for the sake of our health, for your health, and your loved ones, for sure you will not let your loved ones sacrifice because of your negligence so do the things needed, it is for your future and for the next generation.
It is not your loss if you follow the rules and regulations. You should believe that the said implementation is for your own good. It is not against in human right and any other provisions in the Philippine Constitution because in the end we, the whole Filipino people that is, are the beneficiaries of the things we are doing now. It is for the welfare of the riders, driver and the operators. This is for the future.
(written by Judy Anne Casamayor, edited by Jay Paul Carlos, additional research by Lovely Ann Cruz)