‘Magnificent 7’ backs Singson’s senatorial bid for transport sector

MANILA, Philippines — Various transport groups dubbed as ‘Magnificent 7’ on Monday said they are backing the senatorial bid of former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson as he vows to support and help the transport sector.

According to Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP) national president Orlando Marquez, the transport sector needs a senator who will advocate for its rights

“Kami ang humahakot ng trabahador na bumubuhay ng ekonomiya ng Pilipinas kaya kailangan namin ang isang senador na talagang ipaglalaban dahil kaya namin ito at kaya niya kaming ipaglaban dahil siya po ay isang operator ng malaking bus company,” Marquez said in a chance interview.

(We transport the workers who drive the Philippine economy, which is why we need a senator who will truly fight for us. We can do this, and he can fight for us because he’s also a big bus company operator.)

Marquez also said that Singson promised that his focus would be on the transport sector once he is elected as senator.

READ: 7 transport groups support PUV modernization program — DOTr

“Pangako po niya sa amin, ang kanyang pagtutuunan ng pansin kapag siya ay niluklok ng sambayanang pilipino, unahin niya ang kabutihan ng public transport sa buong Pilipinas na maalis ang trapiko dahil public service ang importante sa kanya,” Marquez noted.

(He promised us that if the Filipino people elect him, his focus will be on improving public transport across the country. He aims to reduce traffic, prioritizing public service because that’s what truly matters to him.)

“Kaya kami ang buong hanay ng Magnificent 7, nandito po kami kasama ng truckers, Pasang Masda, FEJODAP (Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines), bus, UV express, and tricycle federation, buong Pilipinas ay nakasuporta kay Manong Chavit,” the LTOP national president added.

(That’s why the entire Magnificent 7, along with truckers, Pasang Masda, FEJODAP, bus operators, UV Express, and the tricycle federation, all across the Philippines, stand united in support of Chavit.)

Magnificent 7 is composed of Pasang Masda, LTOP, Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP), Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO), FEJODAP, Stop and Go Coalition, and UV-Express Federation of the Philippines.

The group previously expressed their support for the public transport modernization program (PTMP), pointing out that the country needs to adapt to modernization to ensure safe and comfortable public transport.

Under the PTMP, jeepney drivers and operators must consolidate to form cooperatives to avail the program’s benefits.

Consolidation is part of the process of phasing out traditional jeepneys and replacing them with eco-friendly but more expensive units.

Furthermore, Singson vowed to focus on modernizing the country’s transport system, adding that he would push for efficient and sustainable transportation through his e-jeepney project.

Pasang Masda president Robert Martin echoed Marquez’ sentiments, emphasizing that their support was based on deliberations.

“Base sa pagpupulong namin nung nakaraang araw, nakaraang buwan, ang kanyang layunin namin ay sumuporta tumulong sa hanay ng transportasyon… kami ay umaasa na malaki ang maitutulong niya sa kanyang mga karanasan, mga kaalaman upang maiangat ang antas ng hanay ng sistema ng transportasyon,” Martin said.

(Based on our meeting the past few days and the past few months, his goal is to support and assist the transport sector. We are hopeful that his vast experience and knowledge will greatly contribute to improving the overall transport system.)

READ: Jeepney drivers halt operations to support Manibela chair’s Senate bid