A LAWMAKERS is asking the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the state-run banks Landbank of the Philippines (LandBank) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) to come up with ample and simple means of granting loans to public utility vehicle operators.

According to Agri party-list Representative Wilbert Lee this would give a chance for operators to modernize their units.

Lee made the statement after presenting House Resolution 1474, which seeks the LTFRB, as an attached agency of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), to simplify the requirements that are being asked from applicant franchise owners.

It also seeks that transport cooperatives and corporations to obtain loans to comply with the government's PUV modernization mandate.

Lee made the call as Piston launched their three day strike on Monday.

The group is protesting the December 31 deadline for operators to enlist in the PUV modernization program by applying as a consolidated entity to secure a franchise, or eventually lose their franchise to operate.

"The loan grant process should be short and speedy so the affected sectors would be enticed to join the PUV modernization. A lot of PUV drivers and operators fear that they will lose their livelihood because of the program, and this fear is understandable given that majority of jeepney drivers and operators do not have the capital to buy the modern jeepneys,” Lee said.

“This is why they need easier access to loans. If they are swamped with requirements from the get, they will really have a hard time at it. We should help them and not make things difficult for them,” Lee added.