Sen. Francis Tolentino advocated to preserve the iconic jeepney design amidst the government’s Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program.
Addressing the residents of Rizal province, home to some of the largest jeepney manufacturers, Tolentino underscored the historic role of jeepneys in shaping the Filipino identity.
With the February 1 prohibition on jeepneys in mind, Tolentino said he agrees with modernization but he is not amenable to transforming jeepneys into baby buses.
Tolentino ascribed the jeepney’s quintessential features as distinctive and have become an integral part of Philippine culture – like a horse-drawn cart.
“A jeepney has long nose (like) a horse, with a wheel on the driver’s side where he can put out his elbow” and a wooden box in front where he puts his money and the entrance at the back.
Tolentino urged a balanced approach for modernization as well as for preserving national heritage.
The senator pointed out that the jeepney is part of Filipino history and should not be forgotten.
“We can modernize our transportation without forgetting our history,”
