By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
QUEZON CITY — Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis Crisologo “Chavit” Singson on Sunday (Oct. 5) thanked the DOTr for finally granting the Certificate of Compliance (COC) to electric vehicles. .
The electric vehicle is 22-seater, 6 standing, aircon, and with a speed of 100 kph or more.
Singson added that they would like to distribute the electric vehicles, but the COC was just granted only now.
The body of the chassis is stainless steel, not corrosive, and with two emergency exit doors.
Singson assured that they can mass produce the electric vehicles if they can train more workers.
They are planning to put up in Visayas and Mindanao and train more workers.
Singson noted that the group of Marquez looked for electric vehicles in South Korea and China.
The cost is P1.2 million per unit three years ago. The basic price now is P1.6 million. The unit will be released in a month.
Singson said that the P1.6 million will be reduced, if the government will help.
He emphasized that he will welcome if there are other cheaper offer per unit of the electric vehicle.
The mass production of electric vehicles will require welders, among others.
Singson commended the Korean government for helping him improving the modern jeepney.
Caregivers in South Korea earn P140,000 a month and they can bring with them their family in Korea.
The job vacancy being offered in Korea is 350.
Electric vehicles are worldwide and with competitive batteries.
It so happened that the world’s biggest supplier of battery for electric vehicles is a friend of Singson.
Singson expressed his gratitude to DOTr Usec. Ramon Reyes, all the Asec., and Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III.
“And finally, after three years, the Certificate of Convenience was approved,” Singson said.
He stressed that everything changed and if he only continued his Senatorial Candidacy, the transportation industry would have no more problem.
He pointed our that the DOTr has promised to reduce the per unit cost of electric vehicle.
“All the gas stations will have their electric vehicle charging stations,” Singson said.
Singson boasted that Ilocos Sur rose from being one of the poorest provinces to become the no. 5 richest province in te Philippines.
“From being notorious, Ilocos Sur has become one of the most peaceful provinces in the country,” Singson said.
For his part, Orlando Marquez, National President of LTOP, expressed his gratitude to transport cooperatives and corporations.
Marquez that they discussed about the P1.2 million electric vehicles.
He has flown to South Korea, China, and Japan and canvassed for cheaper electric vehicles.
Marquez said that in the history of transportation in the Philippines, the electric vehicle of Singson is the most modern jeepney.
He noted that the modernized jeepney is designed for road interconnectivity to LRT and MRT to reduce the transportation.
The LTFRB already has complete alternative route certified and authorized by the transport cooperatives.
More than 7,000 electric vehicles are already approved and signed by Chairman Guadiz.
Papua New Guinea has already ordered 3,000 electric vehicles from the Philippines as they are certified as world class.
Marquez urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. to rechannel the slashed DPWH budget to DOTr and PTMP subsidy.
He emphasized that the father of President Marcos, the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. signed the National Land Transportation Act in 1974.
Marquez noted that the 14,000 traditional jeepneys were replaced by mini buses made in China, who is even bullying the Philippines.
“The total number of traditional jeepneys in the Philippines is at 112,000,” Marquez said.
Marquez revealed that BDO is willing to help them but they cannot give the government bank interest, but only at 10%.
He also said that the electric vehicle of Singson is non-pollutant because it is electric vehicle.
They will drive test the electric vehicles in Metro Manila Manila this week.
Marquez said that they are asking President Marcos for an immediate action and direct meeting for an efficient, clear and impartial implementation of a concrete roadmap against colorum and “kotong”.
The LTOP (Liga ng Transportation at Operators sa Pilipinas), together with accredited transport cooperstives on Sunday (Oct. 5) urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. to rechannel the more than P200 Billion slashed from DPWH budget to DOTr and PTMP subsidy.
Orlando Marquez, National President of LTOP, said that their newly-registered organization, the National Transport Cooperatives Organization of the Philippines, is asking President Marcos for an immediate action and direct meeting for an efficient, clear and impartial implementation of a concrete roadmap against colorum and “kotong”.
Marquez stressed that they are now leaving the Magnificent 7 and they do not agree with the latter’s calls for the removal of DOTr Usec. Ramon Reyes, LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III, and RD Tamayo..
He emphasized that they want DPWH Sec. Vince Dizon, DILG Sec. Jonvic Remulla, and DOTr Sec. Giovanni Lopez to take action on their concerns.
The Magnificent 7 is previously composed of major transport leaders namely Roberto “Obet” Martin, National President of Pasang-Masda; Orland Marquez, National President of LTOP; Melencio “Boy” Vargas, National President of ALTODAP; Liberty De Luna, National President of ACTO; Deo Sotto, National President of Fejodap; Zaldy Ping-Ay, National President of Stop N Go; and Marlyn D. C. Ramos, National President of Busina. ###
