8-5-2024 (MANILA) In the aftermath of World War II, the streets of the Philippines witnessed the arrival of a unique and iconic mode of transportation – the jeepneys. These noisy, smoke-belching vehicles, initially crafted from leftover U.S. jeeps, quickly became a national symbol, serving as the backbone of the country’s transport system for decades.
However, seven decades later, the colorfully decorated jeepneys are facing an existential threat from a government plan to phase them out and replace them with modern minibuses, casting doubt on the future of these iconic vehicles.
For companies like Sarao Motors, one of the first manufacturers to produce jeepneys after its founder, Leonardo Sarao Sr., transitioned from driving horse-drawn buggies to motorized public transport in the early 1950s, the government’s plan has been a heavy blow.
“We’ve had customers that have been around since the ’50s, so they’ve been purchasing jeepneys, making their fleet bigger,” said Leonard Sarao, the operations supervisor and grandson of Sarao Sr. “With this new program, there have been a lot of doubts or fear that if they purchase a brand new jeepney, will they still be able to use it a couple of years down the road?”
The family-owned company’s production peaked in the 1970s and 1980s, with workers manufacturing 50 to 60 jeepneys per month. However, demand began to decline in subsequent decades as other transport options became available. By 2014, Sarao Motors was producing as few as 10 jeepneys per month, and the government’s launch of the jeepney phase-out program in 2017 slammed the brakes on production even further.
While Sarao Motors can produce modern jeepneys that meet the government’s environmental and safety specifications, they are “three to four times the price of a traditional jeepney,” according to Sarao. This steep increase in cost has raised concerns among operators and drivers, who argue that buying a new vehicle will bury them in debt and make it impossible to earn enough money to repay their loans and make a living.
Julio Dimaunahan, a 57-year-old jeepney operator in Manila, expressed his concerns, saying, “It’s difficult for us to get a modern jeepney… we can’t afford the price. Even now our pockets are hurting because of the little profits we get as operators.”
Flocerfida Majadas, a 62-year-old jeepney operator, echoed similar sentiments, worried about the future of her drivers if she were to go broke. “Our concern is that we may not be able to pay our liabilities,” she said, referring to bank loans. “If we’re not able to pay, the bank will repossess the modern jeepneys. If the bank repossesses them, what will happen to our staff?”
While jeepneys now compete with buses, vans, and motorbikes for passengers, they remain a common sight and sound in the archipelago nation. Their affordability, with passengers paying as little as 13 pesos (RM1) per ride, and the ease of fixing their second-hand diesel truck engines have endeared them to many Filipinos.
However, the government’s proposed modern mini-buses come equipped with European emission standard engines or electric motors, WiFi, CCTV, and air-conditioning, raising concerns among operators about the cost of maintenance and repairs.
Teodoro Caparino, a 60-year-old jeepney driver with 35 years of experience, hopes the government will decide to fix existing jeepneys rather than replace them with “Chinese-made vehicles.” He emphasized, “Our families will starve if we do not get to drive our jeepneys… all we know is driving.”
