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TRANSPORT groups from all over the country have pledged support to Ako Ilocano Ako party-list and its first nominee Rep. Richelle Singson, daughter of former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson.
In a gathering at the Corinthian Gardens Clubhouse in Quezon City on Thursday, transport leaders also lauded the "no down payment and zero interest loan program" offered by the former governor to jeepney drivers.
It can be recalled that the transport leaders came to Singson and asked him if he could help finance the modernization of their fleets.
ILOCANO PARTY-LIST From left are Rep. Richelle Singson of Ako Ilocano Ako party-list, Sen. Tito Sotto, former governor Chavit Singson, former senator Ping Lacson and former congressman Rodante Marcoleta. PHOTO BY FREDERICK NASIAD
Singson said a brand new electric jeepney costs P2.7 to P3 million each and transport leaders asked him if he can bring the price down to P2.4 million for each unit.
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"Hindi ko ibibigay ng (I will not give it at) P2.4 (million)," said Singson. "Ibibigay ko ng (I will give it at) P1.2 (million) at low interest and no down payment."
When the manufacturing facility in Cavite is fully operational, Singson said, it can produce at least 500 e-jeepneys per month.
Present at the gathering were representatives from Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association (Pasang Masda), Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (Fejoda), Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Altodap), Committed Transport Organizations Nationwide Corp. (Actona), Stop and Go Coalition, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (Acto) and Liga ng mga Transportation at mga Operator ng Pilipinas (LTOP), among others.
Richelle Singson, meanwhile, promised to continue supporting the public transportation sector and champion their cause in Congress if the party-list gets enough votes in the May 12, 2025 elections.
"Ang party-list po natin is Ako Ilocano Ako pero ang serbisyo po natin ay para sa buong Pilipinas, lalung-lalo na ang transportation group (Our party-list is Ako Ilocano Ako but we give our service to the whole Philippines, especially the transport group)," she said.
Also present were Sen. Tito Sotto, Ping Lacson, Willie Revillame and Rodante Marcoleta, who are all running for senator in May.
