argumentative essay on jeepney phase out

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

A Push To Modernize Philippine Transport Threatens The Beloved Jeepney

Ashley Westerman

Jeepneys, often known in the Philippines as "King of the Road," join traffic on a busy street in Manila last May. Authorities are moving to phase them out, citing pollution and safety concerns. Noel Celis/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

Jeepneys, often known in the Philippines as "King of the Road," join traffic on a busy street in Manila last May. Authorities are moving to phase them out, citing pollution and safety concerns.

Down a dark, cramped alleyway in the heart of densely packed Manila, a resistance movement is holding strong.

The movement is focused on protecting a beloved Philippine form of public transport, the passenger truck known as the jeepney — but to reach its headquarters in a nearly hidden lane, it's a good idea to ditch your own vehicle. The lane is so narrow that even the slightest wrong move could result in scratches or a dislodged side-view mirror from hitting a wall.

Outside the office's metal gate is a beat-up jeepney with a sign reading: "Ibasura ang Jeepney Phaseout!" or "No To Jeepney Phaseout!"

Inside, George San Mateo sits eating his dinner. He's a warm, welcoming man sporting a salt-and-pepper goatee, glasses and a newsboy cap. San Mateo, 51, has been a driver for almost three decades and now heads the transport rights group Piston, short for Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide, or "unified nationwide organization of drivers and operators." It's in this role that he's leading the resistance to a government plan to "modernize" old jeepneys and replace them with newer, more eco-friendly models.

A jeepney adorned with eye-catching lettering sits parked in at a gas station in Calamba, Leguna, about an hour south of the capital Manila. Jeepneys often sport a name, phrase or symbol important to their driver. Ashley Westerman/NPR hide caption

A jeepney adorned with eye-catching lettering sits parked in at a gas station in Calamba, Leguna, about an hour south of the capital Manila. Jeepneys often sport a name, phrase or symbol important to their driver.

"Piston has no problem with modernization because we consider ourselves progressive," San Mateo says. "We are progressive, so we are not anti-development. But the problem with the modernization program ...it is anti-poor and profit-oriented."

Jeepneys have become synonymous with Philippine daily life. The first were cobbled together using parts of surplus Jeeps left behind by American troops after World War II. The Filipinos converted them into transport vehicles that could hold between 15 to 20 people at a time (though not all those passengers may actually fit inside the vehicle).

George San Mateo is the leader of Piston, a nationwide transportation workers' rights group in the Philippines. He's called on President Rodrigo Duterte to scrap the current transport modernization plan and create a new one focusing on nationalizing transport. Ashley Westerman/NPR hide caption

George San Mateo is the leader of Piston, a nationwide transportation workers' rights group in the Philippines. He's called on President Rodrigo Duterte to scrap the current transport modernization plan and create a new one focusing on nationalizing transport.

"The reason why jeepneys became the dominant mode of transport [is] because after World War II, the government did not establish a mass transport system," San Mateo explains.

Though numbers are hard to come by, various estimates say there are somewhere between 180,000 and 270,000 franchised jeepneys on the road across the Philippines, with some 75,000 in Metro Manila alone. Studies have shown they are the country's most popular mode of transportation, taking millions to and from work every day. They're easy to spot on the traffic-choked roads, often painted with bright colors and adorned with flashy ornaments. Many jeepneys sport names or slogans painted in big, elaborate fonts.

Passengers ride in a jeepney in Manila. Depending on the size, a jeepney can hold up to 20 people. While the vehicles have designated routes, they don't have designated stops, meaning riders hop on and hop off whenever they choose. Ashley Westerman/NPR hide caption

Passengers ride in a jeepney in Manila. Depending on the size, a jeepney can hold up to 20 people. While the vehicles have designated routes, they don't have designated stops, meaning riders hop on and hop off whenever they choose.

The jeepneys are often blamed for heavy traffic congestion because of their indiscriminate stopping and going to let people on and off. They have designated routes but no designated stops, so they operate much like hop-on-hop-off buses.

And while jeepney bodies have changed over time (almost all parts are now made overseas and shipped to the Philippines to be assembled), the vehicles are notorious polluters. While jeepneys can run on both gasoline and diesel, a 2016 study by the Manila Observatory, a nonprofit science research institute, found that diesel-fed jeepneys were responsible for 15 percent of the particulate matter emissions in Metro Manila.

That's why the government of President Rodrigo Duterte plans to take all jeepneys 15 years or older off the roads and replace them with a more eco-friendly, minivan-like version that's bigger, safer and produces fewer emissions. The modernization plan started in January, and the government hopes to have all old jeepneys off the road by 2020.

But San Mateo says placing the blame for pollution solely on jeepneys is unfair in a city with so many other polluting vehicles. He says if the government didn't impose so many fees, fines and penalties on jeepney drivers and operators, they would have more money to maintain their sometimes dilapidated vehicles.

A jeepney crowned with the name "Morning Glory" navigates a Manila street during rush hour. Many jeepneys reach areas of the city where other public transit does not go. Ashley Westerman/NPR hide caption

A jeepney crowned with the name "Morning Glory" navigates a Manila street during rush hour. Many jeepneys reach areas of the city where other public transit does not go.

In Metro Manila, a city of 12 million-plus and one of the most densely populated urban areas in the world, jeepneys are second only to walking when it comes to getting around. They're the cheapest option by far, with rides costing an average of 8 Filipino pisos, about 16 cents. Jeepneys are a popular option over the city's light rail system, taxis, commuter buses and even trikes — motorcycles with sidecars — across income levels, but especially for the poor. Despite a fast-growing economy, millions of Filipinos remain below the poverty line .

"Let us remember that jeepney commuters are some of the poorest of the poor in the Philippines," says Mateo. "Our vast passengers are not Uber-riding passengers, these are minimum-wage earners and their sons and daughters."

Jeepney drivers and operators don't earn a lot, either. San Mateo says a driver makes about 500 to 600 pisos, or about $11, for two days of work. Earnings depend on factors such as profitability of the route, passenger volume and seating capacity. San Mateo says top-of-the-line jeepneys today cost about 600,000 to 700,000 pisos, or $11,000 to $13,000. The new model the government wants them to purchase costs 1.6 million to 1.8 million pisos, or between $30,000 and $35,000.

San Mateo warns that the costs to run and maintain these newer models will be passed on to commuters in the form of increased fares.

"That's why there's a deadlock on this," says San Mateo. "So we have no choice but to fight back and launch transport strikes and transport protests."

Raffy Solongon (in rear-view mirror), 47, drives his jeepney through Makati City in Manila. He earns about $10 a day and is one of thousands of drivers who say they can't afford the new jeepney model the government wants them to buy. Ashley Westerman/NPR hide caption

Raffy Solongon (in rear-view mirror), 47, drives his jeepney through Makati City in Manila. He earns about $10 a day and is one of thousands of drivers who say they can't afford the new jeepney model the government wants them to buy.

He wants President Duterte to scrap the current plan and work toward nationalizing the public transport system so drivers might get government help to buy or operate their jeepneys.

"What we want in a modernization program...[is] the framework should be socially just, democratic, public service-oriented and its long-term perspective should be nationalization of public transport," San Mateo says. "But government doesn't want that."

Last year, San Mateo helped organize two strikes: a jeepney drivers' strike in February, which San Mateo was arrested for leading , and a two-day, nationwide transport strike in October. The government has filed a case against San Mateo in connection with the October strike.

"You're poor?" Duterte snapped in a speech, addressing drivers during the October protests. "Son of a bitch, suffer hardship and hunger. I don't care."

Duterte's administration has rebuffed criticism that the plan is "anti-poor," and claims its goal is not to completely phase out jeepneys, but to make them more efficient and profitable. It wants to establish new routes with designated drop-off and load points and restructure and consolidate the ownership of jeepneys.

Riders seem split on the issue.

"It's better for the environment," says Win Tan, who rides a jeepney to work every day to her job as a car rental assistant. "But for the operators, it's not that good."

Cath Volentino is a tax consultant who has been riding jeepneys since she was a kid.

Jeepneys line up at a depot in Makati City in Manila. Jeepneys are the main mode of transportation for Filipinos nationwide, moving millions to and from work every day. Ashley Westerman/NPR hide caption

Jeepneys line up at a depot in Makati City in Manila. Jeepneys are the main mode of transportation for Filipinos nationwide, moving millions to and from work every day.

"The government is quite right that people need to have a better ride, but how about those jeepney drivers that can't afford to have a new jeepney?" she says. "It's okay if the government wants to provide for them, but it's quite a hassle."

Jose Gamo, who has also been riding jeepneys since he was a child, says the government's plan could lead to chaos for commuters.

"I think the government needs better time to help the jeepney operators adjust to the change, as well as help the commuters," he says. "Because if you phase out everything, there won't be enough new jeepneys immediately. So you need better planning for transition."

Gamo says he can't imagine a Manila without the jeepneys he knows and loves.

"It's going to be incredibly hard to get around anywhere," he says.

Back at Piston's headquarters, San Mateo says he and his fellow jeepney drivers have no intention of letting that happen.

"We are not yet giving up," he says, "so we are not yet entertaining a post-defeat scenario."

• Philippines
• transportation

• Subscribe Now

IN NUMBERS: Why jeepney phaseout is anti-poor, will do little for environment

Already have Rappler+? Sign in to listen to groundbreaking journalism.

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

FREE RIDE. The local government of Manila utilizes e-Trike for 'Libreng Sakay' vehicle for stranded passengers as jeepney drivers and their supporters plying the Morayta-Divisoria route conduct a 'tigil pasada' protest along Morayta, during the first day of the week-long transport strike, on March 6, 2023.

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine government’s move to force jeepney drivers to shift to the more environment-friendly, modern jeepney has faced backlash over its anti-poor terms.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is forcing drivers and operators to use an electric vehicle or a combustion engine that complies with a Euro IV emission standard, as prescribed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, toxic fumes, and other forms of air pollution.

But here are some numbers that show that the government’s modernization plan is clunky at best:

2% Jeepneys comprise only 2% of the total registered vehicles in the Philippines

According to data from the Department of Energy and LTFRB, there are over 9 million registered vehicles in the Philippines. Of the total, jeepneys comprise only over 250,000. Of the total jeepneys, around a quarter operate in Metro Manila.

15% Jeepneys and other public utility vehicles contribute 15% of the total particulate matter emissions in manila

While jeepneys play an important role in providing services in the country, a study by the Blacksmith Institute and Clean Air Asia found that diesel-powered jeepneys contribute 15% of the total particulate matter emissions in Metro Manila.

The Center for Energy, Ecology and Development (CEED) argued that air pollution reduction efforts “would be negligible if modernization efforts focused on jeepneys compared to private vehicles.”

“Not to mention, private car owners would also be more likely financially capable of modernizing their vehicles,” CEED said.

Jeepneys are mostly fitted with imported, second-hand engines which have higher emissions than modern diesel technologies.

The study also found that the majority of jeepney owners own only one unit, making it difficult for them to save on costs and properly maintain vehicles.

1,766.7% The modern jeepney is 1,766.7% more expensive than the traditional jeepney

A traditional jeepney costs around P150,000 to P250,000. A modern e-jeepney would force drivers and operators to cough up as much as P2.8 million, a 1,766.7% increase in cost.

5.7% The government’s proposed subsidy covers only 5.7% of the total cost

The LTFRB said that a subsidy of P160,000 will be provided. This is only 5.7% of the total cost of the modern jeepney.

Rappler was able to talk to some jeepney drivers who said that they earn around P2,000 per day. Should they upgrade to modern jeepneys, they would need to earn at least P3,500 to pay off their debt.

The LTFRB insists only operators who have consolidated into either a cooperative or corporation will be allowed to operate. Jeepney drivers fear that the program would eventually phase out their units and require them to buy new modernized jeeps that they can’t afford.

Past efforts

Before the PUV modernization push, several programs had been explored in the past but failed.

In 2007, the DENR explored the replacement of old engines used in jeepneys with new engines. Mitsubishi UFJ Securities and the University of the Philippines-National Center for Transportation Studies were asked to come up with a proposal. They found that new engines cost P300,000. 

But the plan failed as the program needed additional public and private funding.

In 2011, liquefied petroleum gas or LPG jeepneys were launched. By using LPG engines, jeepneys became Euro III-compliant. 

However, this also failed since the engine and transmission components cost P350,000 and LPG stations were limited.

In 2008, the first electric jeepneys were introduced in Makati City through the Institute for Climate and Sustanable Cities and the Philippine Utility Vehicle. Limitations in battery capacity limited these e-jeepneys to shorter routes.

Marcos’ broken promise: Why jeepney drivers protest modernization

Just transition

During the 19th Congress, former Manila 1st District representative Manuel Luis Lopez filed a just transition bill that aimed to shift drivers to e-vehicles with sufficient financial support from government.

His proposal included the following:

• Vehicle subsidy – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will provide financial assistance to drivers and operators not lower than 50% of the cost per unit of modern jeepneys.
• Fuel subsidy – The DOTr will pay a portion of the fuel consumed by affected drivers on a bi-weekly basis.
• Concessional loan – A tripartite mechanism including the government, financial institutions, and transport workers will establish a loan program. The interest rate will not exceed 1% annual interest. The loan amortization will be at least 15 years, subject to recomputation if the transport worker decides to shorten the said period.
• Financial assistance – Drivers who cannot be part of the transportation industry due to their incapacity to take out a loan will be given no less than P300,000 to shift to other forms of livelihood.

– Rappler.com

Add a comment

Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines .

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

How does this make you feel?

Related Topics

Recommended Stories

{{ item.sitename }}, {{ item.title }}, public transportation, [reflection] gov’t, jeepneys, and blindly following the logic of modernity.

New ride-hailing app inDrive anticipates Metro Manila launch in May

Bacolod legislators make last-ditch effort to avert jeepney crisis, unrest

After deadline, unconsolidated jeepneys have until mid-May before LTFRB crackdown

After ‘forced’ jeepney consolidation, some cooperatives, routes may not be ready

Checking your Rappler+ subscription...

Upgrade to Rappler+ for exclusive content and unlimited access.

Why is it important to subscribe? Learn more

You are subscribed to Rappler+

Jeepney: The good and bad of the phaseout

While a symbol of the Filipino penchant for color and resourcefulness, it also represents a failed mass-transit system as well as a tendency toward stopgap measures

By Edgar M. Sembrano, Inquirer Lifestyle

I n the context of the jeepney being a historical and cultural icon, historians are weighing in on the controversial phasing out of the iconic jeepneys and replacing them with mini buses which are being called “modern jeepneys.”

This problem stemmed from the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program launched in 2017 by the Duterte administration geared toward efficient and environment-friendly public transportation, which targeted the decommissioning of not only jeepneys, but buses and other public utility vehicles that are at least 15 years old.

This was supposed to be completed in 2020, but got extended several times, with the latest extension in early March 2023, when the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board postponed yet again the deadline to end of December this year.

The latest extension was due to the threat of a week-long nationwide transport strike participated in by transport groups Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers para sa Karapatan sa Paggawa (Manibela) and the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston).

Helen Yu-Rivera, Art Studies professor at University of the Philippines-Diliman, said in an online interview that she is opposed to the jeepney phaseout, as it is a cultural icon.

Yu-Rivera said what the government can do is to allow modern jeepneys that still look like the old ones, like what Francisco Motors manufactures.

“But more than the style is the problem of cost. I think the government should subsidize modern jeepneys and give the operators and drivers enough time to procure new ones,” she said.

Unfortunate necessity

For Jose Victor Torres, History professor at De La Salle University-Manila, the jeepney has become a cultural icon, which is a dilemma for some heritage advocates.

He said the jeepney is internationally recognized as a product of Filipino ingenuity and versatility, vehicles which were no longer of use to the Americans, but which became an everyday necessity among Filipinos.

“But on the other hand, a modern economy, technology and a changing society’s needs have relegated the jeepney today to being a nuisance on the road, causing a range of problems from pollution to lack of road discipline,” he said.

On the phaseout, he said it is “an unfortunate necessity, but the burden should not be shouldered by the drivers.”

Vehicle purchase, he said, should be driver-friendly, as drivers only earn a measly amount a day.

“Unfortunately, the present plan is so short term in implementation that all it will do is add to the poverty and unemployment of the populace,” Torres said.

“A cultural icon will not feed a driver and his family unless the government does something to solve this imbalance of cultural recognition and survival,” he added.

First made from repurposed American jeeps after World War II, the jeepneys, commonly called dyip, were small at first, and grew bigger over time.

Rene Javellana, S.J., former director of the Fine Arts program of Ateneo de Manila University, said the problem here is more than the phaseout, but the country’s poor mass transport system.

“The Philippines’ failure to develop an effective mass transport system is due in part to the aggressive campaign of car manufacturers and gas companies to block trains that efficiently move people around in Europe,” he said.

“So, while we may want to romanticize the jeepney, we also have to acknowledge its dark side: Jeepneys, private cars, buses, motorcycles and tricycles are capitulation to the gas and car companies, and this is where the problem of transportation lies,” he explained.

He said the jeepney has grown in size and evolved in shape and design through the years, from the small jeepneys of the postwar years to the 1960s, and the rounded jeepney of Sarao, to the chrome ones of Atendido and the 18-seater ones that “clog” today’s city streets.

The jeepney, he said, is indeed a cultural icon, but “don’t stop at its external bling and borloloy, but admit its problems.”

“Jeepneys are as much icons of Pinoy ingenuity or yung pwedeng pagkasyahin but also icons of shortsightedness that cannot see beyond pantawid sa gutom,” he said.

Environment-friendly

Eloisa de Castro, History professor at University of Santo Tomas, meanwhile, said that the jeepney, which she said “truly deserves to stay as a historical and cultural icon along Philippine highways and streets,” must also adapt to the changing environment.

“For this to happen, the government and the private sector should put their heads together and the government must concretely show its support by funding both public and private engineering and technological institutions to create green jeeps so they do not do further damage to the earth,” she said.

She also suggested that the government may forge links with the Japanese government, Japan being known for their technological advancements, with the private sector also doing its part in the development of green technology for the modern jeepneys, the design of which “should consider the comfort and safety of passengers of all ages.”

“This is how the jeep can remain relevant environmentally, economically, culturally and historically,” she added.

Icon of good and bad

In the book “The Camino Real to Freedom and Other Notes on Philippine History and Culture” written by Torres, the jeepneys were known to be fashioned out of general purpose or G.P. vehicles left behind by the Americans after the war as an interim solution to mass transport during that time.

Through time, Torres said, it has become an icon but is marred with a host of problems such as perennial traffic violations and accidents, plus an appearance that is far less pleasing than before.

SLEX expansion 70-percent complete

Torres notes in the book that “even their appearance today belies its popularity as a local icon: plain gray, galvanized iron chassis instead of the brightly colored, chrome-lined bodies with the ubiquitous silver-colored horses, colored lights, and whipping radio antennas on the hood.”

The jeepneys of today also have “fewer plastic fringes and panels with logos and slogans” such as the ‘Katas ng Saudi’ with the “side panels still painted, but these are now hardly the painter’s canvas of decorative motifs, lines and colors.”

The “upholstered interiors, thick-cushioned benches and decorative wood panels” are also hardly to be seen today, he notes.

In the book, Torres admitted that the jeepney, a symbol of Filipino tenacity, is dying “but it will die a slow, fighting death.”

“And as long as it remains as a Filipino icon, the jeepney will roar, cut, belch smoke and speed along our roads for many more years to come,” noted Torres in the book, published in 2016.

‘Auto calesa’

Unknown to many, the jeepney has a forerunner in the form of an auto calesa (AC) pioneered by Russian-born American Emil Bachrach, a successful businessman who owned a number of businesses in Manila during the early decades of the American occupation, including the Bachrach Motor Co. or Bachrach Motors.

Lou Gopal, the founder of the popular Facebook group Manila Nostalgia wrote in a 2015 article that the Bachrach Motors was a distributor in the country of the American Austin and American Bantam cars from the 1930s to 1941, and “operated a public conveyance fleet that was named auto calesa,” and “the ACs were later named public utility jeeps (PUJs).”

The AC’s body then, according to Gopal, was placed on an Austin car cowl and chassis.

“The jeeps then were dalawahan or two passengers per side [and] passenger arrangement became tatlohan or three passengers per side after the war,” notes Gopal.

The jeepneys actually come in different forms and sizes, apart from the iconic ones manufactured mainly by Sarao, as the jeepneys vary from place to place.

In Malolos, Bulacan, for example, their jeepneys, called karatig (meaning nearby place), is small, to allow it to navigate the city’s narrow streets.

In Iloilo, popular are the box-type jeepneys with hoods differing according to the taste of their owners, as these can be copied from the hoods of popular vehicle brands.

And in Cebu and other parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, the use of multicabs in public transport is widespread.

MAIN PHOTO: Tourists atop a jeepney in Sagada —PHOTO BY EDGAR ALLAN M. SEMBRANO

Yes to mindset modernization

Oriental Mindoro’s biggest seaport opens

• Agri-Commodities
• Asean Economic Community
• Banking & Finance
• Business Sense
• Entrepreneur
• Executive Views
• Export Unlimited
• Harvard Management Update
• Monday Morning
• Mutual Funds
• Stock Market Outlook
• The Integrity Initiative
• Editorial cartoon
• Design&Space
• Digital Life
• 360° Review
• Biodiversity
• Climate Change
• Environment
• Envoys & Expats
• Health & Fitness
• Mission: PHL
• Perspective
• Today in History
• Tony&Nick
• When I Was 25
• Wine & Dine
• Live & In Quarantine
• Bulletin Board
• Public Service
• The Broader Look

Today’s front page, Friday, May 31, 2024

• Photo Gallery

Analyzing the Jeepney Phaseout and Its Pros and Cons

• BusinessMirror
• August 30, 2022
• 5 minute read

Table of Contents Hide

Defining “modernization”, the pros of transport modernization: justifying the phaseout, the cons of transport modernization: arguing for the people phaseout, weighing the jeepney modernization’s pros and cons: finding the balance.

Traffic has always been a huge problem in the country. Several urban planners recently stressed that the government must focus on modernizing the transport system particularly in Metro Manila “because there is no solution to the traffic.” Public transportation, particularly jeepney, modernization has been a touted solution with pros and cons being heavily discussed by various stakeholders.

As a response, the Traffic Crisis Act, or House Bill (HB) 4334, and the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) transport modernization program was proposed in congress and government institutions. The program includes jeepney modernization as one of its main parts. Unfortunately, this initiative towards transportation modernization has been met with criticism of being anti-poor.

There will always be pros and cons to any issue. The government’s transport-modernization program, aimed mainly at jeepneys, buses, school buses and others, is no exception. In this article, we discuss the pros and cons of jeepney phase out.

The government is right to modernize the jeepneys. If it follows its own definition that a modern transport is “roadworthy, safe, reliable” and, above all, “prevents pollution” or has “emissions within acceptable standards.” If that is the case, then transportation modernization is certainly a necessity.

The definition of modernization is extended by Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Resolution 2013, dated January 11, 2013, to mean a “strict 15-year age limit on public-utility vehicles, from the date of manufacture of the vehicle instead of the date of initial registration with the Land Transportation Office [LTO].”

Transportation modernization certainly has its pros. Vehicle dealers, manufacturers, and financiers will rejoice at this new replacement market as it translates to massive spurts in business. The jeepney phase out, however, has both pros and cons–especially when we talk about one of the main stakeholders: the drivers.

Several jeepney groups oppose the phase out, including the newly formed National Jeepney Federation for Environmental Sustainable Transport (NJFEST). Headed by Ronald Baroidan, the NJFEST disagrees with the looming transportation modernization program, but seriously wants to comply with the Clean Air Act (CAA). While each sector adds onto the debate of jeepney phase out pros and cons, NJFEST grabs this chance as its “defining moment” to address why the government’s definition of modernization is partly wrong.

Exploring the Jeepney Phaseout’s Pros and Cons

With traffic ever-increasing and carbon emissions rising, it seems that modernizing mass transport is a step in the right direction. However, drivers and operators are unsatisfied with its current parameters. This issue remains and the transportation sector in elections is a common topic.

In this part, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of jeepney modernization:

Here are some of the benefits of the jeepney phase out:

Higher Job Demand for the Transport Sector

One of the biggest pros of jeepney modernization is that it can provide the country with more jobs. The jeepney modernization potentially raises the need for skilled drivers and operators. With newer models needed, there is also a higher demand for workers and laborers in vehicle manufacturing.

Lessened Carbon Emissions

Older jeepney models emit a lot of carbon and have often been cited as violators of the Clean Air Act. As the country leans towards a greener standpoint, modernizing jeepneys is one of the steps that the government sees fit. With newer units, a significant decrease in carbon emissions is expected.

On the other hand, here are the disadvantages of the transport modernization:

Modern jeepneys are expensive. A modern jeepney costs about 600,000-700,000 PHP, while the government’s preferred units cost around 1.6-1.8 million PHP. The average jeepney driver earns around 500-600 PHP a day–but with rising costs of gasoline and other factors, it is safe to assume that they earn less.

Drivers and transport laborers point out how out of budget these units are, even with government assistance. Many drivers express that they have no objections to PUV modernizations, especially with all its pros. However, cost is a big con that they cannot overlook.

Possible Lack of Jeepneys

When we talk about the jeepney phase out’s pros and cons, we also need to consider the possible impacts. One of the biggest impacts that the jeepney phaseout can have is the severe lack of jeepneys in the country. As less and less jeepneys ride, commuters may find it difficult to catch a ride.

The government should have an option that provides a more affordable way for drivers to acquire one of the vehicles. Otherwise, it is not an exaggeration to say that many drivers will have issues getting one. This will inevitably lead to a severe lack of PUVs and can even lead to bigger difficulties in traffic.

Minimal Environmental Impact

A study done by the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland shows almost a direct correlation of the effects of PAHs or LCOs on emissions. By reducing PAH content in diesel by 80 percent from 5-percent weight content to only 1 percent, PAH-related emissions also dropped massively by a range to as much as 80 percent. Sweden A-1 diesel is now down to a PAH-content of 0.02 percent with Finland at 0.2 percent owing to a tax incentive to refiners, but average PAH content in diesel in Europe is still about 4.5 percent, with a few still high at 10 percent. Bringing it down to 6 percent costs the industry in Europe about €312 million, and will increase costs for every drop in PAH content to as high as €2.249 billion at 1-percent content.

In short, what we do not see is how diesel is produced behind the scenes, somehow coming out now from behind from the tailpipe emissions. But science now tells us that when a vehicle farts from behind, these can still be measured, even if many toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide, are odorless and invisible.

Minimal Traffic Congestion Difference

Jeepneys have always been looked at as a violator of the Clean Air Act and a cause of congestion in roads. Unfortunately, what many fail to realize is that the number of private cars also contribute to air pollution and traffic congestion. Simply proposing transport modernization is not a complete solution.

Ishmael Ace Sevilla, chairman of the NCR Toda Coalition of 17 Metro Manila Toda federations, claims he could not also understand why franchises of tricycles and pedicabs will be revoked within six months upon publication of HB 4334 once enacted into law (Section 15), when the traffic is on major roads like Edsa, where tricycles are banned anyway. Tricycles only service the secondary and tertiary roads.

The bill is aimed to ease traffic as a small treat, perhaps, to commuters and motorists complaining about traffic, but it appears it’s more a threat to small guys, who only earn a few hundred pesos a day.

The jeepney phaseout is a longstanding issue that affects many sectors in the country. From commuters to jeepney drivers, stakeholders have spoken about their perceived pros and cons on the issue. While the government has put this on hold, many experts and citizens continue to weigh in on how transport modernization can be done more efficiently.

Image credits: Dreamstime.com

Related Topics

• jeepney modernization program
• jeepney phaseout
• PUV modernization

Editorial Cartoon August 30, 2022

• BusinessMirror Editorial

Clarkson doesn’t disappoint

Editorial Cartoon May 31, 2024

• May 31, 2024

Improving food security through cold storage and logistics investment

Traveling through Tarlac

• Tito Genova Valiente

A very productive five years in the committee on finance

• Sonny M. Angara

Saudi Arabia set to launch $10 billion Aramco offer Sunday

• Matthew Martin, Dinesh Nair & Archana Narayanan | Bloomberg
• May 30, 2024

Hong Kong finds 14 guilty in key security law case, acquits two

• Siuming Ho | Bloomberg

Thailand heads for fresh political turmoil as Thaksin indictment looms

• Patpicha Tanakasempipat | Bloomberg

Editorial Cartoon May 30, 2024

Jfc calls for urgent reforms to address phl airport issues.

Fostering growth in parenthood

• Maye Yao Co Say

A potential global trade war?

• John Mangun

China’s oil demand outlook darkens  as Opec+ prepares to meet

• Bloomberg News
• May 29, 2024

Why China is on the bright side of the global economy

• Yang Guoliang

Elliott bets $2.5 billion on shaking up Texas Instruments

• Crystal Tse & Ian King / Bloomberg

Texas storms cut power to 1 million, some outages to last days

• Josh Saul, Brian K. Sullivan & Matthew G. Miller / Bloomberg

Please! No U-turn on coal moratorium

• Ruben M. Cruz Jr. | Online Editor

Bohol investments on the rise 

• Zoilo ‘Bingo’ Dejaresco III

Editorial Cartoon May 29, 2024

Rising coffee consumption: a path to reclaiming coffee export powerhouse status.

Luzon Economic Corridor

• Mark Villar

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy .

Jeepney phaseout: It’s more than just new vehicles

INQUIRER COMPOSITE IMAGE: DANIELLA MARIE AGACER FROM AFP AND INQUIRER.NET FILE PHOTOS

MANILA, Philippines—The validity of provisional authorities (PAs), which allows individual operators to ply traditional jeepneys, has been extended again but transport group Manibela vowed to proceed with its week-long strike from March 6 to 12.

Mar Valbuena, national president of Manibela, told INQUIRER.net that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) did not heed any of the group’s calls.

“We will proceed with the strike. What the LTFRB released is just an extension of our agony since it did not contain any of the provisions we have been asking them to include,” he said.

READ: Week-long transport strike on March 6 will continue, says Manibela

It was on Feb. 27 when transport groups, like Manibela and Piston, decided to stage a week-long strike to protest the “phaseout” of traditional jeepneys and convince the LTFRB to shelve the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

GRAPHIC Ed Lustan

As stressed by Piston national president Mody Floranda, “drivers and small operators are ready to protect their livelihood because the lives of their families are at stake, especially at a time of intense economic crisis.”

But on March 2, the LTFRB said it decided to extend the validity of the PAs, or franchises, of traditional jeepneys from June 30 to Dec. 31 to give individual operators “more time” to consolidate into corporations or cooperatives.

This, as based on the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Omnibus Franchising Guidelines, only individual operators, who are able to join an existing consolidated entity on or before the deadline, shall be allowed to have their PA extended.

READ: Jeepney franchises extended

The LTFRB, however, stressed that the decision to extend the validity of PAs was not brought by pressure from the planned strike, which Manibela said was expected to be backed by close to 100,000 drivers and operators all over the Philippines.

Based on data from Manibela, out of the 100,000 drivers and operators, 40,000 are in Metro Manila. So as a result, millions of commuters will be affected, Elvira Medina, chairperson of the National Center for Commuters Safety and Protection, said.

She told CNN Philippines that 8 million commuters in Metro Manila alone will directly feel the impact of the week-long strike. Local executives in the region already directed the deployment of all available vehicles to provide commuters with free rides .

‘Modernization’ hits hard

Looking back, it was in 2017 when the government launched its biggest non-infrastructure program through DOTr Department Order No. 2017-011, or the PUVMP.

This, as the DOTr said it shall reduce reliance on private vehicle use and move toward environmentally-sound mobility solutions, and shall develop and promote high quality public transportation systems.

As stressed by retired University of the Philippines Los Baños professor Teodoro Mendoza, who wrote a paper on addressing the “blind sides” of the PUVMP, the program seeks to replace old PUVs, including jeepneys, with modern ones.

Mendoza’s “Addressing the ‘blind side’ of the government’s jeepney ‘modernization’ program” was published by the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies’ Program for Alternative Development.

“Modern PUVs,” he said are more environment-friendly and fuel-efficient to provide Filipinos with safer, comfortable, and reliable public transportation, while also mitigating the “hazards” of “inefficient and smoke-belching PUVs.

RELATED STORY: Obstacle to jeepney modernization

“However, this ‘solution’ to road safety and climate change is seen as a problem by its stakeholders, given the divergent realities in the backdrop of the program and the import-dependent nature of the said ‘modernization’,” he said.

Floranda told INQUIRER.net that drivers are not totally against the PUVMP, stressing that “what we are opposed to is the way the government is implementing the program, where big businesses, especially those overseas, are advantaged.”

Even the Senate expressed concern over the implementation of the program, saying in a resolution passed this week that the LTFRB should first address problems confronting the PUVMP.

“The LTFRB should not coerce PUV operators into complying with their guidelines without addressing the sector’s concerns, particularly on the high capital costs of acquiring modern jeeps,” said the Senate resolution.

Too expensive

As stressed by Mendoza in his 2021 paper on jeepney modernization, the PUVMP has two main “blind sides”—the high cost per unit of modern jeepneys and the possible fare hike to cover the cost.

He said based on data, modern vehicles that operate through electricity or more environment-friendly fuel are “expensive” at P2.4 to P2.6 million each in 2020, which meant an increase in capital outlay for operators of P1.4 million to P1.6 million.

Piston earlier said this was way too expensive compared to a traditional jeepney, which only costs P200,000 to P600,000. As Floranda said, if the government does not want the traditional ones, it should at least let individual operators “rehabilitate” their units.

This way, “modernizing won’t be too expensive,” he said, explaining that in one instance, an individual operator who rehabilitated his jeepney in accordance with the DOTr’s Omnibus Franchising Guidelines, only spent P900,000.

Based on the DOTr guidelines, a modern jeepney should be less than 7 meters in length with door locations allowing boarding and alighting only from the curbside, not from the rear.

It should likewise have a GNSS receiver, free Wi-Fi, CCTV with continuous recording of past 72 hours of operations, automatic fare collection system for PUJs and UV Express within highly urbanized independent cities.

The modern jeepney is “appropriate as feeder services operating in arterial, collector, and local roads, linking neighborhoods and communities to mass transit lines and bus routes, and traversing commercial, industrial, recreational, or residential areas.”

Modern vehicles, like the minibus, meanwhile should either be non-air conditioned, air conditioned, loop, shuttle, and/or express with fare collection that is based on distance and/or zone.

The DOTr stated that a minibus should be single deck with no wooden components and is 7 to 9 meters in length and should have a mini coach with emergency exit, tempered glass windows.

The guidelines provided that for urban routes, the minibus should be low entry for quick boarding and alighting, and with space for at least one passenger with wheelchair and foldable or retractable wheelchair ramp at the curbside.

A minibus operates along major arterial roads, highways, expressways and identified collector roads, and are “appropriate for corridors where demand may be sufficient for operation or larger-sized buses.”

Almost impossible

As Floranda stressed, “who would not want a more efficient and comfortable vehicle?”

The problem, however, is that acquiring a new unit, which costs P2.4 to P2.6 million each, is almost impossible for drivers and small operators who only rely on everyday operation to recoup expenses.

Floranda said a driver who is on a “boundary” agreement with an individual operator only brings home an average of P500 from over 12 hours of plying highly congested roads.

He explained that the P500 is from the P2,500 to P3,000 daily gross income of the small operator. Expenses for fuel and maintenance will also be deducted from the gross income.

“This is the reason that we are calling for rehabilitation as a way to ‘modernize’ instead,” Floranda said, stressing that rehabilitation will also strengthen the local industry, which in turn is expected to provide more jobs.

Dindo Rosales, a representative of the Alyansa Kontra PUV Phaseout, said “we are against this deadly modernization program that promotes loans,” pointing out that drivers don’t want themselves to be buried in debt.

RELATED STORY: Jeepney operators strike back

As explained by Mendoza, to address the high cost of modern PUVs, the Development Bank of the Philippines and the Land Bank of the Philippines had each designed a loan facility for the program.

‘No to consolidation’

One more reason for the opposition to the PUVMP is “Industry Consolidation,” which aims to “put together the fragmented transport industry by encouraging single operators and drivers to come together as one legal entity.”

Based on the DOTr’s Omnibus Franchising Guidelines, only corporations or cooperatives with at least 15 vehicles would be allowed to apply for new franchises, restricting small-capacity vehicles on main roads.

However, some small operators are protesting, stressing their concern that they do not have enough resources to complete the requirement of 15 units.

Ricardo Rebaño, president of the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, pointed out that operators would need to pay a monthly amortization of P475,000 to operate 15 modern vehicles.

As stressed by Floranda, mandating operators to consolidate their individual franchises under a cooperative or corporation is “wrong, deceitful, and coercive” as it deprives operators of their rights and privileges as individual franchise holders.

He said “only big corporations with single consolidated franchises have the financial capacity to purchase and fully comply with the current PUVMP schemes.”

It was explained by Floranda that once you consolidate your franchise under a cooperative or corporation, you surrender your right to have an individual franchise: “Once you fail to shoulder the weight of expensive modernization, you have nothing to go back to.”

“What happens to the consolidated franchise of your cooperative? It will be bid out by the LTFRB to large corporations who have the capacity to pay for imported minibuses promoted by the government,” he said.

With the new deadline set on Dec. 31, individual operators have 10 months to consolidate.

As Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said, “the phaseout will happen in areas where the modernization program is almost already implemented in full.”

“But in areas where we think that we know it’s hard to get new equipment right away, we will give operators a chance to join cooperatives to consolidate so that they get the help they need to get new equipment,” he said.

Bautista assured operators that “no phaseouts will happen yet in areas where new units still cannot realistically operate.”

Some 61 percent, or 96,380 of the 158,000 target jeepneys nationwide, have complied with the consolidation requirements of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, the LTFRB said.

Joel Bolano, LTFRB technical division chief, said across the Philippines, there are already more than 5,300 units of modernized jeepneys operating.

Gov’t will help

“We are willing to bend backward, suggesting to the board of LTFRB to relax the requirements to enable drivers to [adapt] to the program,” Bautista said.

He said “we even offered to dialogue with drivers associations displeased with the PUVMP to explore how they can be accommodated into the program.”

Bautista, however, did not specify which requirements he was referring to, but the LTFRB told INQUIRER.net that this is the same order that moved the LTFRB to extend the deadline until Dec. 31.

Mendoza explained that there are two numeric aspects of the PUVMP that must be considered to complete the program, assuming that there is no more opposition from the drivers and operators.

“These are the speed of local assembly of the modern jeepneys and financing for the jeepney units,” he said.

READ: As strike looms, gov’t moves jeepney franchise deadline

“With the very slow rate of local assembly of modern jeepneys (at only 1,000 units per year), it will take 70 years before all the traditional jeepneys in Metro Manila will be replaced with modern jeepneys,” he said.

Then for all traditional jeepneys in the Philippines to be replaced, it will take 270 years, even if there is no more opposition from drivers and operators.

A large amount is also needed for the program, he said.

For Metro Manila alone, about P11.68 billion is needed for the 73,000 traditional jeepneys to be replaced. To replace 300,000 traditional jeepneys nationwide, financing will amount from P540 billion to P750 billion.

“Given this, will government banks have sufficient money to fund this enormous project of the government and will these banks provide loans to new cooperatives that are yet to have a track record in managing huge amounts of loans? The expensive modern jeepney seems to present an insurmountable problem rather than a solution,” he said.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

“Achieving the goals of jeepney modernization requires a considerable amount of resources (e.g., funding and infrastructure) and suitable management (e.g., cooperative-led or private-led fleet management),” he said.

RELATED STORY: Senators bat for postponement of traditional jeepney phase out

Disclaimer: comments do not represent the views of inquirer.net. we reserve the right to exclude comments which are inconsistent with our editorial standards. full disclaimer, © copyright 1997-2024 inquirer.net | all rights reserved.

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. To find out more, please click this link.

• Toyota for sale
• Toyota car guide
• Toyota car reviews
• Toyota promos
• Toyota dealerships
• Toyota Stories
• Sell my car

Jeepney Modernization Debate Explained: Pros & Cons & Latest Updates

The Jeepney modernization debate is still happening seriously. Should this program be implemented? What are the pros & cons? Click to find out the answer.

1. Jeepney phase out debate: What is it all about?

The Jeepney modernization program was organized by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board ( LTFRB ) in 2015. The program revolves around a government initiative to improve Jeepney vehicles to make them safer.

To reduce fatal accidents, the government considered replacing old and poorly maintained cars, and eliminating outdated jeepneys on the streets which were expected to help tackle environmental pollution.

Based on the LTFRB resolution, the owners of public vehicles cannot franchise, increase the number of vehicles, or renew the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) in any way. In addition, they are not allowed to circulate vehicles that are older than 15 years from the date of manufacture.

The initiative to modernize jeepneys aims to reduce fatal accidents and tackle emvironmental pollution

In general, in addition to reconstructing jeepneys older than 15 years, other public transports such as buses have also been improved.

The jeepney modernization program focuses on the following 3 areas:

New franchising system

If the existing franchise system is owned by jeepneys operators, this new system and the routes for jeepneys will be entirely managed by the government. Any franchising authority is no longer valid to the unit operator.

The minimum number of jeepneys to be franchised was previously 20 vehicles. However, in 2019, that number was increased to 40.

Improving PUVs to international standards

To ensure absolute safety as well as being environmentally friendly, the government has circulated a set of guides for all types of vehicles.

All vehicles must comply with national standards and international safety conventions. Of course, the specifications will vary based on each kind of PUV, meeting the Department of Transportation's Omnibus Guidelines.

>>> Also read:  Temporary Plate Number Philippines: Follow the LTO guilines and get more helpful advice

The current jeepneys are claimed to emit too much pollution due to out-dated technology

Here is a summary of the most well-known and affecting upgrades applied to PUVs in the future in the Philippines:

Vehicles with internal gas engines need low emissions, which must meet EURO IV emissions standards or higher.

• Speed limiters
• Selected types of PUVs must have Closed-circuit television camera
• Dashboard camera
• Friendly with disability 
• Satisfactory seats
• Provide Wi-Fi access 
• No more than five people stand on the bus

Training for drivers

Traffic modernization programs that want to be successful require cooperation from vehicle drivers. Therefore, training the PUV drivers is essential.

The training course includes training on driving techniques, traffic safety measures, and codes of conduct with passengers.

A Pinoy vlogger talks about the jeepney phase out opinion

>>> Suggested posts:

• Most common road signs in the Philippines and their meanings

Ped Xing Meaning: Decode The Mystery Behind That Strange Sign

2. why do we need a jeepney modernization program.

Firstly, the Philippines has a lot of traffic overlapping in terms of routes, concessions, and services. This caused classic congestion in our country.

Secondly, jeepneys are used by the Filipinos for personal purposes. Initially, these vehicles were used as air transport vehicles or long-distance vehicles. However, many people have turned it into public transport, and charge a small fee when a passenger travels a particular route.

In addition, many owners crammed with customers in excess of the permitted number (exceeding 26 people). The design of the jeepney is quite inconvenient and small. The rows of seats are arranged to face each other, making it difficult to stand upright. Therefore, moving and carrying customers is not safe.

The jeepney phase out opinions differ largely among Filipinos

Finally, because of the franchise, it's challenging to track how many vehicles are running the same route or counterfeit franchises.

Those are the crucial reasons that urged the Philippine Government to come up with an initiative to modernize the jeepneys nationwide. However, the jeepney modernization itself comes with both pros and cons, which has led to the jeepney phase out debate for years.

In order to provide readers with a good understanding of the jeepney modernization debate, Philtoyota.com will discuss some popular jeepney phase out opinions regarding both advantages and disadvantages of the program.

3. Jeepney modernization debate: Advantages

Basically, the program aims at helping workers to have safe, comfortable and environmentally-friendly transportation.

Reduce pollution

Most people use public transport to get around. Therefore, the modernization of jeepneys helps to reduce harmful smoke and dust into the environment. The government has policies to help them "greener" and create conditions for a clean air environment.

The all-new appearance of jeepney

Improve public safety

The Jeepneys program ensures people safety by two important things:

• CCTV and GPS are installed on new jeepney models.
• The driver is more well-trained and disciplined.

Improve punctuality

The Philippines is famous for its traffic congestion. However, thanks to this program, people will be informed in advance of the schedule of routes, which helps to travel faster and avoid congestion.

Enhance comfort

Another jeepney modernization advantage is that it brings significant improvements to the jeepney’s comfort features. For example, the jeepneys will come equipped with larger storage space, and the doors are placed on the sidelines, which are also safer and more convenient for parking.

>>> Helpful for Filipino drivers:

• Smart Driving school review for future drivers in the Philippines
• Complete guide on Truck ban schedule in Metro Manila with alternate routes

4. Jeepney modernization: Disadvantages

First of all, the modernization of a jeepney can substantially increase the cost of the vehicle and thus, making it a major burden for many jeepney drivers and even operators to buy one.

At this point, a lot of operators might have to stop the business, which leads to the possibility of the private companies taking over the jeepney operations. As a result, fare prices will go up and Filipino commuters will suffer more.

Protest against Jeepney modernization program by jeepney drivers

5. Jeepney modernization debate among Covid-19

In order to limit the spread of the Covid-19, the government has banned the operation of public transport, including the traditional jeepneys. However, many people consider this act as "inhuman" because the state does not recognize the plight of thousands of drivers. Many people had to beg on the big streets because they lost their main source of income.

Jeepney drivers got heavily affected by the outbreak of Covid-19

Senate public services committee chair - Poe said that while she supported this effort of the state, the planners also need to listen to the public to come up with the best policy for all. 

She submitted to Senate Bill No. 867 on providing reasonable loans to jeepney drivers and cash subsidies for them. On the other hand, Olarte, President of Clean Air Philippines Movement Inc also told that the government should provide food rations when waiting for the jeepney resumption.

>>> Read more:  6 most common issues Filipinos have with Jeepneys

6. Debate about jeepney phase out: Final thoughts

The outbreak of the Covid-19 has somehow led to the delayed implementation of the program and also stirred up the jeepney phase out debate among Filipinos . Looking on the bright side, the Government however will have more time to consider the benefits of all stakeholders to come up with the best solution.

With jeepney modernization pros and cons thoroughly discussed, we hope you have learnt helpful knowledge from this post. Follow us at Philtoyota.com for more motoring updates and car tips.

SIMILAR STORIES

How to get an international drivers' license in the Philippines: All you need to know

Window Hours Meaning - The Number Coding Scheme In The Phillippines

Search a stories, featured reviews.

Toyota FJ Cruiser 2019 Philippines Review: Specs, Price & More

Toyota Fortuner 2019 Philippines Review: Toyota never lets you down

Toyota Camry 2019 Philippines review: Drastically-changed look & More agile than ever before

Related listings.

2018 Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 G MT in Pasig, Metro Manila

Pasig, Metro Manila

2012 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 G Diesel 4x2 AT in Mandaue, Cebu

Mandaue, Cebu

2018 Toyota Avanza 1.3 E A/T in Manila, Metro Manila

Manila, Metro Manila

2017 Toyota Avanza 1.3 E M/T in Baliwag, Bulacan

Baliwag, Bulacan

2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 V Diesel 4x2 AT in Makati, Metro Manila

Makati, Metro Manila

Toyota car for sale in Manila

Toyota car for sale in quezon, toyota car for sale in paranaque, toyota car 2018 for sale, toyota car 2019 for sale, toyota car 2020 for sale, toyota car 2021 for sale, toyota car for sale in davao.

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy .

Modernization, yes; jeepney phaseout, no

Dear President Marcos Jr.,

I, Michael Benedict Ordenes, a senior high school student from Laguna, am writing to express my deep concern regarding the proposed jeepney phaseout.

As a regular commuter and a concerned citizen, I believe that the government’s initiative toward modernizing the public transportation system should not come at the cost of completely removing the iconic jeepney from our roads.

The jeepney is not just a mode of transport, it is a part of our culture and heritage. For decades, it has been serving the people of the Philippines and is considered the backbone of our public transportation system. While modernization is necessary, it should not completely eliminate jeepneys from our roads. Instead, we can make efforts to modernize them by adhering to the basic standards for a public transport vehicle that ensures the comfort of both drivers and commuters while still maintaining their classic look.

It is also imperative for the government to recognize the importance of supporting the livelihood of jeepney drivers and operators. The phaseout has been met with resistance as it presents a significant financial burden to the affected parties, from the prohibitive cost of the new vehicles to other additional expenses such as fuel, maintenance, and repair.

I urge the government to take immediate action and cease the ongoing jeepney phaseout until a viable solution that works for all is reached.

Michael Benedict Ordenes

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

Fearless views on the news

Disclaimer: Comments do not represent the views of INQUIRER.net. We reserve the right to exclude comments which are inconsistent with our editorial standards. FULL DISCLAIMER

© copyright 1997-2024 inquirer.net | all rights reserved.

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. To find out more, please click this link.

Are you for or against the jeepney phaseout?

Through his latest installations, renz baluyot participates in the socio-political conversation.

Filipinos have been divided on the issue of the jeepney phaseout. The internet, especially social media, has been flooded with opinions, often opposing. The jeepney drivers, directly hit by this issue, have voiced out their thoughts through a transport strike. But what would it be like when an artist used his medium to join this important societal conversation?

Renz Baluyot;  God Bless Our Trip I , Found object, acrylic rod, wooden base, lighting fixtures, 2023

This is what people witnessed in Renz Baluyot’s recent solo show “God Bless Our Trip,” on display at Mono8 Gallery from March 8 to 31. This graduate from the University of the Philippines, Diliman with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts is known for expressing and exploring various socio-political narratives through his works. In this show, he once again used his platform to tell a story of the nation.

“The show is about LTFRB’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) or more known as the jeepney phaseout and my connection to it through my personal history,” he said. “I am from two generations of drivers. My paternal grandfather served as a jeepney driver for 32 years in Mandaluyong City. That occupation provided for his family, his wife and nine children. My father has been a school service driver and operator since 1996, the same year my grandfather stopped driving his jeepney. Ferrying passengers is a big part of our family. It has become our livelihood.”

After not being able to showcase his signature style at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Baluyot using his medium, a combination of found and fabricated objects, in an installation honors his family’s history.

“Going around and sourcing materials are a big part of my installation process. I had not been able to do that until only recently,” he says. “Objects in urban scenes that were used and discarded, architecture, and interesting forms, I see them as a marker of time, material history, and cultures. They either become subjects of my paintings or get incorporated in my installations. They hold so much meaning and representation and at times serve as an evidence and mirror of society, enough that I do not use people as subject matter.”

God Bless Our Trip II , Subliminal print on fabric, 2023

In this four-part show, he used different materials that are part of Philippine history and are close to the hearts of Filipino people.

In Part 1 , he used a Sarao horse that had lost one leg “to represent and symbolize the current state of the transport groups and passengers.” In Parts 2 and 3 , he openly shared an important part of his personal life by printing his family photos on two Good Morning towels.

“To represent our family’s history in regards to fathers as drivers, I’ve printed our family pictures on Good Morning Towels,” intimates Baluyot. “This towel has been associated with drivers. Normally sold on the streets these as you know are usually found hung on the neck of drivers and blue collar workers to wipe off sweat.”

In Part 4 , through a corpse-like sculptural work, the artist gave people a glimpse of what would happen to some drivers once the phaseout pushed through.

“The jeepney is a popular means of transportation for the Filipino masses, culturally and practically. [It’s] one of the cheapest ways to go around in and out of Metro Manila and other provinces and lower bracket Filipinos depend on it every day,” he says. “The stainless steel antennas sticking out of the lying body are normally installed on jeepneys and tricycles mainly for aesthetics. At the tip of these antennas are rust dyed flags printed with a Driver’s Prayer I found on my mother’s prayer book. Hoping and praying for everyone’s safety. Sampaguita flowers are spread around the lying body. So the scent is also a part of the experience.”

God Bless Our Trip IV , Sculptural installation with found objects, fiberglass mannequin, fabric, sampaguita, 2023

In this day and age when people who speak up about their beliefs are being shamed, it takes a lot of courage for an artist to stand for what he believes in, let alone depict it in his works. But this is not the case for Baluyot, as he is looking forward to sharing more about the issues he feels strongly about in his future shows.

“My inspiration for doing work comes mainly from everyday life…. oftentimes overseen objects from our mundane life bring me much thought and inspiration and how they relate to recent or further histories of our people,” he says. “Personally, this is what I love doing. Creating is a passion of mine. It is personal, meditative, and therapeutic during creation and communal when shared. It is my expression and in a way my life’s documentation. I feel better being part of the society I am in when I am able to do what I am passionate about and decent at.”

Debate on "jeepney phaseout" plan escalates in the Philippines

A colorful jeepney is seen during the Jeepney Design Challenge inside a mall in Pasay City, the Philippines, on Dec. 22, 2014. (Xinhua file/Rouelle Umali)

MANILA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines has revived plans to remove jeepneys that are older than 10 years from Manila's gridlocked streets, stirring a fresh debate on the fate of the iconic vehicles that have been chugging along the streets since the 1950s.

The Philippine government and society have been talking about the "jeepney phaseout" for decades and the new "jeepney modernization" plan is an attempt to cut traffic emissions and ease the ever-worsening traffic congestion currently gripping the Philippine capital.

However, jeepney operators and drivers are up in arms over the planned measure, saying it is meant to kill off small transport operators in the country.

Last month, several transport groups took to the streets to protest the plan. Another group is mulling holding a similar demonstration in the coming days.

The jeepney, which traces its roots to the U.S. Willys jeep used by the U.S. army during World War ll, are elongated, flatbed passenger vehicles that have been plying the Philippine streets for more than five decades. It remains the main form of transport for millions of Filipinos across the archipelago.

Filipinos modified the Army Jeep, making it artsy by customizing the vehicle with Filipino touches such as chrome horses, banks of colored headlights, radio antennae, paintings of the Virgin Mary and unique artwork inspired by rustic scenes.

Indeed, the jeepney has become the symbol of Filipino creativity, ingenuity and innovativeness, making it one of the most recognizable icons of Filipino pop culture.

But critics say the jeepney has become a tarnished icon that has acquired a rather unsavory reputation, symbolizing the country's technological backwardness and inability to adapt to changing times.

The jeepney was often called the "King of the Road" because of their sheer numbers on the city streets or rural roads, but Jeepney drivers are notorious for never following traffic regulations.

The smoke-belching jeepneys that ply Manila's traffic-choked streets around the clock are blamed for clogging the roads, compounding the dismal traffic problem and dirtying the city's air.

Electric Jeepneys ply in Makati District of Manila, capital of the Philippines, Nov. 10, 2009. (Xinhua file/Luis Liwanag)

Jeepneys are also being blamed for increasing road accidents, due in part to their wild drivers' notoriously reckless ways on Manila's streets. At night, jeepney drivers often don't use their headlights, making it dangerous for other motorists.

Ousted President Joseph Estrada, now the mayor of Manila City, made the jeepney his personal motif to symbolize his being "pro-poor" when he campaigned for president in 1998. He even named his showcase jeepney "Jeep ni Erap." Erap is Estrada's popular nickname.

The government wants to have the number of jeepneys pared down, if not phased out totally.

But the ubiquitous jeepneys have survived despite the rising popularity of the Japanese-made air conditioned Toyota Tamaraw FX, the Mitsubishi "mega taxis' on the streets and the elevated trains that run throughout the metropolis.

An estimated 220,000 to 230,000 jeepneys are on the streets of Metro Manila and other provinces on any given day, according to government statistics.

George San Mateo, the national president of a militant transport group, said the planned "jeepney phaseout" would affect at least 162,500 jeepney drivers and 45,000 operators.

Rather than making a business out of modernization, he said the government should extend support to drivers and operators to allow them to rehabilitate their aging units.

The Philippine Star, one of the leading English newspapers in the Philippines, ran an editorial recently saying the campaign of the Duterte administration to phase out jeepneys "will end up as another exercise in futility unless concerns are sufficiently addressed."

"One is livelihood for the drivers who will be displaced as well as the operators, most of whom are small-scale transport owners," the editorial said.

It said that so far the government has not come up with an alternative to the jeepney. "More buses must be fielded and the light rail and commuter train services substantially upgraded if the administration wants the jeepney phaseout to enjoy mass support," it said.

"Unless these concerns are addressed, the latest effort to phase out jeepneys will go the way of previous efforts -- straight to the wastebasket," the editorial said.

Copyright © 2000 - 2016 XINHUANET.com

All Rights Reserved.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• Simplify version 1.22. Theme Designed & Developed by Amit Jakhu . Powered by Tumblr .

An Argumentative Essay on the Jeepney Phase-out

2015 - 46130

The jeepney phase-out program may be implemented, upon the compromise of the government and the jeepney drivers who will be affected. The government has released several laws/order/bills whose aim is seemingly to bleed the masses out of money and this is one of them. The proposed jeepney phase-out program promotes the phase-out of all jeepneys fifteen years old and older. As per Piston Secretary General George San Mateo, the proposed program will greatly affect the lives of about 200,000 jeepney operators and about 600,000 drivers. It will also impact commuters who rely on cheap fares. While the jeepneys to be phased will be replaced by newer vehicles, these will cost millions.  Therefore, the question is: How will the jeepney fare stay at Php 8.00 if the jeepneys themselves will cost millions?

The answer is it can’t. The jeepney fare will inevitably be raised, which will be cause for great concern by the commuters, especially those who keep a tight budget now that commodities are increasingly becoming expensive. Additionally, according to Duterte, those who will defy the modernization/phase-out will be arrested and their vehicles impounded. However, this modernization program will mean only three things: joblessness for drivers, bankruptcy for operators, and higher fares for commuters.

Current jeepney drivers are protesting against the phase-out because they believe that this is all because of a corporate takeover. Packaged as a “modernization program”, it is the order of the Department of Transportation and Communication to remove the old jeepneys still plying Philippine streets. These are then to be replaced with pricier, newly-constructed, and imported units. Drivers who will be able to get a job as the driver of these new jeepneys will be lucky, because it is evident that not all jeepney drivers currently driving the jeepneys will be guaranteed jobs after their vehicles have been scrapped.

The corporatization of running of jeepney transportation is inevitable as this is also what the DOTC seeks to do. This will benefit no other than the capitalists who have time and again taken advantage of Philippine progress. Earlier this year, the government released a statement about subsidizing the Php 2.2 billion needed for the rollout of the public utility vehicle modernization program. Despite this, however, CBRC estimated that drivers and operators would still have to disburse as much as Php 30 million for the market capitalization as well as the purchase of 10 new vehicle units which amount to Php 1.6 million each.

According to Modesto Floranda, a Piston official, the order states that jeepney operators can start with ten units to be awarded the franchise. By the next year, the operator is expected to have 20 units, and double that the following year. It was also said that incompliance will be charged with abandonment of franchise. It is evident that this order is intent on killing small business operators. The Crispin Beltran Resource Center states, “The ‘modernization’ of our PUVs is a veiled effort to allow foreign corporations and local oligarchs to take-over and monopolize public transportation for greater profits even if it means the further marginalization of drivers and small, independent operators”.

They also released a statement stating their fear that the government would push through with the jeepney minimum fare hike. From Php 8.00, the fare will now cost Php 20.00. According to CBRC, it will add greater burden to the commuters and passengers in the form of increased fare. This not only perpetuates the idea of private corporations securing the returns on their investments, but is actually an affront to the poor who struggle daily to make ends meet.

This jeepney phase-out program, veiled under the goal of modernizing the PUVs, has a kinder alternative. This alternative will also service the environmental aspect being rallied by some government officials as the reason behind this phase-out. Since the jeepneys are not created in factories, rather in talyers , it is for the good of everyone—even the government—to help shift to using better and more environmentally kind parts that will address safety issues as well. George San Mateo of Piston also said, “Kung tutuusin, sa sinasabi nilang roadworthiness at environment concerns , puwedeng puwede ang rehabilitation imbes [na] palitan ng bago ang mga dyip. Basta may government subsidy .” With this, the government will neither have to shell out money by the billions just to assist these jeepney drivers and operators; rather, they will only have to spend less for the parts, and work for the compliance of the jeepney drivers and operators who are working every day to make sure they get food on the table.

TaiwanPlus News

Jeepney Phase-Out Program May Take Colorful Icon Off Philippine Streets - TaiwanPlus News

Posted: April 30, 2024 | Last updated: April 30, 2024

Made from World War 2 Jeeps, the Philippines' iconic smoke-belching jeepneys may be coming to the end of the road. The government has asked operators to replace their colorful vehicles with cleaner, safer alternatives.

More for You

International reaction to Donald Trump's criminal conviction

Nike's social media blunder is receiving huge backlash from WNBA fans

"Mr. Miyagi" From 'Karate Kid': Pat Morita's Tragic Death

“They could have been better”: Steven Spielberg’s 6-Time Oscar Nominated Movie Starring Two Marvel Stars Did Not Impress Original Author

I Was 'Supermom.' When I Suddenly Became Disabled, I Expected Empathy — Not This.

3 Reasons Retirees Could Be Surprised by the Most Recent 2025 Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Forecast

Robert De Niro stripped of leadership award following fiery anti-Trump speech

NBA analyst Charles Barkley not interested in working 'like a dog' if he joins another TV network

My New Employee Keeps Leaving Early

‘You’re not bankable’: Dave Ramsey crushed this 27-year-old Atlanta man's ice business dream — how to tell the difference between an opportunity and a ‘trap’

This 3,000-Year-Old Sword Was So Well Preserved That It 'Almost Still Shines'

Carnival Cruise Line warns passengers about a dangerous mistake

If you have this much money in your 401(k), you're doing better than most—here's how to save even more

Marjorie Taylor Greene Spurs Flood of 'Replace Trump' Posts

Stamp prices are going up again this July with one of USPS' biggest hikes

This humanoid robot currently holds the world record for speed

Molly Ringwald Says ‘You Can't Be a Young Actress in Hollywood and Not Have Predators Around': ‘I Was Taken Advantage of … It Can Be Harrowing'

Ask Amy: Retired man wants to smell, not plant, the roses

Doctors Explain What It Means When You Have Chills But No Fever

Getting Rid of a Printer? Do This First—or Risk Getting Hacked

• Essay Editor

Proposal Essay Examples: Convincing Ideas for Your Research Paper or Essay

Struggling to craft a captivating and well-built proposal essay? Many students find it challenging to compose a proposal-based essay and struggle to generate convincing ideas. If this sounds familiar, read on. In this comprehensive guide, we streamline the process of brainstorming and composing work, offering resources like suggestions on how to write a proposal essay, suggested steps when writing, useful examples, and efficient essay-crafting tips.

Developed through several years of expertise in scholarly writing, our article is meticulously tailored to help you excel in your academic assignments. Join us as we explore crafting an exceptional proposal paper. With the right tools and assistance, you'll move from ambiguity to self-assurance, ready to write an impressive work. Let's master the art of creating an attention-grabbing essay.

What is a Proposal Essay?

A proposal essay succinctly outlines the key content and aim of your intended study, summarizing its primary points and overall intent. Unlike a thesis, which presents the main idea of your academic study, a proposal-focused assignment acts as a detailed plan addressing a specific problem. As a proposal writer, you identify an issue, suggest a possible solution, and then provide persuasive evidence for the audience to have them support your viewpoint. Your goal is to convince them that this view is exceptional and deserves implementation. When writing such an essay, consider it as a chance to immerse in practical issues and showcase analytical and creative thinking skills. These papers serve as strategic tools, allowing an author to present their ideas or beliefs compellingly. Beyond business or economics, they encourage solution-seeking and reasoning skills across a variety of disciplines.

In a nutshell, a proposal-driven assignment allows you to demonstrate your ability to think innovatively and critically, addressing real-life issues with practical solutions. Now that you understand what is a proposal essay, join us in exploring its specifics and revealing your writer’s potential.

How to Write a Proposal Essay

Creating a successful proposal-related paper necessitates thorough preparation and an understanding of your audience's needs. To write such an essay, observe these stages:

• Extensively investigate your assignment’s topic to identify a chosen problem.
• Develop a compelling thesis statement summarizing your suggested solution.
• Make a solid proposal essay outline to logically organize all your ideas and ensure unity and cohesion.
• Present solid proof to support your viewpoints and anticipate any objections.
• Refine your writing carefully to enhance content clarity and logic.

When you are occupied with thoughts on how to write a paper proposal, handy tools like the AI essay generator Aithor have become indispensable helpers. Aithor, our intuitive assistant, empowers writers by utilizing advanced technology to generate ideas, check accuracy, and offer alternative words, improving the piece of writing. Explore the innovative capabilities of our AI tool by visiting https://aithor.com/ai-essay-generator and let it assist you with your assignment.

Check out some additional tips to enhance your overall essay quality:

• Get to know your audience and tailor your planned proposal to its interests.
• Use convincing language to involve your audience to advocate for your notion.
• Incorporate relevant data, instances, and statistics to reinforce your position.
• Address possible counterarguments to demonstrate thorough consideration.
• Use a powerful summary to conclude and inspire to act, urging support for your concepts.

To wrap up, writing a decent proposal-based essay requires in-depth investigation, persuasive argumentation, and attention to detail. By following the mentioned guidelines and additional tips, you can smoothly write a solid solution-focused writing that inspires action.

Prewriting Stage

Setting for a journey of composing a proposal-related assignment can be overwhelming. How to start a proposal essay? To ease this process, academic writers advocate for a systematic approach to craft a captivating piece of writing.

Here's a full guide to guarantee your assignment paper stands out. Know Your Reader

Being sympathetic to your prospective listeners is paramount when writing a persuasive paper. Who will you write for? Identify their key roles, preferences, and concerns to efficiently customize your message. This ensures mutual resonance in your views and addresses their specific needs and expectations.

Research Academic investigation forms the foundation of a robust convincing paper. Even with a prior understanding of the material, delving deeper yields new insights and perspectives. Revising scholarly literature enhances arguments, lending authority and credibility to your message.

Set an Issue

State the topic and challenges precisely and clearly. Use evidence to accentuate its significance and establish your grasp of the matter. That step is pivotal in gaining the audience's sympathy and support.

Define a Solution

Offer a straightforward and practical way out to the identified problem. Ensure its clarity and usefulness, aligning with indicated requirements. Frame your resolution in terms of objectives, delineating primary goals and additional benefits your project will provide.

Write an Essay Proposal Outline

Crafting an outline for your persuasive paper is essential. This helps put your ideas in order and create a logical flow. When structuring your paper, begin with a catchy introduction that describes the problem. Outline your suggested resolution with strong evidence, facts, and illustrations. Finally, summarize the noteworthy aspects and emphasize the relevance of your proposal. This structured approach enhances coherence and persuasiveness.

Ø  For executive proposals, add organizational data and budget analysis, maintaining clear and direct language, devoid of unnecessary jargon.

Structure of a Proposal Essay

Generating a credible proposal-focused essay involves several main components, each serving a definite purpose to efficiently convey your key idea. Here's a full breakdown of how to write an essay proposal:

Introduction

• Captivating Intro

Capture the readers' attention with an eye-catching hook. Precisely state your essay’s thesis statement, conveying your message succinctly and convincingly.

•   Context and Background

Provide a solid background for your proposed idea, thus setting a stage for the topic matter and its validity.

• Research Relevance

State why your investigation is essential, drawing upon the background info provided.

• Problem Statement

Dive deeper into the presented issue, delineating its relevance and impact to deliver a captivating context for your written work.

• Proposal Statement

State your projected way out to the mentioned challenges. Emphasize its paybacks and mention potential shortcomings to showcase its viability.

•   Implementation Plan

Clarify in detail how you wish to put your words into effect, addressing practical considerations and potential obstacles.

• Expected Outcome

Talk about the positive effects that you expect from executing your solution proposal, conveying distinctly its probable impact.

• Evaluation of Feasibility

Consider the proposal’s practicability considering the essential resources and would-be objections.

• Resource Management and Timeline

Indicate the demanded resources and generate a timeline for implementation if applicable.

• Research Queries and Objectives

List the goals of your inquiry and say how will addressing the challenges impact your audience. Utilize credible sources and data to reinforce your arguments.

•   Study Design and Methodology

Explain your methodology for addressing the challenge, illustrating the rationale behind your selected approach, and predicting the anticipated outcomes.

• Key Points Summary 

Recap the main points from the intro, background, and topic relevance, along with the hypotheses/research questions sections.

• Importance and Potential Impact

Accentuate how your investigation can hypothetically contribute to addressing the mentioned issue and consider potential consequences if the proposal is not implemented.

• Call to Action and Close

Restate the proposal’s relevance, leaving the audience with a convincing call to action. Express gratitude for the committee's consideration and leave readers with a sense of anticipation for the proposed research.

•   Bibliography (Optional)

Include a literature list that references the materials used and displays the work’s contents to demonstrate the depth of the investigation. It is usually placed at the end of the whole text as a separate section.

Remember to refine your final draft for clarity and conciseness, testing if the paper proposal format is well-constructed. Consider seeking some feedback from others to enhance the presentation and proposal actuality. Additionally, ensure each paragraph flows smoothly and plausibly and supports your general argument. This ensures content clarity and cohesion throughout your text.

Academic Research Study Proposal Sample 2024

Here is a sample idea for an interesting proposal paper:

• The proposed research study will investigate the risks of sending messages while driving and explore measures to mitigate this hazardous behavior.
•  Texting when driving continues to be a widespread issue despite various awareness campaigns and legal restrictions.
• The study will focus on examining the mental and physical distractions caused by this activity. Also, the proposal will delve into the increased likelihood of mishaps and fatalities associated with such behavior.
• Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the investigation will gather data through surveys, interviews, and driving simulations from a diverse sample of drivers across different age groups and regions.
•  Data analysis will include statistical analysis of accident rates, qualitative coding of interview responses, and thematic analysis of driving simulation outcomes.
•  The essay's findings aim to raise awareness among policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and the public about the grave dangers of texting when driving.
• Additionally, the investigation will propose recommendations for interventions such as stricter enforcement of existing regulations, educational programs targeting drivers of all ages, and the creation of technological solutions to prevent distraction-related cases.
• Ultimately, this study seeks to add to the lessening of crashes and fatalities caused by texting in a car and encourage safer driving habits in society.

Final Remarks

In composing a robust proposal essay, the journey from beginning to culmination is marked by strategic planning and scrupulous work. If you embrace a methodical approach, a captivating paper will emerge. Such vital details as understanding the audience, conducting in-depth research, describing the challenges, proposing possible way-outs, and structuring your arguments are vital elements of a successfully written work. Each phase of this process contributes to the clarity and persuasiveness of the text, ensuring resonance with readers. Using illustrative examples adds depth and relatability to the proposal.

Ultimately, the proposal paper showcases not only analytical prowess and solution-seeking acumen but also adept communication of intricate concepts. With unwavering dedication and meticulous focus on details, the proposal essay becomes a testament to effective persuasion and insightful discourse.

Related articles

Create a perfect essay structure.

Hello Aithors! We're back again with another feature highlight. Today, we want to talk about a tool that can be a game-changer for your essay writing process - our Table of Contents tool. Writing an essay isn't just about getting your ideas down on paper. It's about presenting them in a clear, structured way that makes sense to your reader. However, figuring out the best structure for your essay can sometimes be a tough nut to crack. That's why we developed the Table of Contents feature. The b ...

APA or MLA: Choosing the Right Citation Style for Your Paper

When it comes to academic writing, properly citing your sources is crucial. It not only helps you avoid plagiarism but also adds credibility to your work by showing that you've done your research. However, with various citation styles out there, it can be tricky to know which one to use. Two of the most common styles are APA (American Psychological Association) and MLA (Modern Language Association). In this article, we'll take a closer look at the APA vs MLA format to help you decide which is ri ...

Ace Your Graduation Speech with Aithor

Hello, Aithors! Can you feel it? That's the buzz of graduation season in the air:) And while we're all about the caps flying and the proud smiles, we also know that being asked to write a graduation speech can feel a bit like being handed a mountain to climb. Crafting a graduation speech is all about capturing the spirit of the journey you've been on, from the triumphs to the trials, and everything in between. It's a reflection of where you've been, and a beacon of light pointing towards where ...

Will I Get Caught Using Chat GPT?

ChatGPT has been around for a little over a year but already found popularity among all groups of users. School and college students have taken a particular liking to it. However, many students avoid using the chatbot for fear that their teacher might catch them. Read this article to learn more about ChatGPT, its features, and whether your teacher can actually find out if you use it for your homework. What is Chat GPT? ChatGPT was first introduced to the world in November 2022. At the time, ...

How To Write Reflection Essays

How often do you contemplate how the tapestry of your experiences shapes your thoughts? A reflection paper lets you explore that. It's like deep diving into your life’s precious moments, examining how stories, books, events, or even lectures have influenced your views. This type of academic essay integrates a personal perspective, allowing you to openly express your opinions. In this guide, we will delve into the specifics of reflective writing, share some tips, and show some self-reflection es ...

Literary Analysis Essay Example: Discover How to Analyze Literature and Improve Your Writing Skills

Creating a literary analysis essay is one of the most interesting assignments during college and high school studies. It needs both good text interpreting and analytical skills. The number of proper forms is great, including short stories and novels, poems and ballads, comedies and dramas. Any literary work may be analyzed. In brief, when writing this paper a student should give a summary of the text and a detailed review of the language, structure, and other stuff the author used to express hi ...

Biographical Essay: Tips and Tricks for Writing a Perfect Biography

Biographical essays are some of the most common texts you can find on the Internet. When you browse a Wiki article about your favorite singer, you are basically reading a biography paper. However, in academia, there are certain rules students need to follow to get perfect marks for their papers. In this article, we will explore what a biographical essay is, why it matters, and how to write an essay about a person. What is a biographical essay? A biographical essay is a paper that focuses on ...

How to Write an Evaluation Essay That Engages and Persuades: Helpful Tips and Inspiring Examples

Are you feeling unsure about how to effectively evaluate a subject from your own perspective in an evaluation essay? If you're struggling to understand how to present a balanced assessment, don't worry! We're here to guide you through the process of writing an evaluation that showcases your critical thinking skills. What Is an Evaluation Essay?  An evaluation essay is a type of writing in which the writer gives their opinion on a topic. You look at something carefully and think about how good ...

Hank Williams’ Legacy: a Glimpse into his Family Life

This essay is about the children of Hank Williams, the legendary country music icon. Hank Williams had two children: Hank Williams Jr. and Jett Williams. Hank Jr., born to Williams and his first wife Audrey Sheppard, became a successful musician in his own right, blending traditional country with Southern rock. Jett Williams, born to Bobbie Jett after Hank Sr.’s death, faced a challenging path to recognition, only discovering her true parentage in the 1980s. Both children have worked to preserve their father’s legacy while establishing their own identities in the music world. Their stories highlight the impact of Hank Williams’ legacy on their lives and careers.

How it works

Hank Williams, a figure of monumental significance in the annals of country music, etched an enduring legacy within the genre through his soul-stirring melodies and poignant verse. While his musical oeuvre is widely chronicled, his personal narrative, particularly his paternal role, presents a compelling narrative. Hank Williams fathered two progeny, both of whom carry forth his legacy in distinct and noteworthy manners.

The eldest offspring of Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr., entered the world on May 26, 1949, the fruit of the union between Williams and his inaugural spouse, Audrey Sheppard.

Endearingly dubbed Bocephus, a moniker bestowed upon him by his sire, Hank Jr. matured under the looming shadow of his progenitor’s towering influence. His formative years bore the indelible imprint of his father’s musical oeuvre, and he was groomed from infancy to tread the path blazed by Hank Sr. Tragically, Hank Sr. departed this world when Hank Jr. was but a tender three-year-old, leaving an irreplaceable lacuna in the young lad’s life. Despite this profound loss, Hank Jr. charted his own illustrious trajectory in the realm of country music, melding traditional harmonies with the ethos of Southern rock, thereby establishing himself as a distinct voice within the industry. His career has been punctuated by a plethora of chart-toppers and accolades, underscoring his capacity to honor his father’s legacy whilst carving out a unique niche for himself.

In tandem with Hank Williams Jr., Hank Williams Sr. sired a daughter, Jett Williams. Born on January 6, 1953, a mere five days subsequent to Hank Sr.’s premature demise, Jett’s nascent years were veiled in a shroud of secrecy and legal entanglements. Her biological mother, Bobbie Jett, shared a fleeting dalliance with Hank Williams, and Jett was initially adopted by Hank Sr.’s mother, Lillie Williams Stone. However, Lillie succumbed to the ravages of mortality when Jett was a mere two-year-old, precipitating a series of custody upheavals. It was not until the 1980s that Jett Williams unearthed her veritable lineage and waged a legal battle for rightful acknowledgment as Hank Williams’ progeny. Following protracted legal wrangling, she attained official recognition as his daughter in 1985. Jett Williams has since embraced her lineage, evolving into a recording artist in her own right and laboring to safeguard and propagate her father’s musical bequest.

The indelible impact of Hank Williams upon his progeny is manifold and profound. Both Hank Jr. and Jett have confronted the trials and tribulations attendant upon inheriting their father’s hallowed mantle, each grappling with the legacy in their idiosyncratic manner. Hank Jr. contended with the specter of paternal comparison, particularly during the nascent phase of his career. Nonetheless, he surmounted these impediments by fashioning his own melodic idiom that resonated with a fresh demographic of enthusiasts. His tenacity and ingenuity have earned him a venerated berth within the auditory realm, distinct from the shadow of his progenitor.

Conversely, Jett Williams endured a protracted battle for her rightful place within the Williams family legacy. Her odyssey to acknowledgment was rife with legal and personal travails, yet her resolve and ardor for her father’s harmonies have elevated her into a pivotal figure in preserving Hank Williams’ contributions to country music. Through her endeavors, she has ensured the perpetual celebration and remembrance of her father’s legacy by devotees worldwide.

The saga of Hank Williams’ progeny transcends the realm of mere musical inheritance, encapsulating their individual struggles and triumphs. Their narratives mirror broader themes of identity, validation, and the endeavor to honor one’s roots whilst forging a distinctive trajectory. The Williams family chronicle stands as a testament to the enduring resonance of music and the intricate interplay of familial dynamics and personal ambition.

In summation, Hank Williams begot two scions, Hank Williams Jr. and Jett Williams, each of whom has navigated the wake of their father’s colossal influence in singular fashion. Their chronicles intertwine with the annals of country music history, underscoring both the obstacles and rewards attendant upon maturing in the penumbra of a luminary. As they persist in contributing to the musical milieu, Hank Sr.’s legacy endures through their endeavors, ensuring that the appellation Hank Williams remains synonymous with the quintessence and ethos of country music.

Cite this page

Hank Williams' Legacy: A Glimpse into His Family Life. (2024, Jun 01). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/hank-williams-legacy-a-glimpse-into-his-family-life/

"Hank Williams' Legacy: A Glimpse into His Family Life." PapersOwl.com , 1 Jun 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/hank-williams-legacy-a-glimpse-into-his-family-life/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Hank Williams' Legacy: A Glimpse into His Family Life . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/hank-williams-legacy-a-glimpse-into-his-family-life/ [Accessed: 1 Jun. 2024]

"Hank Williams' Legacy: A Glimpse into His Family Life." PapersOwl.com, Jun 01, 2024. Accessed June 1, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/hank-williams-legacy-a-glimpse-into-his-family-life/

"Hank Williams' Legacy: A Glimpse into His Family Life," PapersOwl.com , 01-Jun-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/hank-williams-legacy-a-glimpse-into-his-family-life/. [Accessed: 1-Jun-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Hank Williams' Legacy: A Glimpse into His Family Life . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/hank-williams-legacy-a-glimpse-into-his-family-life/ [Accessed: 1-Jun-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

• Breaking News
• University Guide
• Meghan Markle
• Prince Harry
• King Charles III

Michelle Troconis sobs as Jennifer Dulos' heartbroken kids speak out for first time at sentencing

By Laura Parnaby For Dailymail.Com

Published: 12:27 EDT, 31 May 2024 | Updated: 17:00 EDT, 31 May 2024

View comments

Venezuelan socialite Michelle Troconis has been sentenced to 20 years for conspiring to murder Connecticut mother-of-five Jennifer Dulos in 2019. 

Judge Kevin A. Randolph made the ruling at Stamford Superior Court on Friday following an emotional hearing where Jennifer's teenage children called for the maximum sentence of 50 years - while Troconis' daughter pleaded for leniency. 

Police say Jennifer was brutally attacked by her estranged husband Fotis Dulos in her New Canaan,  Connecticut home after she returned from dropping their five children at school on May 24, 2019.

Fotis was charged with her murder but killed himself ahead of trial, leaving the kids orphaned. In March 2024, his former mistress and glamorous Venezuelan TV host Troconis, was found guilty of helping him dispose of bloodied clothes.

One of Jennifer's eldest sons, Theodore Dulos, 18, blasted Troconis as 'evil, violent, and most definitely a coward' and demanded she tell them where their mother's body is at the sentencing hearing on Friday. 

His twin, Petros Dulos, said Troconis had 'helped destroy' their family, while 15-year-old Christiane Dulos called her 'the reason kids at school look at me with pity' while calling for the maximum jail term of 50 years. 

Venezuelan socialite Michelle Troconis (center) who conspired to kill Jennifer Dulos has broken down in tears as the murdered mother-of-five's teenage son gave a heartbreaking tribute

The  sentencing is being live-streamed, but Judge Kevin A. Randolph forbade the media from broadcasting images any of the teenagers. 

Cameras instead showed Troconis, 49, sobbing as each of the Dulos children spoke, and Judge Randolph appearing to fight back tears as the defendant's own 17-year-old daughter Nicole pleaded for leniency for her convicted mother. 

Judge Randolph sentenced Troconis to 20 years behind bars for conspiracy to commit murder, 'suspended after 14.5 years to serve five years probation'. 

She was also given five years for each of the lesser charges: tampering with physical evidence, conspiracy to tamper with evidence, and hindering prosecution - though these terms will be wrapped into the 20-year sentence. 

But it's not the end of the story - Troconis' lawyer Jon Schoenhorn said she maintains her innocence and will be appealing the verdict, which he claimed was based on 'emotion and speculation'. 

The case has drawn widespread attention - Jennifer was a member of a wealthy New York family and a niece by marriage of fashion designer Liz Claiborne, while Fotis was a luxury home builder originally from  Greece .

Jennifer uncovered Fotis' affair with Troconis in March 2017, and their children were aged between eight and 13 at the time she disappeared.

Fotis and Jennifer were embroiled in acrimonious divorce and child custody proceedings when she vanished on May 24, 2019. Her children - Petros, Theodore, Constantine, Christiane and Cleopatra Noelle - have waited five years for justice. 

Jennifer, 50, was brutally attacked by her estranged husband Fotis Dulos in her Connecticut home when she returned from dropping their five kids at school, and his new lover Troconis helped conceal the crime . Fotis killed himself before facing trial

Addressing Troconis at her sentencing hearing on Friday, Theodore said: 'You will spend the next however many years behind bars, and this will give you the time to think about what you have done.

'Every day, you will wake up in a small cell with not much to do. You have many years to contemplate what you know you have done.

'If you have just the least bit of humanity, I suggest that you let all of us know exactly what happened that day and where my mother is.

'Do the right thing, Michelle, admit to your family what you did instead of trying to keep your family pride.'

'I will never forgive you for what you have done, and until you give us more answers, you will be considered evil, violent, and most definitely a coward,' he added. 

Appealing to Judge Randolph to impose the maximum jail term, Theodore added: 'An appropriate sentence, your honor, would be 50 years - 10 years for every child that lost a mother that day. May my mother rest in peace.'

Theodore Dulos, 18, blasted Troconis as 'evil, violent, and most definitely a coward' and demanded she tell them where their mother's body is, while his twin Petros said she had 'helped destroy' their family. (Pictured: Theodore as a child with his mother Jennifer) 

'Michelle Troconis to me is the reason I feel completely lost and alone at night when I cannot sleep,' Jennifer's daughter Christiane, 15, told the court at Troconis' sentencing hearing on Friday. (Pictured: a photograph of Christiane and Jennifer shown to the court) 

Christiane also called for the maximum jail term, adding: 'Even though Michelle may not have been holding the weapon, I truly believe she had a lot more to do with everything than she is letting on.

'Michelle Troconis to me is the reason I feel completely lost and alone at night when I cannot sleep.

'She is the reason I have blocked out my childhood, and that day so much I can barely remember it.

'She's the reason kids at school look at me with pity, the reason my teachers say guardians are not parents, the reason I have had to sit and watch as the people who care for me break down, the reason my siblings move through life with a huge piece of them lost.'

'Mom and dad are words that only bring trauma and grief,' she added. 'I will never again share those simple moments that mean everything.' 

Jennifer's eldest son, Petros, was only 13 at the time of her death. Now aged 18, he told Stamford Superior Court Troconis had 'helped destroy' his family. (Pictured: a photograph shown to court of Jennifer and Petros when he was a child) 

The sentencing is being live-streamed, but Judge Kevin A. Randolph forbade the media from showing any of Jennifer's children on camera. Cameras instead showed Troconis breaking down in tears as Petros Dulos spoke

Petros Dulos urged Judge Randolph not to let Troconis' role as a mother sway his decision. 

' Your honor, I understand that sitting over there is a mother with a child, and a family who love her,' the 18-year-old said. 

'My mom once had that. We once had that. She helped destroy it.  That woman appeals to our sympathy under the guise of being a mother. She has desecrated the meaning of that word for me.

'The defendant's actions in conspiring to murder my mother have had irreparable effects on my life, many that I'm still figuring out each and every day,' he added. 

'I have been left with a hole inside of me that I know I will never be able to fill. 

'Losing my mother tore me from the joyful innocence of my youth and made me confront the horrors of the world at an early age.

'I want to end with a lesson my mom taught me: leave everything the same or better than you found it. Michelle Troconis, you did the opposite and you should be punished.' 

Police say Jennifer was brutally attacked by her estranged husband Fotis Dulos on May 24, 2019. He killed himself ahead of trial, but in March this year jurors found his glamorous girlfriend Troconis guilty of helping conceal the horrific slaying

Arrest warrants link Dulos (left) and Troconis (right) to videos of trash bags being dumped in areas where Jennifer's blood was later found on clothing and other items

The Dulos children also paid heartbreaking tribute to their mother, who was a writer.   

Petros said she was 'everything' to him, but during her acrimonious divorce, he 'became very bitter with everyone - especially mom, because she was always trying to help me.'

'This meant that I hurt the person closest to me because I didn't know how else to voice my pain,' he said. 

'The defendant's actions mean that I will never be able to tell my mom how sorry I am for not being a better son when she needed me. 

'I will never be able to tell mom how proud of her courage I am, most importantly how much I love her. This fact haunts me every day.'

Christiane blasted Troconis for having an affair with their father which destroyed their family. 

'My dad, the person who I looked up to, was doing something awful, and it was with Michelle. Our lives completely changed from then on...

'It occurred to me then that this was why we were no longer a family.'

Troconis rubbed her eyes and sobbed as she sat between her lawyers while they listened to the Dulos children speak. 

Jennifer Dulos' mother, Gloria Farber, reads a victim's impact statement during the sentencing hearing for Michelle Troconis, in Stamford Superior Court in Connecticut May 31, 2024

Pictured:  a photograph shown to court of Gloria with Jennifer in her youth 

Jennifer's mother, Gloria Farber, 88, who gave heartbreaking testimony earlier in the trial , said her daughter's friends had been helping take care of her five orphaned children in 'blended families'. 

Gloria added that her daughter 'lived in fear of her life and fear that her husband might abduct her children' during her final years. 

Jennifer's older sister, Melissa Farber, remembered her as a 'beautiful and precious baby sister' who was a 'talented writer and a beautiful person'. 

She also recalled feeling 'shaken to the core' on the day Jennifer died before they even heard the devastating news. 

'At 8.45 in the morning of May 24, 2019, I awoke with a startle,' Melissa told the court. 'I did not realize at this time that my sister Jennifer's life was ending, but there was something in me that was shaken to the core.' 

Jennifer's friend of 46 years, Kiki Davis, told the court she had been helping take care of the Dulos children over the last five years, spending half her time at her Charlotte, North Carolina home and half at the Dulos' home in New York City. 

'Michelle Troconis' actions and perhaps lack of actions greatly impacted me daily as I'm now the closest thing to a mother these five may ever have again,' Davis told the court. 

'My friend Jennifer should be in my shoes hugging her children each morning... they should feel, not remember, her unconditional love.'

Michelle Troconis (left) and Fotis Dulos (right) were living together in his Farmington CT home at the time of Jennifer's disappearance on May 24, 2019

Jennifer Dulos (left) vanished on May 24, 2019, amid a divorce from her husband Fotis (right), who was later charged with her murder. Fotis killed himself in January 2020, leaving his new lover Michelle Troconis to face trial alone for allegedly helping him conceal the killing 

The prosecutor blasted Troconis for her 'failure to show any remorse'. 

Troconis' daughter Nicole, 17, expressed condolences for the Dulos children who she said she 'enjoyed spending time with' when they crossed paths on a family holiday in Miami. 

'Michelle isn't just my mother. She's my best friend, my rock and my guiding light,' the teenager told the court as her voice cracked with emotion. 

'If you asked me who I want to be, my unhesitant answer would be: I want to be just like my mom.

'She's a perfect example of kindness, thoughtfulness and selflessness.'

'I never had the chance to meet Jennifer nor did my mother ever speak ill of her,' Nicole added. 

'My heart goes out to the kids, and I earnestly hope that one day we all discover peace within our hearts.'

Pictured: Michelle Troconis remonstrating with her lawyer at her sentencing hearing at Stamford Superior Court on Friday 

Pictured: an image of Jennifer Dulos shown to the court at Troconis's sentencing hearing at Stamford Superior Court on Friday 

Judge Randolph appeared to fight back tears as he heard the teenager's testimony. 

Jennifer's children - Petros, Theodore, Constantine, Christiane and Cleopatra Noelle - who are now aged between 13 and 18 - now live with Gloria and their nanny Lauren Almeida in Manhattan. 

Prosecutors accused Fotis of killing Jennifer in her New Canaan, CT home after she returned from dropping their children off at school, and they alleged that Troconis helped him dispose of her bloodied clothing in several garbage bags. 

Jennifer's body was never found, but  Judge William P. Osterndorf declared her 'officially dead' . 

The weeks-long trial heard evidence from officers, forensics experts, and the family and friends who were due to meet with Jennifer on the day she died. 

A blood-soaked bra that cops recovered from a trash can that the State alleges Fotis Dulos, with the help of his lover Michelle Troconis, disposed of evidence in 

Gruesome images of blood splatters in the garage and kitchen of Jennifer's New Canaan home were shown to the jury as experts detailed how Fotis' DNA was found at the property. 

Surveillance footage of Fotis and Troconis in a car making stops to dump several rubbish bags in trash cans miles away from the property was also shown in court. 

Police said Troconis' DNA was detected on the trash bags and on some of the bloodied items of clothing belonging to Jennifer inside the bags.  

Share or comment on this article: Michelle Troconis sobs as Jennifer Dulos' heartbroken kids speak out for first time at sentencing

• Add comment

• Follow DailyMail
• Subscribe Daily Mail
• Follow @dailymail
• Follow MailOnline
• Follow Daily Mail

From the Makers of Candy Crush

• Back to top

Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd

Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group

More From Forbes

The risks of ai in science, per princeton, yale professors.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Abstract smart nature scene, networking, technology with network communication, measure the nature, ... [+] power of nature

“We risk a future in which we produce more...but we understand less,” according to Yale anthropologist Lisa Messeri and Princeton cognitive scientist M. J. Crockett.

From questions of bias and systemic injustice to alignment to existential risk and the Singularity, artificial intelligence is a field in which conversations about risk, safety, and ethics are commonplace—and often contentious.

In a paper published in Nature On March 6 , Yale anthropologist Lisa Messeri and Princeton cognitive scientist M. J. Crockett put another domain under the risk microscope: scientific research, and by extension, the future of science itself.

In the article, titled “Artificial intelligence and illusions of understanding in scientific research,” Messeri and Crockett illuminate the epistemic risks—that is, the risks associated with how knowledge is produced—AI might pose to the sciences.

When AI Potentially Harms Scientific Research

The co-authors do not focus on the errors that AI makes—sometimes referred to as “ hallucinations ”—but rather what happens when those are no longer issues and AI tools work exactly as intended. They argue that such approaches might narrow the range of questions researchers ask, which then creates knock-on effects for future questions and the efforts that are published and receive funding.

“Our paper is...concerned with the future of science, when all of those errors have been engineered away and the AI tools work exactly as their creators intend them to. Do we still get ourselves into trouble? Lisa and I think that we do.” Crockett said in an interview with Ars Electronica . “Usually, there's hype that AI can do a particular thing, and the critique is, no, it can't do that thing. Ours is a different argument. People say, ‘Look at all these things that AI could do.’ We respond with, ‘Great, let's imagine they can do those things. Is that still the world we want?’”

Finally, The Internet Found ‘The Backrooms’

This sprawling kauai resort boasts 50 lush acres and a stunning saltwater lagoon, elden ring and starfield offer contrasting takes on the rpg genre.

Depiction of the various "illusions" of understanding in scientific research influenced by AI tools

In that case, the question is not whether or not the AI tools are working properly, but rather if, when working properly, they jeopardize how scientific knowledge is developed, funded, and circulated among humans—and how those risks might compound over time.

“We risk a future in which we produce more—because certainly AI helps with efficiency—but we understand less,” Messeri said on the Urgent Futures podcast . “[AI] narrows down the kinds of questions that we might ask, because there’s only certain questions that AI is really good at.”

This research stemmed from conversations Messeri and Crockett were having years ago regarding a different emerging technology: virtual reality. According to Messeri, the two were evaluating the potential misconceptions that might occur in thinking of VR as an “empathy machine,” a subject Messeri was researching for her ethnography, In the Land of the Unreal: Virtual and Other Realities in Los Angeles .

When AI hype began to take on a similar fervor, with grand proclamations and analogies proposed about its role in the future, Messeri and Crockett witnessed spillover effects among researchers and professionals in the sciences.

“Every discipline was in a position to have to say, ‘This is what AI can do for us. This is how it can help us with literature reviews. This is how it can help us create data sets that are big enough that we can therefore use AI as tools to analyze those data sets, and then we can even use AI in peer review,’” Messeri said. “You get this complete cycle that gets described as a ‘self-driving laboratory,’ in which basically AI is doing every phase of the research cycle... [and] the human [principal investigator] every once in a while has to come in and poke it to make sure it's like still going in the right direction.... You get this dystopian view of science if you actually follow these promises out to their conclusion.”

Thus, while AI yields benefits in speed and efficiency, if used without critical thought, its use might inadvertently constrain the diversity of perspectives involved in the production of scientific data, knowledge, and theories.

“If AI is further and further incentivized [in the sciences], we might have a scientific apparatus that is unintentionally building itself around projects and ideas that AI is particularly good at,” Messeri said. “We write about the risk of monocultures developing in science and how actually there's a real risk to many things, including issues of diversity and just underscoring the fact that strong science comes from a diverse set of knowers—not only experientially diverse, but also cognitively diverse, disciplinarily diverse. If AI becomes this tool that everything gets passed through, you risk narrowing the kinds of questions asked and narrowing the kind of perspectives that are brought to bear on a scientific problem.”

How To Benefit From AI While Avoiding Traps

Messeri and Crockett group risks into four prevailing “visions” of how AI will operate in research contexts:

• AI as Oracle, which “can digest and communicate scientific knowledge”
• AI as Surrogate, which “can enhance a laboratory’s measurement capabilities”
• AI as Quant, which “offer[s] solutions for both data preparation and analysis.”
• AI as Arbiter, which can “assist with the preliminary screening of submitted manuscripts, and...write reviews.”

Within each of these imagined uses of AI, Messeri and Crockett explain, there are potential traps that scientists, scholars, funders, and editors should should be aware of. They clarify, though, that they are not anti-AI. In fact, they use it in their own work.

"[AI] is genuinely useful in my research, and I expect to continue using it in my research," Crockett said.

They advocate for maintaining a responsible view of the tasks AI is uniquely helpful for, as well as the ones which might redundant or problematic. At base, that means being able to determine when a project actually doesn’t need AI at all.

“There are many things for which AI is probably really good, but to assume that it's good for everything is a real risk,” Messeri said. “AI becomes the hammer and the whole problem space becomes nails; and you just miss the things that aren't nails if that's the case.”

Thus, they recommend scientists educate themselves about the unique affordances and risk AI offers—and be judicious in electing to use AI, rather assuming it’s a necessary component of all initiatives simply because it exists and others are using it. One way to do this would be to identify which “vision” their use of AI would fall into, and then asking themselves tough questions to determine if they had thought of methods which address the inherent risks in their respective approach. They further advise that using AI as a time-saver in subjects that team-members already have expertise in is less risky than using AI as the source of expertise.

The current funding environment, Messeri explained, can make it especially difficult to approach these subjects with proper diligence.

“One of the reasons that everyone's so hyped on AI right now is because every single big funding agency is funding AI work,” Messeri said. “They're saying, ‘Yeah, give us your AI proposals.’ They're actively pursuing this development. Our universities are saying, ‘Where's our AI task force? What's our AI task force going to do? Let's give faculty money who are doing AI stuff.’ So you're really incentivized institutionally to double down on AI. And I think in order to be mindful of what might be lost by that doubling down, you just need to have some permission to say, ‘Maybe this isn't something that's good for AI.’”

Editors of journals must also stay vigilant when they use AI as “Arbiter,” such as using AI to help review submitted papers. What policies are they instituting to ensure that their selections remain sufficiently diverse?

“What does it look like to just be more heterogeneous in how we curate, even if [scientific projects are] coming from different methods and approaches?” Messeri said. “The papers don't have to be only AI. The papers can be about a topic of which you have AI contributors and non-AI contributors, and they're all celebrated.”

The tech industry is no stranger to claims based purely on speculation. But Messeri and Crockett’s work underscores that technology is predicated on the social environment it enters. By approaching any new technology critically—but especially AI, which has clear impacts on the production of knowledge—researchers and scholars can collectively shape how that technology is adopted in their field. Ideally, doing so also pushes the development of that very technology in positive, prosocial ways.

“Cultural work [can] also be done to keep these other ways of knowing and ways of practicing alive.”

To learn more, view the full interview with Lisa Messeri .

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

• False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
• Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
• Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
• Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

• Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
• Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
• Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
• Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

• Stay on topic and share your insights
• Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
• ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
• Protect your community.
• Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.