Senator Joel Villanueva has expressed strong criticism regarding the Department of Transportation's (DOTr) mandatory Global Positioning System (GPS) requirement for jeepney drivers, which is scheduled for rollout on April 15, 2026.

According to GPS.gov, the GPS is a US-owned utility, operated by the US Department of Defense, that "provides users with positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services. "

The DOTr has proposed the use of GPS devices to monitor the real-time location of PUVs. This data will serve as the basis for computing payouts under the service contracting program.

However, Villanueva described the policy of requiring jeepneys to use GPS as "illogical" and an unnecessary burden on drivers.

During a Senate Committee on Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) hearing concerning the oil crisis, Villanueva questioned the necessity of requiring drivers to rent GPS devices when smartphones provide comparable capabilities.

“I can’t see the logic of renting GPS. Ano bang magagawa ng GPS na hindi magagawa ng cellphone natin ngayon?” Villanueva said.

“They can just turn on the location services and we would know where they are. Why do we need a separate GPS gadget? Who’s the supplier of these?” he added.

Villanueva is concerned that its implementation could further strain public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, who are already struggling with the rising costs of fuel and basic commodities.

“We have always supported our DOTr family and the goal of improving public transportation. However, in this particular case, we are not supportive of making GPS installation a strict requirement rather than an option,” he said.

-Paraluman News