MANILA, Philippines — Transport groups are divided on whether to support or oppose the proposal to resurrect the radio frequency identification (RFID) program through the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) electronic tagging (e-tagging) project.

Transport groups 1-United Transport Koalisyon (1-UTAK), Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP), Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP), Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO), Alliance of Transport Operators' and Drivers' Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP), South Luzon Bus Operators Association (SOLUBOA), Philippine Association of Tourist Transport Organizations (PATTO) and Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila Suburbs Drivers Association (Pasang Masda) pushed for the e-tagging to replace the current roof-tagging being implemented by the MMDA.

1-UTAK Partylist Rep. Vigor Mendoza said the PUV e-tagging is a cost-effective technology to trace colorum PUVs either operating without valid franchise or plying outside of their authorized routes.

Mendoza said the e-tagging of PUVs is practical and cost efficient compared with the paint-based roof-tagging, which costs P4,000 for buses and P1,500 for jeepneys. The sticker-type e-tags roughly costs P480 each and are good for 10 years.

“In terms of cost and value, e-tagging is practical. It will not only help government in monitoring the streets but also inventory the actual number and identity of PUVs operating on specific routes,” he said.

Meanwhile, ACTO president Efren de Luna said the new measure, once approved by the Metro Manila Council, could lessen corruption during vehicle registration and extortion by traffic enforcers.