MANILA - A senatorial candidate is backing the stand of over 1,000 utility vehicle (UV) express operators to oppose the government’s 13-year-old phase-out policy for taxi units.

Bayan Muna representative and senatorial candidate Teddy Casiño said since last year, they have been complaining that there were no public consultations that transpired between government and their group about the move to phase out 13-year-old taxis.

"It is like the policy is being implemented without studying the current situation. Government should heed the call of the people," Casiño said in a statement.

He said laws and policies should reflect and serve the needs and situation of the constituencies.

A press statement from the House of Representatives said some 20,000 units of Asian utility vehicles and vans that are franchised as GT express vehicles nationwide or at least 34 percent will be affected by the assailed policy by 2013.  

Members of the Coalition of Operator and Drivers of UV Express ATBP (CODEX) are complaining that they can no longer renew the registration of their respective units after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) refused to issue certifications of franchise validity for units that have reached the 13-year age limit.

"Since they could not ply their routes without renewing their motor vehicle registration, they don’t have a choice but to stop operating," CODEX president Rosalino Marable said.

Gabriela Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan, meanwhile, said the government should devise a scheme to help the operators or drivers acquire units on an easy installment plan.