MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Kudos to government agencies that easily give in to demands by interest groups by bending their own rules and policies.

Case in point: The Department of Transportation has announced that traditional jeepneys may continue plying their routes until 2028 “as long as they are road-worthy.”

Traditional, dilapidated jeepneys were supposed to be phased out this year to give way for more modern and efficient public transport units. Some operators and jeepney drivers oppose the program.

Many however are questioning the announcement by Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista by asking “road-worthy is worth how much?”

Loaded question, we must say.