By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

QUEZON CITY – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Friday (Dec. 29) divulged that they will focus on other components of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) after the Dec. 31, 2003 “deadline” of the consolidation of the industry sector.

In a press conference, Atty. Mercy Paras Leynes, Board Member of LTFRB, said that “after Dec. 31, we can also focus on other components of the PUVMP. Financing component will be improved. With nine components of the PUVMP will be focused for the commuter welfare.”

“The DOTr (Department of Transportation) and the LTFRB, including the OTC (Office of Transport Cooperatives), knows that the commuting public deserves better,” Leynes added.

She noted that the Memorandum Circular 2023-052, which is posted on the website of the LTFRB, provides that those who have not been consolidated by Dec. 31, 2023, they will still be allowed to ply the routes where there are no PUJs who have consolidated themselves.

“However, they will be issued a ‘show cause order’ in order to have due process,” Leynes said.

By Dec. 31, 2023, she said, the LTFRB will be able to identify those transport units who have not consolidated themselves into cooperatives or corporations.

“Looking at the whole universe of the available modes, the LTFRB is not expecting a transportation crisis by January 2024,” Leynes said.

She added that the adjacent routes who have been consolidated will be considered or looked into to ply the routes where there are no consolidated operators or units or entities.

“There are other available transportation modes or road transport service or mode of transportation such as jeepneys or PUVS. Even the buses can still provide the needed mass transport mode,” Leynes said.

She stressed that letters were sent to the LGUs (local government units) who have less consolidated routes, so that they can take the appropriate action in order to address the affected routes.

“The reason why there were coordination with other enforcement agencies, so that there would be no more ‘flagging down’ of the entities who have not been consolidated,” Leynes said.

The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), which is the government’s main legal counsel, have given a “non-extendible” period of 10 days within which to submit their comment on the petition filed by PISTON (Pinagisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytors Nationwide) before the Supreme Court (SC) seeking the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) to stop the consolidation program.

Atty. Zona Russet M. Tamayo, LTFRB National Capital Region regional director, said that since the consolidation is still up to Dec. 31, 2023, they cannot just yet give the data or numbers of those who have consolidated themselves into cooperatives or corporations.

“In the NCR, only 26 percent have consolidated before December 2023. The LTRFB figures showed that 33.21 percent of all operators in the NCR have consolidated which is translated to 13,893 organized units covering 317 routes in NCR, majorirty of which, which is UV Express, 44.3 percent covering 3,259 units for 81 routes,” Tamayo said.

“Overall, jeepneys, 35 percent or 34.9 percent total consolidated. For NCR 17,152 in terms of routes, and consolidated routes 47.3 percent of all routes in Metro Manila,” she added.

“We are concentrating on the 35 percent of the PUJs. Not included are the other modes of transport in Metro Manila. We are talking of buses or taxis,” Tamayo said.

“I would like to emphasize that in the major thoroughfares in Metro Manila, they have consolidated. Majority of those who have not consolidated, consist of short routes where there are other modes of transport for the short distance that can still cater to the commuters,” she added.

“Come January 2024, we will be able to identify those who have consolidated and those who have not consolidated. Hence, there is no transport crisis by January 2024,” Tamayo said.

Regarding the data and final list of the consolidated cooperatives, Tamayo said that “hindi po namin maibibigay ngayon. However, come January 2024, noting the 60 percent can only be identified after the Dec. 31, 2023 deadline.”

“By first week of January 2024, the list of the consolidated cooperatives will be released by the LTFRB,” she added.

“We have already extended all the leniency such as reduced documentary requirements, simplify the process and open even on Saturdays,” Tamayo said.

“The LTFRB offices nationwide have been opened even on Saturdays and even on the last Sunday of December just to accommodate those who would like to be consolidated,” she added.

“Let’s all take into consideration that the PUVMP was conceptualized in order to provide convenience to the commuting public, including the consolidation of the industry sector,” Tamayo said.

“Yung hindi pa nagkoconsolidate sa ngayon, majority of which, have distance of about seven kilometers, pero mayroon other modes of transport of which the commuters have the option to avail of.” She added.

Tamayo cited for an example that those who won’t like to take the taxi, they can still take the bus and other mode of transport for the routes where there no consolidated entities.

She explained that the “show cause order” is part of due process, which is a legal measure under the Public Service Act.

Joel J. Bolano, LTFRB technical division chief, said that there are provisions on MC 2023-052 on what will happen after Dec. 31, 2023, considering that more the 60 percent of the public utilities have already consolidated themselves into cooperatives or corporations, hence, they can start plying their respective routes.

“They are given the period of until Jan. 31, 2023 so that they can still ply their route through special permit. Pending the permits on assignments of other routes for those who have yet to be consolidated, especially PUJs PUVs,” Bolano said.

“Once the units or operators who have not consolidated are identified, they will still be issued a special permit in order for them to still ply their respective routes,” he added.

“Basically, we are not seeing no transport crisis in the adjacent areas. Under MC 2023-047, those entities who have not consolidated by Dec. 31, 2023, they can still group themselves and avail of the consolidation program.” Bolano said.

Jesus Andy Ortega, OTC Chairman, said that individuals are continuously availing the modernization program of the transport industry sector.

“101 have actually applied for cooperatives. by Dec. 31, they will return to the OTC. This number shows that the 65 cooperatives have been approved by the OTC throughout the year of 2023,” Ortega said.

“Especially when PBBM (President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos, Jr.) made the announcement, more and more have expressed their willingness to consolidate into cooperatives or corporations in line with the industry sector component of the modernization program of the government,” he added.

Ortega noted that the offices of the DOTr, OTC are open and will be open today, tomorrow and until Dec. 31, 2023 at 5 p.m. to accommodate those who would still avail of the consolidation of the transport industry under the PUVMP.

The 101 units have already consolidated themselves into cooperatives just for the month of November 2023 wherein, 60 cooperatives have actually become full-pledged cooperatives and the 101 may still add up to the total number of consolidated units.

“Clearly, there are other transport modes. In between 3 to 4 kilometers are the routes of those who have not consolidated. Talaga pong tuloy-tuloy na magtutulungan kami, including the DILG, LGUs and other concerned government agencies in order to have a reliable, convenient and safe travel,” Ortega said.

“We still have three days para makahabol sa deadline. Sana mahikayat pa ang ibang ayaw magconsolidate na magconsolidate na,” he added.

“Tuloy-tuloy na inaaddress ang concerns ng mga operators or units sa amount to be produced for the consolidation. The OTC have reiterated the proper amount to shell out for the consolidation program,” Ortega said.

“The LTFRB, OTC and LTO will see to it that the commuting public will have a convenient travel. The DOTr and the LTFRB will expedite the issuance of special permits in order to bring about the difference for the commuters,” he added.

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

QUEZON CITY – Senator Imee Marcos on Thursday (Dec. 28) urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to revoke the “deadlines” imposed on the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

The deadline for the consolidation of public transport vehicles has been set on Dec. 31, 2023.

In a statement on Thursday, Sen. Marcos said that a widespread transport strike greets the public on Dec. 29 into the New Year.

“We can only pity the drivers, transport operators, commuters, workers, students, businesses, and small entrepreneurs who rely on jeeps and PUVs daily,” Marcos said.

“I call on the DOTr to revoke the ‘deadly deadlines’ of the PUV modernization program that have fallen short of compliance since 2017. Clearly, there is a need to return to exhaustive meetings and consultations with all groups of operators, drivers, and commuters,” she added.

The senator interposed the questions: “Who doesn’t want a new vehicle? But with the high cost of living, how many can afford one?”

Sen. Marcos noted that the government subsidy of Php210,000 to Php280,000 is just a fraction of the Php2.5-million cost of a new Euro-4 PUV. Nor has the trade-in value of old vehicles been determined, and plying transport routes these days only earns a measly income due to the high price of gasoline.

“Even dealers of new vehicles, spare parts, and maintenance services are not ready to meet the sudden demand. The TESDA itself admitted that it has only prepared for the repair of Euro-2 PUVs,” she said.

“And why should thousands of operators and drivers be forced to become members of transport cooperatives? Having been owners and small entrepreneurs, will they become mere employees in a coop?” she added.

The senator said that If an operator or driver takes out a loan, will this be guaranteed by the coop? If loan payments become problematic, will the coop answer for them, or will the bank tow away the vehicle subject to the loan?

“With the high cost of buying a new vehicle, what increase in transport fares will there be?” Sen. Marcos said.

“Complex as these issues are, we would do well to listen to the grievances of PUV operators, drivers, and commuters. Above all, the LTO and DOTr should quit threatening them with deadlines, suspensions, and franchise revocations!” Marcos added.

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

QUEZON CITY — The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Wednesday (Dec. 27) confirmed the launch of the Long March 3B rocket of the People’s Republic of China (PROC).

PhilSA said that the expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 68 Nautical Miles (NM) away from Rozul Reef and 116 NM away from Ayungin Shoal.

Long March 3B was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, China around 11:26 A.M. Philippine Standard Time (PhST) on Tuesday (Dec. 26).

Details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an “aerospace flight activity.”

PhilSA has disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the launch.

Following the launch, PhilSA advised on the potential risks that may incur to ships, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone of the debris.

There is still the possibility that the remaining rocket debris may float around the area and may wash toward the nearby coasts in the future.

PhilSA informed the public to contact local authorities if suspected debris is sighted.

It also cautioned against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

QUEZON CITY — East Zone concessionaire Manila Water is encouraging its customers to begin the year 2024 right by availing the desludging services it offered at no additional cost.

For January 2024, Manila Water’s desludging caravan will go around Barangays Amihan, Malaya, Socorro, and Vasra in Quezon City; Barangays Sta. Cruz, Bambang and Bagong Katipunan in Pasig City; Barangays Rizal and South Cembo in Makati City; Barangays 773, 774, 777, 785 and 810 in the City of Manila; and Barangays Barangka Ibaba and Namayan in Mandaluyong City.

The water firm’s desludging trucks will also be available in Barangay Cupang in Antipolo City, Rizal.

As the country is also celebrating the National Zero Waste Month every January, Manila Water is reiterating its call for customers to participate in environmental action through the regular siphoning of their septic tanks.

“Per the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, ‘zero waste’ is an advocacy that promotes designing and managing products and processes to systematically avoid and eliminate the volume and toxicity of waste and materials, and to conserve and recover all resources, and not indiscriminately dispose or burn them,” Jeric Sevilla, Manila Water Corporate Communication Affairs Group Director, said in a statement on Wednesday (Dec. 27).

“By availing Manila Water’s desludging service, our customers are assured that the septage collected undergoes proper treatment thereby avoiding pollution of receiving water bodies. Through a variety of mechanisms and processes, the wastewater collected across the concession area is hauled and treated at the Company’s two septage treatment plants in San Mateo, Rizal and Taguig,” Sevilla added.

Effluent produced from these treatment plants is regularly tested to ensure it passes the “Class C” category of Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) effluent standards, which is considered safe for recreational water activities and marine life.

Customers of the water company were advised to coordinate with their respective barangay councils for the schedule or call the Manila Water Consumer Help Desk 1627.

In the spirit of the holiday season, SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Puilan embrace the true essence of sharing, as the malls stood as one in  giving gifts of cheers and loveto two children’s homes in the province.

Dubbed ‘ChriSMiles,’ the employee-volunteer program of SM, through the initiative of the HR Department, embodies the essence of the Yuletide season by encouraging staff members to share their blessings with children in need.

Volunteers from SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan shared their time off from work to spread love and joy through gift giving by distributing toys, food, cleaning materials, and ‘SM Bears of Joy’ to the less fortunate children. Employees also had their share of priceless moments with kids as they treated them to a hearty breakfast as well as fun gamesand surprises.

SM City Marilao employees hosted and treated at least 25 children of Tahanan Mapagkalinga ni Madre Rita in Guiguinto, Bulacan, while SM City Baliwag and SM Center Pulilan, with the collaborative efforts of volunteers, cheered up more than 60 children from Bethlehem House of Bread in Baliwag City.

ChriSMiles is a yearly volunteer activity of SM Supermalls that aims to make more children smile, especially this holiday season. The event is a nationwide employee volunteerism program that brings joy to the chosen beneficiaries of each mall.

The initiative started in 2012 and also encourages all SM employees to be more appreciative of their individual blessings by sharing and caring.

Also, part of the activity was the distribution of SM ‘Bears of Joy’, a program of SM Cares that encourages the idea of gift giving by purchasing a pair of bears from Toy Kingdom. One bear is for keeping, and the other one will be donated to the chosen beneficiaries of each mall. — PR

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

QUEZON CITY — Senator Imee Marcos on Friday (Dec. 22) reminded private companies that former rank-and-file workers who resigned or whom they fired are still entitled to benefit from the 13th-Month Pay Law.

“Kahit isang buwan ka lang nagtrabaho ngayong taon, dapat meron kang kahit isanlibong piso na matatanggap sa dati mong pinapasukan (Even if you worked for only a month this year, you should be able to receive at least 1,000 pesos from your previous employer),” Sen. Marcos said.

The senator based her computation on the minimum wage for eight-hour workdays in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Marcos also stressed that private school teachers are specially entitled to a full 13th-month’s pay if they have served for at least a month within a year.

Thirteenth-month benefits became law just before Christmas of 1975 through Presidential Decree 851, which meant to “protect the level of real wages from the ravage of worldwide inflation.”

Presidential Decree 851’’s revised guidelines in August 1986 clarified the annual bonus for existing as well as former employees.

“Kumakatok lang sa matitigas ang puso, ngayong nagtataasan ang presyo ng pagkain. Marami pa ring gipit ang badyet para sa Noche Buena (Just knocking on hard hearts, as food prices continue to rise. Many are still short of funds for the traditional Christmas Eve celebration),” Marcos said.

The senator pointed out that 13th-month benefits should be distributed by December 24, the deadline prescribed by law.

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

QUEZON CITY — School children in Pura, Tarlac now have more learning space with the inauguration on Wednesday (Dec. 20) of a modern two-storey, six- classroom building funded by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

The new learning facility, built at a cost of nearly Php18 million, was unveiled at Nilasin 1st Elementary School, one of the public schools in Pura in dire need of additional classrooms after a powerful earthquake damaged its old buildings more than 30 years ago.

Pura town suffered extensively from the 1990 earthquake that damaged crucial infrastructure, including government buildings, schools and residences.

Numerous attempts have been made to restore and repair the damaged structures but some of the buildings were eventually declared structurally unsafe and condemned, exacerbating the challenges faced by the local community.

Pura Mayor Freddie Domingo thus decided to seek help from PAGCOR which responded positively and allocated Php17.87 million for the construction of an earthquake-resistant building at Nilasin 1st Elementary School.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to PAGCOR for their invaluable support in funding the construction of a new classroom facility in Pura,” Mayor Domingo said during the inauguration of the building.

“This generous contribution not only enhances our educational infrastructure but also empowers the future of our students,” Domingo added.

“PAGCOR’s commitment to education is truly making a lasting impact on our community. Thank you for investing in the growth and development of Pura,” he said.

Mayor Domingo was joined in the inauguration by PAGCOR officials led by Assistant Vice President for Community Relations and Services Eric Balcos, other local officials and members of the community.

According to Balcos, the state gaming firm has always supported education-related projects because they play a vital role in promoting community development and empowering the dreams of the next generation.

“By unveiling a new school building in Pura, PAGCOR takes pride in fostering positive change and providing a foundation for the dreams of countless students,” Balcos said.

“Education is the cornerstone of progress, and through such initiatives, we are not just constructing buildings but providing bridges to a brighter, more empowered future for the community,” he added.

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

QUEZON CITY — Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar on Monday (Dec. 18) said that it’s the first time that the housing program of the government has become sustainable.

During the first ever Annual DHSUD Media Forum in Eastwood Richmond Hotel, Acuzar said that it’s the first time that the housing program of the incumbent administration has become sustainable in the sense that no public funds were spent for such a program.

Acuzar added that the private stakeholders such as the banks and financial institutions are the ones financing the housing program of the administration’s housing program.

The DHSUD chief cited that it’s really the media who have played a significant role in the dissemination of vital information about the government’s housing program.

It can be noted that there’s a housing backlog of 6.5 million housing units nationwide.

The DHSUD, through its attached agency National Housing Authority (NHA), targets to build one million housing units each year until the end of the six-year term of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. in 2028 for a total of six million housing units.

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

QUEZON CITY – The launch of the Global Road Safety Status Report (GRSSR) and the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of the National Coalition on Child Road Traffic Injury Prevention (NC-CRTIP) was held on Monday (Dec. 18) at the B Hotel in this city.

The national coalition was convened by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the Philippines.

The MOU was geared to protect Filipino children from road injury aligned with the vision of the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan 2023-2028 (PRSAP).

“To address road safety concerns in the country, we have developed the PRSAP. This plan, together with the WHO global report on road safety, will guide us in implementing and monitoring efforts to reduce road traffic deaths and serious injuries in the Philippines,” DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said.

Road crashes are the top killer of children and youth worldwide, a report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday (Dec. 18) said.

More than half of the fatalities are among pedestrians and motorcyclists, the report added.

“The tragic tally of road crash deaths is heading in the right direction, downwards, but nowhere near fast enough. Road safety is a multisectoral concern. We should continue to work together to keep our road safe,” Dr. Rui Paolo de Jesus, WHO Representative in the Philippines, said.

Based on 2019 data on the age distribution of all-cause mortality, road traffic injury remains the leading cause of death for children and young people aged five to 29 years old and is the 12^th leading cause of death when all ages are considered, according to the GRSSR 2023.

In the Philippines, at least 1,670 Filipino children die due to road crashes every year, according to public interest group ImagineLaw citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

“One child lost due to road crashes is one death too many,” Atty. Sophia San Luis, executive director of ImagineLaw, said.

The NC-CRTIP is an inter-agency and multisectoral coalition that will strengthen collaboration among agencies and road safety stakeholders in protecting children from road crashes.

“This coalition is us working together in building a country that protects children from road crashes,” San Luis said.

“Political will is needed to address children’s death because of road crashes – from proper education and awareness among stakeholders to better infrastructure and improved road systems that protect vulnerable road users. Ang kalsadang ligtas sa bata ay ligtas sa lahat (A road safe for children is safe for all),” she added.

Among others, the MOU was signed by the DOTr, Department of Education, Department of Health, Department of Public Works and Highways, Council for the Welfare of Children, and the Metro Manila Development Authority.

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

PASIG CITY — The think tank Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute Inc. (ACPSSI) on Saturday (Dec. 16) said that cutting trade ties with China is an economic suicide.

In a media forum at the ACPSSII in Pasig City, ACPSSII President Herman “Ka Mentong” Tiu Laurel said that “even as China continues to promote Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), by way of the three major rail projects in Mindanao, North and South Luzon, the government continues to unilaterally announce their termination.”

Still, Laurel added that China has also just donated Php3.5-billion Bucana Bridge in Davao, as it continuously contemplates the Cagayan Gateway projects proposed by Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba.

He stressed that inasmuch as the Chico River Dam irrigation project is now enriching the harvest of 10,000 farming families, a delegation from Kalinga province called on the ACPSSII to seek assistance on the commencement of the project’s second phase, as the province, being the upper source of irrigation, still has to benefit from hydroelectricity and irrigation to come from yet-to-be-implemented Phase II.

“Verily, such delays, similar to the ‘suspended’ giant rail projects, are crippling the nation’s economy,” Laurel said.

Likewise, the ACPSSII executive said that the calls to boycott Chinese products and declare the Chinese ambassador as “persona non grata”, resulted in the loss for the country’s tourism industry of potential earnings from two million Chinese tourists even as the country’s largest malls say “China Feud May Hurt Businesses”, which means hurting millions of Filipino consumers.

“Mindanao exporters dread a repeat of the 2012 rotting fruits,” he added.

For her part, Prof. Anna Malindog-Uy said that there’s an US87.23-billion trade between the Philippines and China. Uy cited the China cooperation program in agriculture.

She said that the Chinese investments provide the necessary financial investments.

Uy noted that China is the world’s second largest economy.

Scrapping the trade relations with China would mean a stoppage in foreign direct investments.

Stopping or scrapping the trade relatiions with China should be seriously considered.

China provides the necessary infrastructure investments such as in the digital technology and green technology and infrastructure like the alternative or renewable energy.

Technological transfer is critical in the modernization of Philippine industries in the sense that China is a highly advanced technological country.

According to Uy, it would be an economic suicide if the Philippines would cut its trade ties with China.

This was the reaction of Anna Malindog-Uy on the statement of a maritime expert on Monday (Dec. 11) that the Philippine government should consider stopping and annulling existing Chinese business operations in the country if China’s illegal and aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) continued.

According to Uy, the suggestion of the maritime law expert is akin to telling the Philippines to commit economic suicide.

Uy was amazed by such a “suicidal” suggestion.

She noted that the trade relationship between China and the Philippines is important and crucial, with China as one if not the largest trading partners and a significant source of imports and exports of the Philippines.

She said that any decision to cut and stop business ties and operations with Chinese companies could disrupt this trade dynamic and potentially affect the Philippine economy adversely.

Hence, she added that cutting business, trade, and economic ties with China would not be beneficial for the Philippines.

She cited that Chinese investments provide necessary financial support for large-scale domestic infrastructure projects.

Uy said that China is the Philippines’ largest trading partner, the largest source of imports, and a major export market, adding that, the bilateral trade between the two countries, with substantial imports and exports, contributes significantly to the Philippine economy.

She noted that cutting trade and economic ties could lead to potential economic instability on the side of the Philippines.

Uy stressed that Chinese Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) plays a critical role in various sectors of the Philippine economy, including infrastructure, trade, and investment.

She said that a sudden severance of economic ties could lead to a sharp decline in FDI, affecting these sectors and possibly leading to job losses and economic downturns.

Uy pointed out that abruptly ending economic ties between China and the Philippines could strain diplomatic relations.

She emphasized that the geopolitical dynamics in Southeast Asia mean that maintaining a balanced relationship with China is of strategic interest to the Philippines.

Uy said that the diplomatic and economic engagements are part of this balance, and disrupting them could have wider geopolitical repercussions.

She added that within the Philippines, there’s a potential for domestic repercussions, including the displacement of workers, especially in sectors heavily reliant on Chinese investments.

Uy expounded that the complexities of international trade and diplomacy suggest that any move to cut and stop existing Chinese business operations in the Philippines would have to be carefully considered to avoid adverse effects on the Philippine economy and its global standing.

She said that on the side of the Philippines, any decision to cut or stop existing Chinese business operations would need to weigh the potential economic impact against the geopolitical and national security concerns.

She added that the balance of national interest, economic gains, and sovereign integrity would be the utmost consideration and should be at the center of the debate before a decision could even be reached in this regard.