Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Gov’t to fast-track subway plan
Project cost seen rising to as much as $7B; completion of first phase by 2022
Economic managers are expected to approve today a higher project cost for the first subway system in the country to fast-track its completion, the country’s chief economist said.
On the sidelines of the House plenary debates on the proposed P3.767-trillion 2018 national budget yesterday, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia told the Inquirer that the National Economic and Development Authority’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) would discuss the project before forwarding it for the approval of the Neda Board chaired by President Duterte on Sept. 12.
Separately, Neda Undersecretary Rolando G. Tungpalan told the Inquirer that the final project cost would be firmed up during the Neda ICC-CabCom meeting.
Pernia earlier said that to allow completion of the Mega Manila Subway Project Phase 1 in 2022 instead of the previous target of 2024, the initial project cost of $4.4 billion could rise to $6-7 billion.
In June, Pernia disclosed to the Inquirer that the government was looking at securing the biggest official development assistance (ODA) from Japan for the subway system that would serve Metro Manila and surrounding areas.
Pernia had said that an estimated $4.4 billion in ODA from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) was in the pipeline to finance the Mega Manila subway project.
The Neda chief had said that they were expecting below 1-percent interest for the Jica loan payable over 20 years with a 15-year grace period.
According to the government’s “Build, Build, Build” website, the Department of Transportation-led subway project will connect major business hubs as well as government centers in Metro Manila through a 25-kilometer underground mass transportation system connecting Quezon City and Taguig City.
Meanwhile, the Department of Finance also yesterday enjoined local government units (LGUs) to tap a P2.58-billion revolving facility for projects to be undertaken through the public-private partnership (PPP) mode.
“The Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF) can be utilized not only by LGUs but other national government agencies as well for fund support in conducting prefeasibility and feasibility studies, project structuring, preparation of bid documents and project monitoring for their proposed PPP initiatives,” the DOF said in a statement.
“Managed by the PPP Center, the PDMF also provides probity advisory services to ensure fairness, accountability and transparency in the procurement process for PPP projects,” the DOF added.
The PDMF started with a P300-million revolving fund and a $6-million (approximately P300 million) initial contribution from the Australian government. The Australian grant is administered by the Asian Development Bank.
The fund has since grown to about P2.58 billion as of end-July, according to the DOF, citing a recent report by the Privatization Office to Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III.
Read more: http://business.inquirer.net/236296/govt-fast-track-subway-plan#ixzz4rvTf8Dog
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook
Economic managers are expected to approve today a higher project cost for the first subway system in the country to fast-track its completion, the country’s chief economist said.
On the sidelines of the House plenary debates on the proposed P3.767-trillion 2018 national budget yesterday, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia told the Inquirer that the National Economic and Development Authority’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) would discuss the project before forwarding it for the approval of the Neda Board chaired by President Duterte on Sept. 12.
Separately, Neda Undersecretary Rolando G. Tungpalan told the Inquirer that the final project cost would be firmed up during the Neda ICC-CabCom meeting.
Pernia earlier said that to allow completion of the Mega Manila Subway Project Phase 1 in 2022 instead of the previous target of 2024, the initial project cost of $4.4 billion could rise to $6-7 billion.
In June, Pernia disclosed to the Inquirer that the government was looking at securing the biggest official development assistance (ODA) from Japan for the subway system that would serve Metro Manila and surrounding areas.
Pernia had said that an estimated $4.4 billion in ODA from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) was in the pipeline to finance the Mega Manila subway project.
The Neda chief had said that they were expecting below 1-percent interest for the Jica loan payable over 20 years with a 15-year grace period.
According to the government’s “Build, Build, Build” website, the Department of Transportation-led subway project will connect major business hubs as well as government centers in Metro Manila through a 25-kilometer underground mass transportation system connecting Quezon City and Taguig City.
Meanwhile, the Department of Finance also yesterday enjoined local government units (LGUs) to tap a P2.58-billion revolving facility for projects to be undertaken through the public-private partnership (PPP) mode.
“The Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF) can be utilized not only by LGUs but other national government agencies as well for fund support in conducting prefeasibility and feasibility studies, project structuring, preparation of bid documents and project monitoring for their proposed PPP initiatives,” the DOF said in a statement.
“Managed by the PPP Center, the PDMF also provides probity advisory services to ensure fairness, accountability and transparency in the procurement process for PPP projects,” the DOF added.
The PDMF started with a P300-million revolving fund and a $6-million (approximately P300 million) initial contribution from the Australian government. The Australian grant is administered by the Asian Development Bank.
The fund has since grown to about P2.58 billion as of end-July, according to the DOF, citing a recent report by the Privatization Office to Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III.
Read more: http://business.inquirer.net/236296/govt-fast-track-subway-plan#ixzz4rvTf8Dog
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook
Sad story of MRT3
The sad story that is the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) still has no happy ending in sight. More than a year since the Duterte administration promised to ease the plight of commuters, the fate of the train system traversing Edsa remains unclear.
The deterioration of the train system during the past administration has made it notorious for endless passenger queues and regular breakdowns, such that it became a campaign issue in the 2016 presidential election.
It’s not as if the government is doing nothing to fix the mess. Perhaps the problem has become so complicated that there is no single solution to it.
Aside from poor upkeep (due to frequent changes in maintenance contractors), there is the side issue of ownership as the government wants to take over from private shareholders.
Then there is this unsolicited proposal from private groups to rehabilitate MRT3. More importantly, there is the unusual quiet on the part of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on what it has in mind for the train system.
Last week, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. revived an offer to buy out the government’s stake in MRT3. That offer was made in 2011 but was not acted upon as the Aquino administration decided to pursue the buyout itself, but failed.
This time, Metro Pacific boss Manuel V. Pangilinan seemed more optimistic about its P12.5-billion rehabilitation and upgrading proposal. Pangilinan was referring to the government’s interest in the privately held Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC), the corporate owner of MRT3 led by Robert John Sobrepeña.
According to Pangilinan, his group conducted several meetings, at Metro Pacific’s initiative, with government representatives last month.
Ayala Corp. has also signaled its interest in joining Metro Pacific in its offer to rehabilitate MRT3, which serves about half a million passengers a day.
Ayala and Metro Pacific jointly operate the Light Rail Transit Line 1, which will be extended from Baclaran to Niog, Bacoor City by 2021. LRT1 serves around 400,000 commuters a day.
However, also last week, the private shareholders of MRT3 wanted President Duterte to step in and back their own bid to rehabilitate the congested railway line on Edsa.
MRTC president Frederick Parayno disclosed that his group had directly written Mr. Duterte due to the “inaction” of the DOTr on its $150-million offer to rehabilitate MRT3. He claimed that the main objective of MRTC’s proposal was to “fast-track” MRT3’s rehabilitation and bring back long-time maintenance provider Sumitomo Corp. of Japan.
It was during the Aquino administration that Sumitomo was replaced by various other groups, including the current maintenance provider, Busan Universal Rail Inc., which MRTC said was partly to blame for MRT3’s current condition. Aside from acknowledging receipt of the letter proposal submitted in April, the official said the DOTr has not replied to MRTC.
The government and MRTC are already embroiled in various legal cases involving the late payment of equity rentals and the acquisition by the previous Department of Transportation and Communications of new trains from China’s Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock Co.
Dalian had completed the delivery of 48 train coaches. But the DOTr noted in March that these could not be deployed due to power supply issues and the need to install a new signalling system required for the trains to operate safely.
As it stands now, the government is unclear on what path to take regarding MRT3. The DOTr cannot take forever to make a decision on this pressing problem that has long affected Metro Manila commuters. It must choose the best solution to MRT3’s deteriorating condition.
First, it must decide soon between the rehabilitation offers of the original stockholders — those people now entangled in legal disputes with the government — and the Metro Pacific-Ayala consortium that seems to be successfully rehabilitating and expanding LRT1. Commuters have long been suffering and deserve a break as soon as possible.
The deterioration of the train system during the past administration has made it notorious for endless passenger queues and regular breakdowns, such that it became a campaign issue in the 2016 presidential election.
It’s not as if the government is doing nothing to fix the mess. Perhaps the problem has become so complicated that there is no single solution to it.
Aside from poor upkeep (due to frequent changes in maintenance contractors), there is the side issue of ownership as the government wants to take over from private shareholders.
Then there is this unsolicited proposal from private groups to rehabilitate MRT3. More importantly, there is the unusual quiet on the part of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on what it has in mind for the train system.
Last week, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. revived an offer to buy out the government’s stake in MRT3. That offer was made in 2011 but was not acted upon as the Aquino administration decided to pursue the buyout itself, but failed.
This time, Metro Pacific boss Manuel V. Pangilinan seemed more optimistic about its P12.5-billion rehabilitation and upgrading proposal. Pangilinan was referring to the government’s interest in the privately held Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC), the corporate owner of MRT3 led by Robert John Sobrepeña.
According to Pangilinan, his group conducted several meetings, at Metro Pacific’s initiative, with government representatives last month.
Ayala Corp. has also signaled its interest in joining Metro Pacific in its offer to rehabilitate MRT3, which serves about half a million passengers a day.
Ayala and Metro Pacific jointly operate the Light Rail Transit Line 1, which will be extended from Baclaran to Niog, Bacoor City by 2021. LRT1 serves around 400,000 commuters a day.
However, also last week, the private shareholders of MRT3 wanted President Duterte to step in and back their own bid to rehabilitate the congested railway line on Edsa.
MRTC president Frederick Parayno disclosed that his group had directly written Mr. Duterte due to the “inaction” of the DOTr on its $150-million offer to rehabilitate MRT3. He claimed that the main objective of MRTC’s proposal was to “fast-track” MRT3’s rehabilitation and bring back long-time maintenance provider Sumitomo Corp. of Japan.
It was during the Aquino administration that Sumitomo was replaced by various other groups, including the current maintenance provider, Busan Universal Rail Inc., which MRTC said was partly to blame for MRT3’s current condition. Aside from acknowledging receipt of the letter proposal submitted in April, the official said the DOTr has not replied to MRTC.
The government and MRTC are already embroiled in various legal cases involving the late payment of equity rentals and the acquisition by the previous Department of Transportation and Communications of new trains from China’s Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock Co.
Dalian had completed the delivery of 48 train coaches. But the DOTr noted in March that these could not be deployed due to power supply issues and the need to install a new signalling system required for the trains to operate safely.
As it stands now, the government is unclear on what path to take regarding MRT3. The DOTr cannot take forever to make a decision on this pressing problem that has long affected Metro Manila commuters. It must choose the best solution to MRT3’s deteriorating condition.
First, it must decide soon between the rehabilitation offers of the original stockholders — those people now entangled in legal disputes with the government — and the Metro Pacific-Ayala consortium that seems to be successfully rehabilitating and expanding LRT1. Commuters have long been suffering and deserve a break as soon as possible.
MPIC unit allots P700 M for Cavitex expansion
Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) unit Cavitex Infrastructure Corp. (CIC) is looking to spend P700 million to expand the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (Cavitex).
CIC president Luigi Bautista said in a briefing yesterday the company is investing about P700 million for enhancements at the Cavitex.
“We submitted the project information memorandum. This is like an investment proposal to TRB (Toll Regulatory Board) [in the] first quarter of this year. We haven’t received approval yet,” he said.
He said the expansion would involve adding one lane in each direction of the Cavitex.
“When we build that, imagine the convenience it will create. It will address 12 percent of existing volume,” he said.
An average of 140,000 vehicles use the Cavitex daily.
Apart from adding lanes, Bautista said CIC is also building a flyover along the expressway so that those coming from the south going to Pacific Drive would no longer have to stop at the traffic light.
The company is likewise improving the road surface of Pacific Drive or from R-1 to Macapagal.
Bautista said the expansion work could be completed within eight months once the firm secures approval from the government.
CIC wants to expand the Cavitex given fast growth in traffic volume.
Aside from the expansion at the Cavitex, it is also implementing other measures in the short-term to address the congestion in nearby entry points and exits of the tollway.
Among the short-term measures is the segregation of lanes with electronic toll collection lanes clustered to the right-most part of the toll plaza and the cash lanes on the left wing to help motorists plan their ingress to the toll road and eliminate lane swerving.
CIC is also undertaking a campaign to encourage motorists to shift to electronic toll payments from cash to prevent long queues at the toll plaza.
Aside from the Cavitex, MPIC operates other tollways such as the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.
It is working on other tollway projects such as NLEX-South Luzon Expressway Connector Road, NLEX-Harbor Link Segment 10, Cavite-Laguna Expressway, C-5 South Link and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway.
http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/09/05/1735778/mpic-unit-allots-p700-m-cavitex-expansion
CIC president Luigi Bautista said in a briefing yesterday the company is investing about P700 million for enhancements at the Cavitex.
“We submitted the project information memorandum. This is like an investment proposal to TRB (Toll Regulatory Board) [in the] first quarter of this year. We haven’t received approval yet,” he said.
He said the expansion would involve adding one lane in each direction of the Cavitex.
“When we build that, imagine the convenience it will create. It will address 12 percent of existing volume,” he said.
An average of 140,000 vehicles use the Cavitex daily.
Apart from adding lanes, Bautista said CIC is also building a flyover along the expressway so that those coming from the south going to Pacific Drive would no longer have to stop at the traffic light.
The company is likewise improving the road surface of Pacific Drive or from R-1 to Macapagal.
Bautista said the expansion work could be completed within eight months once the firm secures approval from the government.
CIC wants to expand the Cavitex given fast growth in traffic volume.
Aside from the expansion at the Cavitex, it is also implementing other measures in the short-term to address the congestion in nearby entry points and exits of the tollway.
Among the short-term measures is the segregation of lanes with electronic toll collection lanes clustered to the right-most part of the toll plaza and the cash lanes on the left wing to help motorists plan their ingress to the toll road and eliminate lane swerving.
CIC is also undertaking a campaign to encourage motorists to shift to electronic toll payments from cash to prevent long queues at the toll plaza.
Aside from the Cavitex, MPIC operates other tollways such as the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.
It is working on other tollway projects such as NLEX-South Luzon Expressway Connector Road, NLEX-Harbor Link Segment 10, Cavite-Laguna Expressway, C-5 South Link and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway.
http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/09/05/1735778/mpic-unit-allots-p700-m-cavitex-expansion
Sen. Villar on ‘In The Heart Of Business’
Despite her very busy schedule as chairman of various committees in the Senate, Sen. Cynthia Villar didn’t have qualms accepting Roni Merk’s invitation to co-host “In The Heart Of Business.” This year is a new radio program that airs every Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on DWIZ 882. The show offers listeners a wide opportunity to know more about business and discusses varied topics on how one can start a business venture and become successful.
Aside from Sen. Villar and Merk, a bank executive and business communications specialist, the show also has as co-host seasoned broadcaster Marou Sarne, a KBP Golden Dove awardee who previously hosted “Business Is Our Business.”
Sen. Villar hosts every Tuesday. “She has a lot of programs and we discuss it on air,” Merk said. “Senator Villar talks about programs for farmers for every town, group and city. At present, she is on her way to accrediting over a thousand farm schools.”
Other segments on the radio show are “Insights” with seasoned business communications professional and professor Bong Osorio, travel and tourism, real estate, current news report on the stock market, health and wellness, and one by the Veterans Bank, among others.
At present, “In The Heart Of Business” airs for one hour, three times a week on DWIZ. The station is owned and managed by Edgar Cabangon, son of Ambassador Antonio Cabangon-Chua.
• • •
‘My Puhunan’ turns four
A barrio boy turned international fashion designer, a grillery chain owner who started out as a waiter, a mother and son whose neighborhood burger joint has grown into a full-fledged franchise – they are just three of the many successful Filipino entrepreneurs who have been featured by Karen Davila on ABS-CBN’s “My Puhunan.”
Now on its fourth year, the program continues to transform the lives of many Filipinos by encouraging them to start their own businesses even with just a small capital. Just like “Lugaw Queen” Beverly Aquino, who started with only P1,000 capital and now earning more than P50,000 a day.
“What I love about the show is that it changes the mindset of Filipinos that you need to work overseas to earn money and prosper. We show them that even with a small capital or through using one’s gift of gab or talent, one can be successful. I am learning from the program myself and now I want to have my own business,” Karen shared.
To celebrate its fourth anniversary, Davila and the program recently brought their “Kabuhayan Caravan” to a barangay in Caloocan to conduct livelihood seminars for people in search of new or additional source of income for their families.
Among those who became successful entrepreneurs through “My Puhunan” include Joemel Calma who is dressing up celebrities abroad and Remilly Co, who now has over 20 branches of her cake brand.
“My Puhunan” airs Tuesdays, 9:30 p.m. on DZMM TeleRadyo and after “Bandila” on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD.
• • •
Aside from Sen. Villar and Merk, a bank executive and business communications specialist, the show also has as co-host seasoned broadcaster Marou Sarne, a KBP Golden Dove awardee who previously hosted “Business Is Our Business.”
Sen. Villar hosts every Tuesday. “She has a lot of programs and we discuss it on air,” Merk said. “Senator Villar talks about programs for farmers for every town, group and city. At present, she is on her way to accrediting over a thousand farm schools.”
Other segments on the radio show are “Insights” with seasoned business communications professional and professor Bong Osorio, travel and tourism, real estate, current news report on the stock market, health and wellness, and one by the Veterans Bank, among others.
At present, “In The Heart Of Business” airs for one hour, three times a week on DWIZ. The station is owned and managed by Edgar Cabangon, son of Ambassador Antonio Cabangon-Chua.
• • •
‘My Puhunan’ turns four
A barrio boy turned international fashion designer, a grillery chain owner who started out as a waiter, a mother and son whose neighborhood burger joint has grown into a full-fledged franchise – they are just three of the many successful Filipino entrepreneurs who have been featured by Karen Davila on ABS-CBN’s “My Puhunan.”
Now on its fourth year, the program continues to transform the lives of many Filipinos by encouraging them to start their own businesses even with just a small capital. Just like “Lugaw Queen” Beverly Aquino, who started with only P1,000 capital and now earning more than P50,000 a day.
“What I love about the show is that it changes the mindset of Filipinos that you need to work overseas to earn money and prosper. We show them that even with a small capital or through using one’s gift of gab or talent, one can be successful. I am learning from the program myself and now I want to have my own business,” Karen shared.
To celebrate its fourth anniversary, Davila and the program recently brought their “Kabuhayan Caravan” to a barangay in Caloocan to conduct livelihood seminars for people in search of new or additional source of income for their families.
Among those who became successful entrepreneurs through “My Puhunan” include Joemel Calma who is dressing up celebrities abroad and Remilly Co, who now has over 20 branches of her cake brand.
“My Puhunan” airs Tuesdays, 9:30 p.m. on DZMM TeleRadyo and after “Bandila” on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD.
• • •
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Sept. 5, go to Reps. Rudy Fariñas and Gilbert Cesar A. Remulla, Solar Group’s head honcho Wilson Tieng, Dr. Amable “King” Aguiluz V, Jojo Zabarte, Princess Anne Timbang, Tessie Amparo, Loretta Galang, Mayen L. Saporsantos, US-based Eliza Gotico, Bobby del Rosario, Patricia Panlilio, Mags Gahol, Brian Homoroc, Mona Esguerra, Janina M. dela Peña, Baby Atienza, Evangeline Pio de Roda-Sy, Margie Ongkeko of Manulife, and Priscilla Meirelles (Mrs. John Estrada)…Belated b-day greetings to Chellouz Valdez, Terrence Perez, Leo Consul, Ariel Rivera and Alexandra Germay Marcelo Oxales (Sept. 1)…Sept. 6: awarded director Jeffrey Jeturian, Mylene Dizon, UP Prof. Letty H. Tison, Joanne de Asis-Benitez, Annie Salonga, Sylvia Lina, Ma. Cristina Herella, Rosie Romey, Rodrigo V. Palma of California, Cecile Tiangco, Gerard K. Gozon, Ditas Hilario, Ricky Barbiero, Anna Cecilia “AC” S. Javier, Prof. Rene Durian, Sonia Nunez, Ed de Leon, Liwayway C. Bartolome of Bakersfield, CA, Ed de Leon, Carmen Yorac Cheung, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Ronnie Nolasco, Marjory Acosta Tagarao, James Dionisio, Joyce So, John Manalo of Star Magic and Kaye Villagomez… It’s Rev. Fr. Cornelio L. Matanguihan’s priesthood anniversary today…
Monday, September 4, 2017
Group bullish on MRT 3 rehab plan
Infrastructure holding firm Metro Pacific Investments Corp. is optimistic on the Duterte administration’s evaluation of its P12-billion unsolicited proposal to rehabilitate the Metro Railway Transit (MRT 3) traversing Edsa.
The new MRT 3 proposal—in partnership with conglomerate Ayala Corp., which is also part of the consortium handling the Light Railway Transit 1 (LRT 1) rehabilitation and extension project—also separately seeks to buy out the government’s economic interest in MRT 3.
In a panel discussion during the Shareholders Association of the Philippines (SharePHIL) meeting last week, MPIC president Jose Ma. Lim said that given his group’s involvement in the LRT 1 project, there had been interactive exchanges with the transportation department in the last year.
“I find that in today’s administration, the openness of the economic team is much more improved compared to the previous administration,” Lim said. “So I think there is a way that the private sector can influence government and change their thinking,” he said, adding that the private sector would just have to be patient in explaining its proposals.
Citing the LRT 1 consortium’s interactive exchanges with the government, Lim said this was why the group was emboldened to resubmit a proposal for MRT 3 even when it did not seem to take off the first time around.
Due to the progress made in LRT 1, he also suggested that the government appeared to be more receptive this time.
“Our sense is there are people in government who listen to the private sector— and it’s a question of getting your message across to them,” Lim said.
Citing the group’s submission of a revised MRT 3 rehabilitation proposal, Lim said: “The experience we had is after presenting it to them, within three days, a technical working group was formed to evaluate the program. We never had this kind of quick reaction before from the administration in the past. I think that’s because the economic team is open to suggestions.”
Even in the long-running tariff adjustment dispute involving the tollroads operated by MPIC, Lim said authorities seemed “open to finding ways to settle without having to go through arbitration process.”
In 2014, Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC)—a joint venture company of MPIC’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp., AC Infrastructure and the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure’s Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd.—signed a concession agreement with the government on the P65-billion LRT 1 extension to Cavite as well as an operation and maintenance agreement for the existing railway.
The P12-billion project estimate for MRT 3 proposal refers only to the rehabilitation of existing railways, signalling system and rolling stock. If and when the consortium bags the project, additional investment is needed to purchase new trains and continue the modernization program.
MRT 3, which has a daily ridership of 400,000, has been prone to breakdowns and other glitches. Compared to LRT 1, which uses 35-year-old trains, however, MRT 3 is a much newer elevated railway infrastructure.
Since LRMC officially took over operations of LRT 1, the consortium has successfully restored 27 Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs), bringing the total available to 104 as of end-June 2017.
LRMC served an average daily ridership of 429,915 in the first half of 2017, an improvement of 6 percent from the average daily ridership of 405,568 recorded in the same period last year. During the first half of 2017, the highest recorded daily ridership reached a record high of 536,000 from 2016 highest of 527,000.
The LRT 1 consortium is seen on schedule with its rail replacement project, having finished 87 percent of the work to change 32-year-old tracks as of July 2017. The rail replacement project covers 26 kilometers of rail tracks that, when completed, will enable the reinstatement of a train running speed of 60 kilometers an hour to shorten journey times and thus increase capacity.
In March 2017, the LRT 1 Structural Restoration Project was given the notice to proceed with a target completion in two years. This project, a major component to enhanced passenger safety, includes the restoration of 36-year-old parapets, faulty concrete and repair of river bridges of the railway. This project also complements the ongoing P500-million Station Improvement Project.
LRMC inaugurated the Doroteo Jose Station in February 2017 and is refurbishing all the remaining stations. This is expected to be completed by the first half of 2018.
http://business.inquirer.net/236246/group-bullish-mrt-3-rehab-plan
The new MRT 3 proposal—in partnership with conglomerate Ayala Corp., which is also part of the consortium handling the Light Railway Transit 1 (LRT 1) rehabilitation and extension project—also separately seeks to buy out the government’s economic interest in MRT 3.
In a panel discussion during the Shareholders Association of the Philippines (SharePHIL) meeting last week, MPIC president Jose Ma. Lim said that given his group’s involvement in the LRT 1 project, there had been interactive exchanges with the transportation department in the last year.
“I find that in today’s administration, the openness of the economic team is much more improved compared to the previous administration,” Lim said. “So I think there is a way that the private sector can influence government and change their thinking,” he said, adding that the private sector would just have to be patient in explaining its proposals.
Citing the LRT 1 consortium’s interactive exchanges with the government, Lim said this was why the group was emboldened to resubmit a proposal for MRT 3 even when it did not seem to take off the first time around.
Due to the progress made in LRT 1, he also suggested that the government appeared to be more receptive this time.
“Our sense is there are people in government who listen to the private sector— and it’s a question of getting your message across to them,” Lim said.
Citing the group’s submission of a revised MRT 3 rehabilitation proposal, Lim said: “The experience we had is after presenting it to them, within three days, a technical working group was formed to evaluate the program. We never had this kind of quick reaction before from the administration in the past. I think that’s because the economic team is open to suggestions.”
Even in the long-running tariff adjustment dispute involving the tollroads operated by MPIC, Lim said authorities seemed “open to finding ways to settle without having to go through arbitration process.”
In 2014, Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC)—a joint venture company of MPIC’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp., AC Infrastructure and the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure’s Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd.—signed a concession agreement with the government on the P65-billion LRT 1 extension to Cavite as well as an operation and maintenance agreement for the existing railway.
The P12-billion project estimate for MRT 3 proposal refers only to the rehabilitation of existing railways, signalling system and rolling stock. If and when the consortium bags the project, additional investment is needed to purchase new trains and continue the modernization program.
MRT 3, which has a daily ridership of 400,000, has been prone to breakdowns and other glitches. Compared to LRT 1, which uses 35-year-old trains, however, MRT 3 is a much newer elevated railway infrastructure.
Since LRMC officially took over operations of LRT 1, the consortium has successfully restored 27 Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs), bringing the total available to 104 as of end-June 2017.
LRMC served an average daily ridership of 429,915 in the first half of 2017, an improvement of 6 percent from the average daily ridership of 405,568 recorded in the same period last year. During the first half of 2017, the highest recorded daily ridership reached a record high of 536,000 from 2016 highest of 527,000.
The LRT 1 consortium is seen on schedule with its rail replacement project, having finished 87 percent of the work to change 32-year-old tracks as of July 2017. The rail replacement project covers 26 kilometers of rail tracks that, when completed, will enable the reinstatement of a train running speed of 60 kilometers an hour to shorten journey times and thus increase capacity.
In March 2017, the LRT 1 Structural Restoration Project was given the notice to proceed with a target completion in two years. This project, a major component to enhanced passenger safety, includes the restoration of 36-year-old parapets, faulty concrete and repair of river bridges of the railway. This project also complements the ongoing P500-million Station Improvement Project.
LRMC inaugurated the Doroteo Jose Station in February 2017 and is refurbishing all the remaining stations. This is expected to be completed by the first half of 2018.
http://business.inquirer.net/236246/group-bullish-mrt-3-rehab-plan
Why De La Salle University uses the colors green and white
De La Salle University's colors are green and white since the former originated from the national colors of Ireland, where the founding fathers of the De La Salle Brothers in the Philippines came from, while the latter represents the Philippines since it is known as the "Pearl of the Orient Seas", thus the use of the color "pearly white"
New LRT 1 coaches on target
Light Rail Manila Corp., a consortium led by Ayala Corp and Metro Pacific Investments Corp., is optimistic the auction for the supply of new light rail vehicles of the LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension will be competed by November this year.
“We are happy with the outcome, at least its not a failed bidding. Based on the timeline it looks like they will be able to meet the November 14 procurement,” LRMC president and chief executive Rogelio Singson said.
“I think there should be enough time... we are happy with the progress it’s a matter of DOTr agreeing with the final evaluation of the financial and technical proposals,” he added.
The Department of Transportation is evaluating the technical and financial proposals of Marubeni Corp and Mitsubishi Corp. for the P30-billion contract to supply 120 brand-new light rail vehicles for the oldest metro rail transit in Southeast Asia.
The winning bid will cover the coaches, design, production, verification, delivery, testing, commissioning, technical support materials associated with the operation and maintenance of the vehicles and training for maintenance staff, engineers and operators.
The 120 LRVs will be configured into 30 four-car train sets to allow the rail line to accommodate up to 750,000 passengers daily.
Transportation in March last year declared the bidding for 120 LRVs a failure after no offers were received by the agency from Japanese companies.
Marubeni and Sumitomo earlier expressed interest to participate in the auction for the procurement of 120 brand-new cars for LRT Line 1.
The government allocated P30 billion for the 120 new coaches of the LRT Line 1 under the P64.9-billion LRT Line 1 Cavite extension project, which was awarded to Light Rail Manila Corp.
LRMC will construct the Cavite extension over the next four and a half years, making the entire line operational by the fourth quarter of 2020.
LRMC, a joint venture between Ayala and Metro Pacific, has been operating and maintaining the LRT-1 system since the functions were handed over by the Light Rail Transit Authority on September 12, 2015.
LRTA remains the regulator of the railway while Transportation is the implementing agency of the 32-year public-private partnership concession agreement with LRMC.
The consortium would spend over P40 billion to rehabilitate and expand LRT Line 1.
Eight new stations will be provided with three intermodal facilities across Pasay City, Parañaque City, Las Piñas City and Cavite.
http://thestandard.com.ph/business/biz-plus/246084/new-lrt-1-coaches-on-target.html
“We are happy with the outcome, at least its not a failed bidding. Based on the timeline it looks like they will be able to meet the November 14 procurement,” LRMC president and chief executive Rogelio Singson said.
“I think there should be enough time... we are happy with the progress it’s a matter of DOTr agreeing with the final evaluation of the financial and technical proposals,” he added.
The Department of Transportation is evaluating the technical and financial proposals of Marubeni Corp and Mitsubishi Corp. for the P30-billion contract to supply 120 brand-new light rail vehicles for the oldest metro rail transit in Southeast Asia.
The winning bid will cover the coaches, design, production, verification, delivery, testing, commissioning, technical support materials associated with the operation and maintenance of the vehicles and training for maintenance staff, engineers and operators.
The 120 LRVs will be configured into 30 four-car train sets to allow the rail line to accommodate up to 750,000 passengers daily.
Transportation in March last year declared the bidding for 120 LRVs a failure after no offers were received by the agency from Japanese companies.
Marubeni and Sumitomo earlier expressed interest to participate in the auction for the procurement of 120 brand-new cars for LRT Line 1.
The government allocated P30 billion for the 120 new coaches of the LRT Line 1 under the P64.9-billion LRT Line 1 Cavite extension project, which was awarded to Light Rail Manila Corp.
LRMC will construct the Cavite extension over the next four and a half years, making the entire line operational by the fourth quarter of 2020.
LRMC, a joint venture between Ayala and Metro Pacific, has been operating and maintaining the LRT-1 system since the functions were handed over by the Light Rail Transit Authority on September 12, 2015.
LRTA remains the regulator of the railway while Transportation is the implementing agency of the 32-year public-private partnership concession agreement with LRMC.
The consortium would spend over P40 billion to rehabilitate and expand LRT Line 1.
Eight new stations will be provided with three intermodal facilities across Pasay City, Parañaque City, Las Piñas City and Cavite.
http://thestandard.com.ph/business/biz-plus/246084/new-lrt-1-coaches-on-target.html
Sunday, September 3, 2017
Filipinos tap GPS to change rail system
A Filipino team has developed a GPS-powered, cloud-based information system that allows passengers to see the trains’ status, location, arrival and departure schedule. Soon, the team plans to use the same technology to overhaul the train signaling system currently used across the world.
The Passenger Assist Rail Display System or Pards, designed by Filipino tech company TrackMate Business Solutions Inc., drew admiration from passengers of Light Rail Transit Line 2 where about 400 screens are already installed onboard to inform them about the status and locations of trains. Pards uses the global positioning system, a satellite-based navigation, to track the trains and put the information on high-definition screen.
A team of European rail executives will visit the Philippines this month to check the system and study how it can be replicated around the world.
“It is a GPS and graphic interface. Basically, we can give information on speed, location and other important information that you can find using GPS. The premise for the whole thing is that commuters are complaining a lot on social media about the trains and we realize that the bottomline is that they do not know what is happening. We aim to solve that by creating a communication line between the train operator and the passengers. Hence, we created the project Pards,” TrackMate marketing manager Cielo Remorin says in an interview.
“It is like a TV network and signaling system combined together. We have 10 screens per coach, or 40 screens per train, or a total of 400 in LRT Line 2,” says Lemuel dela Cruz, the 44-year-old chief executive of TrackMate.
TrackMate installed Pards along LRT 2 at no cost to the government, says Remorin. Its business model is based on sponsorships by companies that want to promote products or services through commercials or ads on the system.
Dan Palami, chief executive of railway engineering company Autre Porte Global Inc., says Pards has the potential to become a full-blown train signaling system that can bring down the cost of railway operation.
“When they presented it to me, on the commercial side, I told them it offers a much bigger potential in signaling system,” Palami says. “The ballpark figure for a train signaling system is probably $70 million. With this, we are looking at maybe a maximum of $20 million for the system.”
Several companies are now reportedly looking at GPS-powered solutions as the next stage of train signaling system, in place of traditional axle counter sensors which are costly and which take a lot of time to install.
TrackMate has already submitted an application for a utility model intellectual property right for Pards to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines.
Remorin says as a passenger information system, it can flash information on the screen such as the expected time of arrival, expected time of departure and actual location of the train. “If the train operators have a quick announcement that they want to do in real-time, we can do that,” she says.
TrackMate is an information technology company based in Madrigal Business Park in Alabang, Muntinlupa City which employs 40 professionals to provide GPS solutions to transport and logistics companies.
“We really are engaged in creating software to manage trucks, buses that are powered by GPS. That system is now applied to trains. What you see on the screen is real-time. It has a location component. Passengers would be able to know where the train is in real time,” Remorin says.
She says the first phase of the project—the installation of a dynamic, onboard passenger information display system across all train sets was completed in June, while the second phase involves the release of mobile application for passengers and Light Rail Transit Authority to monitor train schedule and passenger flow.
The project also includes installation of a command center that allows LRTA to monitor train performance, passenger flow, with actual images, in real time.
“The fun part is the command center [for operators]. Anywhere they are, the officials can check the snapshots from CCTV and actual status of the train on their smartphones. We also have a map that summarizes the line. We can set parameters on what need their attention,” Remorin says.
Remorin says that aside from LRT Line 2, TrackMate also presented the project to Light Rail Manila Corp., the operator of LRT Line 1, and the response was positive.
A passenger satisfaction survey of the three rail lines—MRT 3, LRT Line 1 and LRT Line 2—show that commuters using LRT Line 2 are the most satisfied. “LRT Line 2 topped the survey. And Pards is one of the components mentioned by satisfied passengers,” says Palami.
Palami says a new signaling system based on Pards can easily replace the old system used along MRT 3. The new trains from China cannot be deployed on the line, because their designs are not compatible with the current signaling system which is used to guide the original Czech-made trains.
“We can solve the problem of compatibility. Even if new trains arrive, we can integrate them in our new signaling system. It is at present an information system, but it can migrate to a signaling system because it is GPS based,” says Palami. “When I saw the technology, we studied it and we have been able to come up with a better version that it could actually allow the system to become a signaling system.”
“Signaling system is a safety feature to manage the traffic of trains so that they will not collide with one another. The signaling system, through the control center, will show the distance between the trains and where all the trains are. When the trains are nearing the other trains, there is a red light warning the driver that he is not supposed to go. The driver has to follow that and stop. If the driver does not follow, the automatic train protection will kick in that will force the emergency brake,” says Palami.
Palami says Pards can fulfill all those functions. Under its proposal, TrackMate will equip all trains with GPS devices and will build its own communication network for better coverage. “We will know where all the trains are,” he says.
Dela Cruz says it is TrackMate that first harnessed the potential of GPS for the use of train operators and passengers. “Two years ago, we presented the idea to Singapore. They saw its potential for signaling system, but it took them two years. Now, they are also doing a pilot project,” he says.
At the moment, Remorin says passengers will benefit a lot from Pards as an information system. “We can inform passengers once a train breaks down. We can also show the flow of passengers. Awareness is what we are trying to achieve. Services become better if passengers are well informed,” she says.
http://thestandard.com.ph/business/power-technology/246025/filipinos-tap-gps-to-change-rail-system.html
The Passenger Assist Rail Display System or Pards, designed by Filipino tech company TrackMate Business Solutions Inc., drew admiration from passengers of Light Rail Transit Line 2 where about 400 screens are already installed onboard to inform them about the status and locations of trains. Pards uses the global positioning system, a satellite-based navigation, to track the trains and put the information on high-definition screen.
A team of European rail executives will visit the Philippines this month to check the system and study how it can be replicated around the world.
“It is a GPS and graphic interface. Basically, we can give information on speed, location and other important information that you can find using GPS. The premise for the whole thing is that commuters are complaining a lot on social media about the trains and we realize that the bottomline is that they do not know what is happening. We aim to solve that by creating a communication line between the train operator and the passengers. Hence, we created the project Pards,” TrackMate marketing manager Cielo Remorin says in an interview.
“It is like a TV network and signaling system combined together. We have 10 screens per coach, or 40 screens per train, or a total of 400 in LRT Line 2,” says Lemuel dela Cruz, the 44-year-old chief executive of TrackMate.
TrackMate installed Pards along LRT 2 at no cost to the government, says Remorin. Its business model is based on sponsorships by companies that want to promote products or services through commercials or ads on the system.
Dan Palami, chief executive of railway engineering company Autre Porte Global Inc., says Pards has the potential to become a full-blown train signaling system that can bring down the cost of railway operation.
“When they presented it to me, on the commercial side, I told them it offers a much bigger potential in signaling system,” Palami says. “The ballpark figure for a train signaling system is probably $70 million. With this, we are looking at maybe a maximum of $20 million for the system.”
Several companies are now reportedly looking at GPS-powered solutions as the next stage of train signaling system, in place of traditional axle counter sensors which are costly and which take a lot of time to install.
TrackMate has already submitted an application for a utility model intellectual property right for Pards to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines.
Remorin says as a passenger information system, it can flash information on the screen such as the expected time of arrival, expected time of departure and actual location of the train. “If the train operators have a quick announcement that they want to do in real-time, we can do that,” she says.
TrackMate is an information technology company based in Madrigal Business Park in Alabang, Muntinlupa City which employs 40 professionals to provide GPS solutions to transport and logistics companies.
“We really are engaged in creating software to manage trucks, buses that are powered by GPS. That system is now applied to trains. What you see on the screen is real-time. It has a location component. Passengers would be able to know where the train is in real time,” Remorin says.
She says the first phase of the project—the installation of a dynamic, onboard passenger information display system across all train sets was completed in June, while the second phase involves the release of mobile application for passengers and Light Rail Transit Authority to monitor train schedule and passenger flow.
The project also includes installation of a command center that allows LRTA to monitor train performance, passenger flow, with actual images, in real time.
“The fun part is the command center [for operators]. Anywhere they are, the officials can check the snapshots from CCTV and actual status of the train on their smartphones. We also have a map that summarizes the line. We can set parameters on what need their attention,” Remorin says.
Remorin says that aside from LRT Line 2, TrackMate also presented the project to Light Rail Manila Corp., the operator of LRT Line 1, and the response was positive.
A passenger satisfaction survey of the three rail lines—MRT 3, LRT Line 1 and LRT Line 2—show that commuters using LRT Line 2 are the most satisfied. “LRT Line 2 topped the survey. And Pards is one of the components mentioned by satisfied passengers,” says Palami.
Palami says a new signaling system based on Pards can easily replace the old system used along MRT 3. The new trains from China cannot be deployed on the line, because their designs are not compatible with the current signaling system which is used to guide the original Czech-made trains.
“We can solve the problem of compatibility. Even if new trains arrive, we can integrate them in our new signaling system. It is at present an information system, but it can migrate to a signaling system because it is GPS based,” says Palami. “When I saw the technology, we studied it and we have been able to come up with a better version that it could actually allow the system to become a signaling system.”
“Signaling system is a safety feature to manage the traffic of trains so that they will not collide with one another. The signaling system, through the control center, will show the distance between the trains and where all the trains are. When the trains are nearing the other trains, there is a red light warning the driver that he is not supposed to go. The driver has to follow that and stop. If the driver does not follow, the automatic train protection will kick in that will force the emergency brake,” says Palami.
Palami says Pards can fulfill all those functions. Under its proposal, TrackMate will equip all trains with GPS devices and will build its own communication network for better coverage. “We will know where all the trains are,” he says.
Dela Cruz says it is TrackMate that first harnessed the potential of GPS for the use of train operators and passengers. “Two years ago, we presented the idea to Singapore. They saw its potential for signaling system, but it took them two years. Now, they are also doing a pilot project,” he says.
At the moment, Remorin says passengers will benefit a lot from Pards as an information system. “We can inform passengers once a train breaks down. We can also show the flow of passengers. Awareness is what we are trying to achieve. Services become better if passengers are well informed,” she says.
http://thestandard.com.ph/business/power-technology/246025/filipinos-tap-gps-to-change-rail-system.html
Saturday, September 2, 2017
Finally, a good ban!
It seems that the tobacco industry's world just got smaller, at least over here in the Philippines. Last Tuesday saw the start of the ban on all tobacco/cigarette ads on radio, television and all forms of print media. The Philippines has followed other countries, decision to totally ban all forms of advertisements related to smoking. I was informed that in Formula 1 racing, tobacco ads on the race cars and on the track have been forbidden for years, delivering a blow to all the teams that compete as tobacco companies make up a large chunk of their sponsorship funds. We all know how Ferrari is associated with Marlboro, and McLaren-Mercedes with West cigarettes. Now, the places where you would normally see their logos are blank, with only hints of what they once were.
I believe that this move is a step in the right direction. Out of sight, out of mind. Tobacco smoking has long been blamed for an array of ailments, from a simple cough to the more deadly cancers. And it is not without basis. It has been proven that cigarette smoking is indeed hazardous to one's health, and to others as well. The latter part of the statement has been the strongest point of health advocates in furthering their cause, even crusade. Cigarette packs have long since carried the surgeon general's warning. This latest move banning cigarette ads is another victory of sorts. Smoking has long been banned on commercial flights, in malls and practically all restaurants, even some bars like those in Makati. And all with good reason, as these particular ads more often than not, target the youth. Get them while they're young, so to speak.
Have you ever seen an ad wherein the smoker is approached by a not so pretty woman? Or does the smoker drive a jalopy, instead of a flashy, blood red sports car? Has he ever ridden a mule, instead of a thoroughbred? Or is he rowing a small boat, instead of standing on top of an 80-footer sailboat or speeding on a jet ski? Noooooo. The good, luxurious life has always been associated with smoking, at least that's what the ads want you to believe. And no minds are more susceptible to suggestion than that of the youth. Who doesn't want a life of a rugged cowboy, or a secret agent, or even a philandering, carefree billionaire? The youth are also often times influenced by their peers. This is also true with smoking. A smoking parent will more likely have a child who smokes.
Read more at https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2008/07/05/71025/finally-good-ban#lv0wyDFpzhxVslu5.99
I believe that this move is a step in the right direction. Out of sight, out of mind. Tobacco smoking has long been blamed for an array of ailments, from a simple cough to the more deadly cancers. And it is not without basis. It has been proven that cigarette smoking is indeed hazardous to one's health, and to others as well. The latter part of the statement has been the strongest point of health advocates in furthering their cause, even crusade. Cigarette packs have long since carried the surgeon general's warning. This latest move banning cigarette ads is another victory of sorts. Smoking has long been banned on commercial flights, in malls and practically all restaurants, even some bars like those in Makati. And all with good reason, as these particular ads more often than not, target the youth. Get them while they're young, so to speak.
Have you ever seen an ad wherein the smoker is approached by a not so pretty woman? Or does the smoker drive a jalopy, instead of a flashy, blood red sports car? Has he ever ridden a mule, instead of a thoroughbred? Or is he rowing a small boat, instead of standing on top of an 80-footer sailboat or speeding on a jet ski? Noooooo. The good, luxurious life has always been associated with smoking, at least that's what the ads want you to believe. And no minds are more susceptible to suggestion than that of the youth. Who doesn't want a life of a rugged cowboy, or a secret agent, or even a philandering, carefree billionaire? The youth are also often times influenced by their peers. This is also true with smoking. A smoking parent will more likely have a child who smokes.
Read more at https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2008/07/05/71025/finally-good-ban#lv0wyDFpzhxVslu5.99
Namfrel reiterates call for barangay, SK polls to push through
The House of Representatives has approved on second reading House Bill 5224 seeking to strengthen the rules on the proper use and display of the country’s national symbols, including the Philippine flag, and the rendition of the national anthem.
The bill seeks to repeal Republic Act 8491, also known as the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines,” in light of contemporary changes in attitudes and idioms. It also aims to instill love of country and underscore the importance of complying with standard expressions of respect for the country’s national symbols.
Rep. Maximo Rodriguez, Jr. (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City), a principal author of the bill, said despite the existence of RA 8491, many Filipinos do not accord the respect due the Philippine flag and the national anthem.
Rodriguez said RA 8491 provides that reverence and respect shall at all times be accorded the flag, the national anthem, and other national symbols which embody the national ideals and which express the principles of sovereignty and national solidarity.
“The national flag is the symbol of the country while the national anthem embodies and expresses the aspirations, dreams, ideals, longings, commitment and determination, nationalism and patriotism, sentiment and spirit of the people. One simple way to inculcate nationalism and patriotism, not just to the youth but to Filipinos of all ages, is to emphasize the importance of saluting the national flag and the singing of the Philippine national anthem,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez, chairman of the House committee on Mindanao affairs, said disrespecting the national anthem, which is a violation of the law, usually happens in cinemas where moviegoers do not even stand when the national anthem is being played.
House Bill 5224, also known as the proposed “Revised Flag and Heraldic Code” seeks to strengthen the rules on the proper use and display of the country’s national symbols and the rendition of the national anthem.
It declares it is a State policy that reverence and respect shall at all times be accorded the flag, the national anthem, and other national symbols which embody the national ideals and traditions and which express the principles of sovereignty and national solidarity.
The bill further declares that the heraldic items and devices shall seek to manifest the national virtues and to inculcate in the minds and hearts of the people a just pride in their native land, fitting respect and affection for the national flag and anthem, and the proper use of the national motto, coat-of-arms, and other heraldic items and devices.
One of the salient features of the bill is that it expands the coverage of the penal provision to include administrative penalties for administrative offenses. Any public official or employee who violates any of the provisions of the Act shall be punished, in accordance with Rule 10 of the Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service, without prejudice to the filing of an appropriate criminal case, the bill provides.
The jurisdiction of a government agency or department over cases involving administrative offenses shall be in accordance with Rule 2, Section 9 of the Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service.
Moreover, any person who, or entity which violates any of the provisions of the Act, shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of P50,000 to P100,000, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, at the discretion of the court.
For any second and additional offenses, both fine and imprisonment shall always be imposed. In case the violation is committed by a juridical person, its President or Chief Executive Officer shall be liable.
Meanwhile, those who fail or refuse to observe the provisions of the Act and violate the corresponding rules and regulations issued by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) shall, after probe, notice and hearing, be penalized by public censure to be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation.
Likewise, the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED), upon the recommendation of the NHCP and after the proper notice and hearing, shall cause the cancellation of the recognition or permit of any private educational institution which fails or refuses to observe the provisions of the Act for the second time.
The bill prescribes the design of the national flag such that the flag of the Philippines shall be blue, white and red with an eight-rayed golden-yellow sun and three five-pointed stars, as consecrated and honored by the people.
The flag shall be hoisted or displayed in all public buildings, official residences, public plazas, and institutions of learning every Monday to Friday throughout the year.
The flag should be permanently displayed or hoisted day and night, throughout the year, and in front of the following: Malacañang Palace; Senate of the Philippines building; House of Representatives building; Supreme Court building; Rizal Monument in Luneta; Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; Barasoain Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan; Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; LIbingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City Metro Manila; all memorials dedicated to the veterans of the military, Musoleo de los Veteranos dela Revolucion in the North Cemetery, City of Manila; Marcela Agoncillo historical landmark in Taal, Batangas; Pinaglabanan historical Landmark in San Juan City, Metro Manila; all international ports of entry; and all other places as may be designated and marked by the NHCP.
The flag shall be flown also on all seafaring vessels of Philippine registry.
The bill also provides a standard protocol when the Philippine flag is flown or displayed with another flag. When the Philippine flag is flown with another flag, the flags, if both are national flags, must be flown on separate staffs of the same height and shall be of equal size.
The Philippine flag shall be to the left of the observer and hoisted first and lowered last.
The flag shall be replaced immediately by the concerned agency/institution/office when it begins to show signs of wear and tear. A flag that is worn out through wear and tear shall not be thrown away. It shall be turned over to the appropriate Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts Local Council Committee in the nearest school which shall in turn conduct proper disposal rites to avoid misuse or desecration of the worn-out flag. The manner of disposal of the worn-out flag shall be in accordance with the rules to be issued by the NHCP.
The bill also provides for the mandatory singing of the national anthem during flag ceremony in all government offices and educational institutions.
It expands the coverage of government officials and personnel wherein the flag shall be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning on the day of official announcement of the death of any of the following officials: the President or a former President, the incumbent and former Vice President, Chief Justice, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, the incumbent and former members of the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, the Senate or the House of Representatives, the incumbent and former elected LGU officials; and an incumbent public school teacher.
Other authors of HB 5224 are Reps. Christopher Vera Perez De Venecia (4th District, Pangasinan), Marlyn B. Alonte-Naguiat (Lone District, Biñan City) Victoria Isabel G.Noel (Party-list, AN WARAY), Jose Christopher Y. Belmonte (6th District, Quezon City), Deogracias Victor B. Savellano (1st District, Ilocos Sur), Sandra Y. Eriguel (2nd District, La Union), Pablo C. Ortega (1st District, La Union), Ana Katrina M. Enverga (1st District, Quezon),Lianda B. Bolilia (4th District, Batangas), Rosanna Vergara (3rd District, Nueva Ecija), Ron P. Salo (Party-list, KABAYAN), Mark O. Go (Lone District, Baguio City), Cecilia Leonila V. Chavez (Party-list,BUTIL), Luisa Lloren Cuaresma (Lone District, Nueva Vizcaya), Divina Grace C. Yu (1st District, Zamboanga del Sur), Vilma Santos-Recto (6th District, Batangas City), Giona Labadlabad (2nd District, Zamboanga del Norte), Ana Cristina S. Go (2nd District, Isabela) and Celso L. Lobregat (1st District, Zamboanga City). / ICY JR.
http://congress.gov.ph/press/details.php?pressid=10015
The bill seeks to repeal Republic Act 8491, also known as the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines,” in light of contemporary changes in attitudes and idioms. It also aims to instill love of country and underscore the importance of complying with standard expressions of respect for the country’s national symbols.
Rep. Maximo Rodriguez, Jr. (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City), a principal author of the bill, said despite the existence of RA 8491, many Filipinos do not accord the respect due the Philippine flag and the national anthem.
Rodriguez said RA 8491 provides that reverence and respect shall at all times be accorded the flag, the national anthem, and other national symbols which embody the national ideals and which express the principles of sovereignty and national solidarity.
“The national flag is the symbol of the country while the national anthem embodies and expresses the aspirations, dreams, ideals, longings, commitment and determination, nationalism and patriotism, sentiment and spirit of the people. One simple way to inculcate nationalism and patriotism, not just to the youth but to Filipinos of all ages, is to emphasize the importance of saluting the national flag and the singing of the Philippine national anthem,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez, chairman of the House committee on Mindanao affairs, said disrespecting the national anthem, which is a violation of the law, usually happens in cinemas where moviegoers do not even stand when the national anthem is being played.
House Bill 5224, also known as the proposed “Revised Flag and Heraldic Code” seeks to strengthen the rules on the proper use and display of the country’s national symbols and the rendition of the national anthem.
It declares it is a State policy that reverence and respect shall at all times be accorded the flag, the national anthem, and other national symbols which embody the national ideals and traditions and which express the principles of sovereignty and national solidarity.
The bill further declares that the heraldic items and devices shall seek to manifest the national virtues and to inculcate in the minds and hearts of the people a just pride in their native land, fitting respect and affection for the national flag and anthem, and the proper use of the national motto, coat-of-arms, and other heraldic items and devices.
One of the salient features of the bill is that it expands the coverage of the penal provision to include administrative penalties for administrative offenses. Any public official or employee who violates any of the provisions of the Act shall be punished, in accordance with Rule 10 of the Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service, without prejudice to the filing of an appropriate criminal case, the bill provides.
The jurisdiction of a government agency or department over cases involving administrative offenses shall be in accordance with Rule 2, Section 9 of the Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service.
Moreover, any person who, or entity which violates any of the provisions of the Act, shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of P50,000 to P100,000, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, at the discretion of the court.
For any second and additional offenses, both fine and imprisonment shall always be imposed. In case the violation is committed by a juridical person, its President or Chief Executive Officer shall be liable.
Meanwhile, those who fail or refuse to observe the provisions of the Act and violate the corresponding rules and regulations issued by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) shall, after probe, notice and hearing, be penalized by public censure to be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation.
Likewise, the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED), upon the recommendation of the NHCP and after the proper notice and hearing, shall cause the cancellation of the recognition or permit of any private educational institution which fails or refuses to observe the provisions of the Act for the second time.
The bill prescribes the design of the national flag such that the flag of the Philippines shall be blue, white and red with an eight-rayed golden-yellow sun and three five-pointed stars, as consecrated and honored by the people.
The flag shall be hoisted or displayed in all public buildings, official residences, public plazas, and institutions of learning every Monday to Friday throughout the year.
The flag should be permanently displayed or hoisted day and night, throughout the year, and in front of the following: Malacañang Palace; Senate of the Philippines building; House of Representatives building; Supreme Court building; Rizal Monument in Luneta; Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; Barasoain Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan; Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; LIbingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City Metro Manila; all memorials dedicated to the veterans of the military, Musoleo de los Veteranos dela Revolucion in the North Cemetery, City of Manila; Marcela Agoncillo historical landmark in Taal, Batangas; Pinaglabanan historical Landmark in San Juan City, Metro Manila; all international ports of entry; and all other places as may be designated and marked by the NHCP.
The flag shall be flown also on all seafaring vessels of Philippine registry.
The bill also provides a standard protocol when the Philippine flag is flown or displayed with another flag. When the Philippine flag is flown with another flag, the flags, if both are national flags, must be flown on separate staffs of the same height and shall be of equal size.
The Philippine flag shall be to the left of the observer and hoisted first and lowered last.
The flag shall be replaced immediately by the concerned agency/institution/office when it begins to show signs of wear and tear. A flag that is worn out through wear and tear shall not be thrown away. It shall be turned over to the appropriate Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts Local Council Committee in the nearest school which shall in turn conduct proper disposal rites to avoid misuse or desecration of the worn-out flag. The manner of disposal of the worn-out flag shall be in accordance with the rules to be issued by the NHCP.
The bill also provides for the mandatory singing of the national anthem during flag ceremony in all government offices and educational institutions.
It expands the coverage of government officials and personnel wherein the flag shall be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning on the day of official announcement of the death of any of the following officials: the President or a former President, the incumbent and former Vice President, Chief Justice, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, the incumbent and former members of the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, the Senate or the House of Representatives, the incumbent and former elected LGU officials; and an incumbent public school teacher.
Other authors of HB 5224 are Reps. Christopher Vera Perez De Venecia (4th District, Pangasinan), Marlyn B. Alonte-Naguiat (Lone District, Biñan City) Victoria Isabel G.Noel (Party-list, AN WARAY), Jose Christopher Y. Belmonte (6th District, Quezon City), Deogracias Victor B. Savellano (1st District, Ilocos Sur), Sandra Y. Eriguel (2nd District, La Union), Pablo C. Ortega (1st District, La Union), Ana Katrina M. Enverga (1st District, Quezon),Lianda B. Bolilia (4th District, Batangas), Rosanna Vergara (3rd District, Nueva Ecija), Ron P. Salo (Party-list, KABAYAN), Mark O. Go (Lone District, Baguio City), Cecilia Leonila V. Chavez (Party-list,BUTIL), Luisa Lloren Cuaresma (Lone District, Nueva Vizcaya), Divina Grace C. Yu (1st District, Zamboanga del Sur), Vilma Santos-Recto (6th District, Batangas City), Giona Labadlabad (2nd District, Zamboanga del Norte), Ana Cristina S. Go (2nd District, Isabela) and Celso L. Lobregat (1st District, Zamboanga City). / ICY JR.
http://congress.gov.ph/press/details.php?pressid=10015
Fun-filled Sunday with ‘All-Star Videoke’
GMA Network launches tomorrow the new “All-Star Videoke” with Solenn Heussaff and Betong Sumaya as hosts. They promise to give a show that’s twice the fun and excitement.
Because of her love for music and singing, Solenn is eager for the show to begin. “Ito talaga ’yung first hosting gig ko sa GMA Entertainment so iba ’yung feeling kasi sobrang bongga ’yung preparations sa lahat. Nandu’n ’yung pressure but also the excitement kasi I really like music and singing so dito magagawa ko talaga ’yun.”
On the other hand, Betong said, “Natutuwa ako kasi kami ni Solenn ’yung pinagkatiwalaan ng GMA dito sa napakalaking project na ito. As we all know, inaabangan talaga ito ng viewers noon, ’di ba? Sobra ’yung excitement ko kasi following the footsteps of Allan K., Jaya and Arnell Ignacio, ang laki ng shoes to fill in so I feel blessed and challenged at the same time.”
The game features six celebrity contestants vying to outwit one another by filling in the missing words on a song in a videoke-type presentation.
• • •
Going global, giving back
Now on its third year, World Class Excellence Japan Awards (WCEJA) will be held on Sept. 4 at the Hilton Fukuoka Seahawk Hotel. Founded by Filipino-Japanese multi-awarded performer, beauty queen and civic leader Emma Toba (Emma Cordero) in 2015, WCEJA) seeks to recognize personalities who have excelled in their respective fields in Japan, the Philippines, and other countries.
In WCEJA, Emma saw an opportunity to fuse her passion for recognizing great talents and helping out those in need.
All proceeds of the WCEJA will go to civic programs and scholarships granted by the Ai Wo Agetai (“I Wanna Give Love”) Foundation (also known as NPO Houjin in Japan); and to help the Voice of an Angel Foundation (VOAA) Philippines’ less-fortunate scholars at the Our Lady of Fatima de San Pedro School in San Pedro City
Some WCEJA awardees include Filipino singing icons Freddie Aguilar and Imelda Papin, Katrina Paula and Marjorie Jalosjos.
Just recently, Emma also established the King & Queen of VOAA Universe International which will be held on Sept. 3 at the Sun Palace Hotel in Fukuoka.
• • •
Because of her love for music and singing, Solenn is eager for the show to begin. “Ito talaga ’yung first hosting gig ko sa GMA Entertainment so iba ’yung feeling kasi sobrang bongga ’yung preparations sa lahat. Nandu’n ’yung pressure but also the excitement kasi I really like music and singing so dito magagawa ko talaga ’yun.”
On the other hand, Betong said, “Natutuwa ako kasi kami ni Solenn ’yung pinagkatiwalaan ng GMA dito sa napakalaking project na ito. As we all know, inaabangan talaga ito ng viewers noon, ’di ba? Sobra ’yung excitement ko kasi following the footsteps of Allan K., Jaya and Arnell Ignacio, ang laki ng shoes to fill in so I feel blessed and challenged at the same time.”
The game features six celebrity contestants vying to outwit one another by filling in the missing words on a song in a videoke-type presentation.
• • •
Going global, giving back
Now on its third year, World Class Excellence Japan Awards (WCEJA) will be held on Sept. 4 at the Hilton Fukuoka Seahawk Hotel. Founded by Filipino-Japanese multi-awarded performer, beauty queen and civic leader Emma Toba (Emma Cordero) in 2015, WCEJA) seeks to recognize personalities who have excelled in their respective fields in Japan, the Philippines, and other countries.
In WCEJA, Emma saw an opportunity to fuse her passion for recognizing great talents and helping out those in need.
All proceeds of the WCEJA will go to civic programs and scholarships granted by the Ai Wo Agetai (“I Wanna Give Love”) Foundation (also known as NPO Houjin in Japan); and to help the Voice of an Angel Foundation (VOAA) Philippines’ less-fortunate scholars at the Our Lady of Fatima de San Pedro School in San Pedro City
Some WCEJA awardees include Filipino singing icons Freddie Aguilar and Imelda Papin, Katrina Paula and Marjorie Jalosjos.
Just recently, Emma also established the King & Queen of VOAA Universe International which will be held on Sept. 3 at the Sun Palace Hotel in Fukuoka.
• • •
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Sept. 2, go to Gen. Alexander Aguirre, Rey “PJ” Abellana, Amado Tan, Ronnie Villar, Chit Javier Tmbang, Neneng Abaquin, Nona Panlilio, Steffi del Rosario, Prof. Noel de Guzman, Jessica Casas-Luzande, Timoteo Bernaldez of PCSO GM’s office, Dona Bayota, Fanny Blanco, Aly Nepomuceno of Doha, Qatar greetings from Jovy Hernandez-Alimon of San Pablo, Laguna, Kakai Bautista, Cecile Catalan Legaspi, Jonathan Morales, Carlo Guevarra and Ricky Carandang… Sept. 3: Sen. Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Nonoy Zuñiga, Aristeo Demavivas, Malu Barry, Dr. Gary Sy, Lito Galang, Danny Mañalac, Cecille N. Bello, Romy Navarro, Ma. Cristina S. Timbol, Bong Panlilio, Mona Aquino Ventura, Nene Rogacion, Babot Armas of New York, Jam Morales of California, Patricia Evangelista, MB’s Ronniel de Guzman and Aris Ilagan and Daphne Cortes of Star Magic… Happy wedding anniversary to Rep. Jorge and Baby Banal…Belated b-day greetings to Fe Monalisa Chico, Mel Lopez, Ariel Rivera, Azenith Briones, Philip Cruz, Edd Baluyot, Dr. Jazmine V. Gongora, Dennis Mendiola, Jon Avila, Alex Pili and Emma Borja (Sept. 1)…Sept. 4: BB Gandanghari (formerly Rustom Padilla), Amanda E. Layug, singer Rowell Quizon, Stauro Punongbayan, Olay Rullan, Eirish Cheng, Lyndon Constantino Lim, Ashley Pauline S. Gatdula, Marilyn Legaspi, Liza Margarette B. Lumauig, Rizalino Fraga, Jong Fernandez, Jojo Jose and Ericson “Padz” Puduit…
Friday, September 1, 2017
House approves national ID system
Written by Jester P. Manalastas
THE national identification system (House Bill 6221) was passed at the end of period of debates at the plenary, according to House Committee on Population and Family Relations chair Laguna Rep. Sol Aragones.
It was former President now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who headed the technical working group in consolidating several version of national id system bills.
“Sa Section 14 po ng ating panukalang batas, inaatasan ang Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) na makipag-coordinate sa Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) at National Privacy Commission (NPC) para maisaayos ang implementasyon ng Fil Sys hinggil sa organizational, physical, and technical security measures na dinisenyo upang tugunan ang risks na involved dito.
“Magkakaroon po ng system para sa protection against natural dangers gaya ng accidental loss or destruction at human dangers gaya ng unlawful access, fraudulent misuse, alteration and contamination ng data,” Aragones said.
Under the bill, access to the FilSys shall be restricted to personnel of the PSA, DICT, NPC, and other implementing agencies that have the appropriate security clearance and shall be limited to the extent necessary for the performance of their respective functions relative to the FilSys.
During the interpellation, the issue on whether police authorities can access the database was also raised.
According to the oppositors of the measure, this can be exploited by authorities by prying into the lives of Filipinos registered under the FilSys through a continuous surveillance.
Aragones, who is also one of the principal authors of the bill, allayed fears surrounding the possibility of being profiled and unduly investigated by police authorities using the unified database system.
Aragones said information stored in the FilSys will not be given to third parties except for certain circumstances enumerated in the proposed bill.
“Walang probisyon sa panukalang-batas na nagbibigay sa kapulisan ng access sa Fil Sys dahil sa right to privacy na nakapaloob sa ating Saligang Batas.
“Ayon po sa Section 13, walang sinuman ang puwedeng mag-disclose o mag-disseminate o magbigay ng personal data na registered sa Fil Sys sa third parties kasama na po d’yan ang law enforcement agencies, national security agencies o AFP, maliban na lamang po sa mga sumusunod: una, kung nagbigay ng consent at inauthorize mismo ng holder ng Fil ID ang pagbibigay ng kanyang personal data; pangalawa, kung may accident, disaster, o fortuitous event, at kailangan malaman ang medical history ng isang tao gaya ng blood type at special medcial needs; ikatlo, kung ang interes ng public health or safety ang nakasalalay; at ikaapat, kung may kautusan na galing sa korte,” Aragones explained.
Aragones added that all applicable laws, including RA 10173 or the Data Privacy Act, will be fully observed in cases of unauthorized or unlawful processing and disclosure of any information registered with the FilSys.
She pointed out that any information obtained as a result of unlawful acts previously mentioned shall be inadmissible in any judicial proceedings and cannot be held against the holder of the FilID or the other person involved.
Under Section 16 of the proposed bill, [t]he biometric data shall be accepted in case a cardholder fails to present the FilID when transacting business with the government and shall not be a ground to deny or limit the grant of basic government service as long as such transaction allows the non-presentation of the FilID.
When passed into law, the FilSys shall prioritize the registration of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICC/IPs), persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) beneficiaries.
http://www.journal.com.ph/news/nation/house-approves-national-id-system
THE national identification system (House Bill 6221) was passed at the end of period of debates at the plenary, according to House Committee on Population and Family Relations chair Laguna Rep. Sol Aragones.
It was former President now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who headed the technical working group in consolidating several version of national id system bills.
“Sa Section 14 po ng ating panukalang batas, inaatasan ang Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) na makipag-coordinate sa Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) at National Privacy Commission (NPC) para maisaayos ang implementasyon ng Fil Sys hinggil sa organizational, physical, and technical security measures na dinisenyo upang tugunan ang risks na involved dito.
“Magkakaroon po ng system para sa protection against natural dangers gaya ng accidental loss or destruction at human dangers gaya ng unlawful access, fraudulent misuse, alteration and contamination ng data,” Aragones said.
Under the bill, access to the FilSys shall be restricted to personnel of the PSA, DICT, NPC, and other implementing agencies that have the appropriate security clearance and shall be limited to the extent necessary for the performance of their respective functions relative to the FilSys.
During the interpellation, the issue on whether police authorities can access the database was also raised.
According to the oppositors of the measure, this can be exploited by authorities by prying into the lives of Filipinos registered under the FilSys through a continuous surveillance.
Aragones, who is also one of the principal authors of the bill, allayed fears surrounding the possibility of being profiled and unduly investigated by police authorities using the unified database system.
Aragones said information stored in the FilSys will not be given to third parties except for certain circumstances enumerated in the proposed bill.
“Walang probisyon sa panukalang-batas na nagbibigay sa kapulisan ng access sa Fil Sys dahil sa right to privacy na nakapaloob sa ating Saligang Batas.
“Ayon po sa Section 13, walang sinuman ang puwedeng mag-disclose o mag-disseminate o magbigay ng personal data na registered sa Fil Sys sa third parties kasama na po d’yan ang law enforcement agencies, national security agencies o AFP, maliban na lamang po sa mga sumusunod: una, kung nagbigay ng consent at inauthorize mismo ng holder ng Fil ID ang pagbibigay ng kanyang personal data; pangalawa, kung may accident, disaster, o fortuitous event, at kailangan malaman ang medical history ng isang tao gaya ng blood type at special medcial needs; ikatlo, kung ang interes ng public health or safety ang nakasalalay; at ikaapat, kung may kautusan na galing sa korte,” Aragones explained.
Aragones added that all applicable laws, including RA 10173 or the Data Privacy Act, will be fully observed in cases of unauthorized or unlawful processing and disclosure of any information registered with the FilSys.
She pointed out that any information obtained as a result of unlawful acts previously mentioned shall be inadmissible in any judicial proceedings and cannot be held against the holder of the FilID or the other person involved.
Under Section 16 of the proposed bill, [t]he biometric data shall be accepted in case a cardholder fails to present the FilID when transacting business with the government and shall not be a ground to deny or limit the grant of basic government service as long as such transaction allows the non-presentation of the FilID.
When passed into law, the FilSys shall prioritize the registration of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICC/IPs), persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) beneficiaries.
http://www.journal.com.ph/news/nation/house-approves-national-id-system
MRT 3 rehab pushed
The private shareholders of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 want President Duterte to step in and support their bid to rehabilitate the congested railway line along Edsa.
Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC) said yesterday that it had directly written Mr. Duterte, prompted by the “inaction” of the Department of Transportation on an earlier $150-million offer to rehabilitate MRT-3, which is prone to breakdowns.
MRTC is led by a group of investors led by businessman Robert Sobrepeña. It also has government shareholders, which control a minority voting position.
The main objective of MRTC’s offer is to “fast-track” MRT-3’s rehabilitation and bring back long-time maintenance provider Sumitomo Corp. of Japan.
It was during the Aquino administration that Sumitomo was replaced by various other groups, including the current maintenance provider, Busan Universal Rail Inc., which MRTC said was partly to blame for MRT-3’s current condition.
“The solution submitted by MRTC is for the full rehabilitation and maintenance of the trains in order to restore the system to accommodate over 550,000 passengers per day and allow effective capacity expansion,” MRTC president Frederick Parayno said.
It said the letter to Mr. Duterte was prompted by the lack of action or response from the DOTr on its proposal submitted in April.
“Aside from acknowledging receipt of the letter proposal, DOTr has not given MRTC any reply,” Parayno said.
A DOTr official did not immediately comment on the issue. In a letter to the MRTC dated May 5, 2017, DOTr assistant secretary for legal affairs Leah Quiambao said the offer was under study.
She added that the DOTr’s review “shall be without prejudice to our position that the proposal shall not stall, delay or otherwise postpone” ongoing arbitration proceedings between MRTC and the government.
MRTC and the government are embroiled in various legal cases involving the late payment of equity rentals and the acquisition by the previous Department of Transportation and Communications of new trains from China’s Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock Co.
Dalian had completed the delivery of 48 train coaches. However, the DOTr said in March that most of these could not be deployed, citing power supply issues and the need to install a new signalling system required for the trains to operate safely.
In its letter to Mr. Duterte, MRTC said accepting its proposal would also aid accountability given the restoration of a “single point of responsibility” regime.
“The Single Point of Responsibility is an element of MRTC’s contract with Sumitomo that holds the maintenance provider liable for any and all breakdowns and glitches in the MRT-3 system, leaving no room for excuses or finger pointing,” MRTC said.
Part of the offer included the acquisition of spare parts worth $50 million. It added that the offer comes at no cost to the government and can be implemented rapidly since it was allowed under its build lease transfer agreement with the government.
Read more: http://business.inquirer.net/236117/mrt-3-rehab-pushed#ixzz4rdhu5L6B
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook
Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC) said yesterday that it had directly written Mr. Duterte, prompted by the “inaction” of the Department of Transportation on an earlier $150-million offer to rehabilitate MRT-3, which is prone to breakdowns.
MRTC is led by a group of investors led by businessman Robert Sobrepeña. It also has government shareholders, which control a minority voting position.
The main objective of MRTC’s offer is to “fast-track” MRT-3’s rehabilitation and bring back long-time maintenance provider Sumitomo Corp. of Japan.
It was during the Aquino administration that Sumitomo was replaced by various other groups, including the current maintenance provider, Busan Universal Rail Inc., which MRTC said was partly to blame for MRT-3’s current condition.
“The solution submitted by MRTC is for the full rehabilitation and maintenance of the trains in order to restore the system to accommodate over 550,000 passengers per day and allow effective capacity expansion,” MRTC president Frederick Parayno said.
It said the letter to Mr. Duterte was prompted by the lack of action or response from the DOTr on its proposal submitted in April.
“Aside from acknowledging receipt of the letter proposal, DOTr has not given MRTC any reply,” Parayno said.
A DOTr official did not immediately comment on the issue. In a letter to the MRTC dated May 5, 2017, DOTr assistant secretary for legal affairs Leah Quiambao said the offer was under study.
She added that the DOTr’s review “shall be without prejudice to our position that the proposal shall not stall, delay or otherwise postpone” ongoing arbitration proceedings between MRTC and the government.
MRTC and the government are embroiled in various legal cases involving the late payment of equity rentals and the acquisition by the previous Department of Transportation and Communications of new trains from China’s Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock Co.
Dalian had completed the delivery of 48 train coaches. However, the DOTr said in March that most of these could not be deployed, citing power supply issues and the need to install a new signalling system required for the trains to operate safely.
In its letter to Mr. Duterte, MRTC said accepting its proposal would also aid accountability given the restoration of a “single point of responsibility” regime.
“The Single Point of Responsibility is an element of MRTC’s contract with Sumitomo that holds the maintenance provider liable for any and all breakdowns and glitches in the MRT-3 system, leaving no room for excuses or finger pointing,” MRTC said.
Part of the offer included the acquisition of spare parts worth $50 million. It added that the offer comes at no cost to the government and can be implemented rapidly since it was allowed under its build lease transfer agreement with the government.
Read more: http://business.inquirer.net/236117/mrt-3-rehab-pushed#ixzz4rdhu5L6B
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook
The road not taken
Uber is back.
On August 29, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) lifted the one-month suspension order on the operations of Uber, a transport network company (TNC), after the latter complied with the Php 190 million fine and other remuneration requirements.
LTFRB previously issued a show-cause order to Uber for violating its July 26 halt instruction on accepting new drivers. On August 1, the Board ultimately decided to suspended all operations of the TNC.
When news of the suspension broke, social media grew into a frenzy of agitated and confused Uber patrons. The suggestion of LTFRB officials for commuters to hail taxi cabs as a remedy only added fuel to the fire.
Regular customers of the TNC pointed out that picky drivers and arbitrary rates of taxis are the very reason why they avail of Uber’s services. Soon enough, the debate became a dichotomy between Uber and taxi drivers, as if one side was more deserving to earn than the other.
Pockets of discussions dragged on, but the bigger picture revealed itself in no time. While LTFRB has been riddled with an inept bureaucracy and TNC regulation has the government in talks, the fact remains that the Uber issue is just a minute detail of the public transportation conundrum in the country, particularly in the capital.
Undoubtedly, majority of the populace in Mega Manila cannot afford the services of ride-hailing applications, leaving them with no other option than to rely on mass transit despite issues on inefficiency and safety.
A study reported by Japan International Coordination Agency (JICA) shows that 69% of all the total trips in Metro Manila every day are aboard public transportation. In addition, buses and jeepneys account for 71% of these daily trips. The same JICA report suggests that the solution in easing the transportation dilemma is for railways to take up 41% of the overall transport system.
But with a Metro Rail Transit (MRT) that has proven itself more than capable of having three different trains experience similar glitches in just one day, it is only with hope that projects such as the long-delayed MRT-Light Rail Transit (LRT) Common Station will soon benefit the daily Filipino commuter, not just the pockets of officials.
It is one thing to hear about the dilemmas of riding the MRT, LRT, buses, jeepneys, and other forms of public transportation, it is another to experience them for ourselves. And admittedly, the latter is quite foreign to those who were very vocal on the Uber issue.
While everyone has the right to criticize the actions of the government and demand a better response from them, it may still be appropriate to examine and ask ourselves if we speak out only when we are inconvenienced.
Uber is back. But public transportation woes have never really left us. Why the sudden silence?
http://www.theguidon.com/1112/main/2017/10/road-not-taken/
On August 29, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) lifted the one-month suspension order on the operations of Uber, a transport network company (TNC), after the latter complied with the Php 190 million fine and other remuneration requirements.
LTFRB previously issued a show-cause order to Uber for violating its July 26 halt instruction on accepting new drivers. On August 1, the Board ultimately decided to suspended all operations of the TNC.
When news of the suspension broke, social media grew into a frenzy of agitated and confused Uber patrons. The suggestion of LTFRB officials for commuters to hail taxi cabs as a remedy only added fuel to the fire.
Regular customers of the TNC pointed out that picky drivers and arbitrary rates of taxis are the very reason why they avail of Uber’s services. Soon enough, the debate became a dichotomy between Uber and taxi drivers, as if one side was more deserving to earn than the other.
Pockets of discussions dragged on, but the bigger picture revealed itself in no time. While LTFRB has been riddled with an inept bureaucracy and TNC regulation has the government in talks, the fact remains that the Uber issue is just a minute detail of the public transportation conundrum in the country, particularly in the capital.
Undoubtedly, majority of the populace in Mega Manila cannot afford the services of ride-hailing applications, leaving them with no other option than to rely on mass transit despite issues on inefficiency and safety.
A study reported by Japan International Coordination Agency (JICA) shows that 69% of all the total trips in Metro Manila every day are aboard public transportation. In addition, buses and jeepneys account for 71% of these daily trips. The same JICA report suggests that the solution in easing the transportation dilemma is for railways to take up 41% of the overall transport system.
But with a Metro Rail Transit (MRT) that has proven itself more than capable of having three different trains experience similar glitches in just one day, it is only with hope that projects such as the long-delayed MRT-Light Rail Transit (LRT) Common Station will soon benefit the daily Filipino commuter, not just the pockets of officials.
It is one thing to hear about the dilemmas of riding the MRT, LRT, buses, jeepneys, and other forms of public transportation, it is another to experience them for ourselves. And admittedly, the latter is quite foreign to those who were very vocal on the Uber issue.
While everyone has the right to criticize the actions of the government and demand a better response from them, it may still be appropriate to examine and ask ourselves if we speak out only when we are inconvenienced.
Uber is back. But public transportation woes have never really left us. Why the sudden silence?
http://www.theguidon.com/1112/main/2017/10/road-not-taken/
Enchong and Anj Dee for arena and speedo swimwear
Catch Enchong Dee for arena Swimwear and TIMEX IRONMAN WATCH combo!
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| Enchong Dee |
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| 2011 Nike DLSU Tee (White) |
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| Anj Dee |
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