Are advertisers satisfied with the dubious TV ratings system?

First Word
BY the rules of contemporary journalism, the report that US President Donald Trump called Sen. Antonio Trillanes 4th “a little narco” should now be classified as a factoid.

According to Norman Mailer, who coined the term, a factoid is a fact that had no existence before appearing in a newspaper or magazine. The “little narco” comment has now appeared in several newspapers and been broadcast on TV and radio.

What makes things worse for Trillanes is that there is plausible corroboration from recent historical records.

During the 2016 US presidential campaign, the presidential candidates, Donald Trump and Marco Rubio, exchanged insulting words.


Trump attacked the Florida senator via Twitter: “Little Marco Rubio is just another Washington D.C. politician that is all talk and no action.”

Rubio replied in kind: “Trump is always calling me Little Marco. And I’ll admit he’s taller than me. He’s like 6’2”, which is why I don’t understand why his hands are the size of someone who is 5’2”.”

When Trillanes joined Marco Rubio in Washington for a cabal, little did he know that he was linking with a kindred soul.

When Trump touches down in Manila next week to attend the Asean and East Asia summits, Filipino media will doubtless bring up the “little narco” comment with him and his media staff.

The “little narco” quip, says one report in the Bulletin, was made when Trump was asked by an embedded reporter on Air Force One about Senator Trillanes’ meeting with Senator Rubio.

Based on the source who flew with Trump going home from an official function in Texas, President Trump considered Trillanes a virtual nobody.

Said Trump: “Senator who? Like I said senator who? The li’l narco who met Marco? How did he get a visa? Isn’t he wanted, doesn’t he have an arrest warrant or something?”

Trillanes must console himself with the thought that the brand, which will now tail him everywhere he goes, was stamped on him by a US president.

Are TV ratings fake?
Mainstream media, both broadcast and print, would have a fighting chance of surviving the communications revolution and the onslaughts of online media, if they will only return to the fount of their service to society: reporting the truth of events and developments, and transparency about their own operations.

The point was impressed on me during a conversation with a foreign corporate executive, who asked me 1) why our top TV networks present different and contrasting TV ratings regarding their audience share; and2) why there is still no accredited Audit Bureau of Circulation to authenticate the circulations of local newspapers.

His point is unavoidable. The stakes are very high, running into billions of pesos, particularly in advertising revenues for broadcast media, which is the most dominant and profitable in the country. The value in terms of media’s prestige as a social institution is incalculable, because media, especially print, has constitutional protection.

Newspapers can more easily roll with the problem, because their revenue share is modest compared to the broadcast networks. Their bigger problem is the pervasive erosion of their business by the flight of readers and clients to the Internet.

This week, the nation was treated to the annual ritual of both ABS-CBN and GMA simultaneously boasting that they have respectively won the ratings war against each other, and over the smaller TV networks in the country.

Is it comprehensible for each of them to be on top of the totem pole, and claim bragging rights?

What special manipulation do their favorite market researchers perform so each can claim supremacy?

The question is in order because the market researchers, Kantar Media and AGB Nielsen, have not wavered one bit from their predestined findings, year after year after year.

ABS-CBN triumphant

ABS-CBN of the Lopez Group was the first to announce its victory. It said that it posted an average national audience share of 46 percent in October, up 23 percent compared with rival GMA Network Inc. with 33 percent, according to data from Kantar Media.

ABS-CBN took the lead in all territories, including Mega Manila where it scored an average audience share of 36 percent against GMA’s 34 percent, and in Metro Manila with 41 percent against GMA’s 27 percent.

ABS-CBN also won in Total Luzon with 43 percent compared with GMA’s 34 percent, in Total Visayas with 53 percent against GMA’s 28 percent and in Total Mindanao with 50 percent against GMA’s 33 percent.

ABS-CBN also led other networks across all time blocks in October, including the morning block, where it scored an average audience share of 39 percent against GMA’s 32 percent.

Nine of the 11 most watched programs nationwide in October also belong to ABS-CBN, led by the long-running police drama FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, which recorded a national TV rating of 39.9 percent.

Variety show It’s Showtime, is still the most watched noontime show in the country with a national TV rating of 35.2% on weekdays and 29.5% on Saturdays, against its rival Eat Bulaga which only got 39% on weekdays and 24.2% on Saturdays, ABS-CBN said.

Also in the top 10 were Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin, ASAP, Banana Sundae, Pusong Ligaw, The Promise of Forever, Ipaglaban Mo, TV Patrol, La Luna Sangre, The Good Son, Tonight with Boy Abunda, Bandila, Little Big Shots, I Can See Your Voice, Rated K, Gandang Gabi Vice, Wildflower, Wansapanataym, MMK, Home Sweetie Home and Goin Bulilit.

As of mid-September, ABS-CBN said it sold 3.6 million units of its TVplus digital service, helping drive its terrestrial television penetration in Metro Manila. One in 2 homes in the area have TVplus, according to Kantar.

ABS-CBN also offers content online through iWant TV. The top five most watched programs on the platform in October were La Luna Sangre, Wildflower, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, Pusong Ligaw, and The Good Son.

GMA’s victory

GMA, for its part, reported that it maintained its supremacy in the nationwide television ratings competition in October based on data from Nielsen Phils. TV audience measurement.

According to GMA, its ratings in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM) posted an average total day people audience share of 41.7 percent from October 1 to 28, higher compared with ABS-CBN’s 38.1 percent.

The network also registered winning numbers across all day parts in NUTAM. In the morning block, GMA registered a 38.5 percent people audience share versus ABS-CBN’s 35.9 percent.

In the afternoon line-up, GMA dominated its time block with 45.4 percent as against ABS-CBN’s 37.5 percent. Subsequently, the evening block was also ruled by GMA with 40.2 percent versus the competition’s 39.4 percent.

GMA also beat its rival in Urban Luzon where it had an audience share of 47.2 percent compared to ABS-CBN’s 32.6 percent.

As for Mega Manila, GMA stayed ahead of competition with an audience share of 48.8 percent compared to ABS-CBN’s 29.3 percent.

More Kapuso shows are in the list of top programs in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement.

Pepito Manaloto is the most-watched program for October, also making in the list are Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, 24 Oras, Magpakailanman, Celebrity Bluff, Super Maam, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, 24 Oras Weekend, All-Star Videoke and Alyas Robin Hood.

Also making to the list are the most-watched programs are Wowowin, Ika-6 na Utos, My Korean Jagiya, Bubble Gang, Saksi, Imbestigador, Eat Bulaga, Sunday Pinasaya, Dear Uge, Impostora, Haplos and Tadhana.

Further, GMA’s flagship AM radio station Super Radyo DZBB was also hailed as the listeners’ number one choice in Mega Manila proving GMA’s dominance both in TV and radio.

Based on the latest data from Nielsen Radio Audience Measurement, DZBB garnered a total day average audience share of 32.3 percent in October, which toppled DZMM’s 27.5 percent and DWWW’s 12.6 percent.

The market researchers

These perplexing ratings reports prompted me to look up the credentials of the market researchers who did the survey research.

Kantar Media Research, which did the survey favoring ABS-CBN, is a market research firm in the Philippines specializing in broadcast media. Kantar Media is responsible for audience measurement of television ratings for the entire Philippines.

As of 2017, Kantar Media uses a nationwide panel size of 3,500 urban and rural households, with a respondent base of 10,000 individuals that represent 100 percent of the total Philippine TV viewing population.

The panel reports on seven sectors, namely National Capital Region, Suburbs, North Luzon, Central Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

AGB Nielsen Media Research, or AGB Nielsen, is a market research firm in the Philippines specializing in broadcast media. AGB Nielsen conducts audience measurem ent of television ratings for certain areas in the Philippines, most notably in urban areas.

As of 2013, AGB Nielsen uses a panel size of 1,980 households based solely in urban areas that represent 57 percent of the total Philippine TV viewing population.

In October 2006, AGB Nielsen established the Philippines’ first national television audience measurement panel called the “Nationwide Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM)” that covered 95 percent of urban areas in the country.

On December 20, 2007, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. filed a civil case against AGB Nielsen after ABS-CBN discovered alleged tampering in the ratings in Bacolod. The next day, ABS-CBN reported through their AM station DZMM that AGB Nielsen pointed to GMA Network as the one behind the manipulation of ratings in Bacolod. On January 3, 2008, GMA filed a P15 million libel suit against ABS-CBN and some of its employees. On January 7, 2008, the Quezon City regional trial court (RTC) junked ABS-CBN’s case against AGB Nielsen saying it was “prematurely filed” before the court.

Why isn’t there one TV ratings system in the country that regularly and methodically measure the audience ratings of specific shows and networks? Why are the two measures providing persistently contrasting results.

Why is it that in the US we are informed every month how specific programs and shows and networks outperform one another, even with particular audience segments?

Surely, this is not the fault of Filipino audiences?

The simple answer is that the ratings are being produced by the market researchers on demand by the TV networks. There is plenty of money in this transactional arrangement.

Advertisers’ satisfaction ratings

It struck me while puzzling over the TV ratings maze, that there is one worthwhile satisfaction survey that the Social Weather Stations should be commissioned to conduct as a service to the Filipino public and the business community.

SWS should survey the legions of TV advertisers, big and small, that advertise at great cost on the leading broadcast networks, ABS-CBN and GMA. It should ask companies one by one whether they are satisfied with, or find credible, the TV ratings system that each network parades as proof that it is on top.

yenmakabenta@yahoo.com

Two solons urge MRT3 privatization

Two solons sought the privatization of the operations and management of the MRT3 following the numerous breakdowns it had recently.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian sought for the complete privatization of the operations and management of the trouble-plagued Metro Rail Transit (MRT)-3 that runs from North SM EDSA, Quezon city to Avenue in Pasay city.

“Government is a poor operations manager. Time and time again, we have seen how poorly government operates a business endeavor,’’ Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate economic affairs, issued the statement after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) officially terminated Monday its contract with its service provider Busan Universal Mail Inc. (BURI) because of alleged BURIs’ poor performance.

The DOTr said the Philippine National Railways (PNR) and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) would provide sufficient technical support and expertise for the smooth transition of MRT-3 maintenance work.

Gatchalian cited the cases of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the National Power Corporation (Napocor) and the various airports in the country, where government performance leaves much to be desired.

DOTr Undersecretary Cesar Chavez said there are three international firms that have signified intention to be the next service provider of MRT-3.These are Sumitomo Corporation of Japan; SMRT Corporation of Singapore; and RAPT Development, the service provider of LRT System Line 1.

“Sumitomo is a world-class and experienced company,’’ Gatchalian said.

Under the Aquino administration, DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications) officials threw out its contract with Sumitomo and entered into an agreement with APT Global corporation where one of its board of directors was related to a DOTC official.

After rescinding the contract with APT Global, DOTC awarded the service contract to BURI.

Gatchalian said that it is ‘’about time to kick out BURI.’’

Meanwhile a House leader renewed his call to privatize the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 to make it more reliable and efficient in delivering services to about half a million passengers a day.

Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to ensure that the operations and services of the MRT 3 will be improved following its decision to terminate the maintenance contract with the Busan Universal Rail Inc. (BURI).

“The DOTr should should present to Congress with a viable alternative, if any, now that it has terminated its maintenance contract with BURI. DOTr should show and convince the public that MRT 3 will not further deteriorate its services without a maintenance provider,” he said.

“Now that BURI has vowed to question the termination in court, the legal tussle between the two parties might drag on for months or years which may put MRT 3 services is jeopardy,” he expressed concern.

He expressed hope that the DOTr made a fair-and-square decision when it decided to terminate the contract and to take over the maintenance of the MRT 3.

“Hopefully, the termination is not designed to just eased out BURI and replaced it with a favored maintenance provider,” he said.

According to reports, the government will in the meantime, take over the maintenance services of MRT 3.

“The question is: are there competent technical people that can immediately takeover the maintenance of MRT 3? Second, how long can the government procure all the necessary parts needed to maintain MRT 3 given the very tedious procurement process under Republic Act 9184, or the procurement law,” Evardone, chairman of the House Committee on Banks and Financial Intermediaries pointed out.

He said the DOTr should allay the fears of the public and convince them that with the termination of the maintenance contract, the MRT 3 services will substantially improve to alleviate the plight of the riding public.

“I still maintain that the best option is to totally privatized the MRT 3 to make it more efficient,” he said.

Evardone earlier called on Congress to support the bid of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. to buy out the 77 percent stake of the government in MRT 3.

Metro Pacific chair Manuel V. Pangilinan earlier said they are “prepared” to do the buy-out and rehabilitate and upgrade the MRT-3, which may cost some P12.5 billion

He said no formal offer has been made, and there was no final amount yet.

“To me, this is the best solution to improve the services of MRT 3. MRT 3 should be privatized to make it more efficient as a public mass transport system,” Evardone said..

He also proposed that Congress should immediately pass the bill seeking to establish a single regulatory body for all mass transit facilities. The measure was filed by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.

Ilang proyekto ng pamahalaan, inaasahang matatapos sa susunod na taon

Inaasahang matatapos sa 2018 o sa susunod na taon ang ilang infrastructure projects sa ilalim ng Buid Build Build Program ng Duterte Admnistration.

Kabilang dito ang Cavite Gateway Terminal, Southwest Intermodal Transport Exchange, New Bohol Airport-Panglao, Mactan-Cebu International Airport at ang Light Rail Transit (LRT) 2 East Extension Project.

Nuong Abril matatandaang pinangunahan ng DOTr ang ground breaking ng Cavite Gateway Terminal, ang kauna unahang barge terminal sa bansa kung saan inaasahan pag natapos ang proyekto ay ay mababawasan ang mga dumadaang truck sa Metro Manila.

Dumadaan din sa imporovement & modernization ang ilang pantalan sa bansa tulad ng Iloilo, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Basco, Bataraza, Calapan, Catagbacan, Dapitan, Larena, Legazpi, Makar, Matnog, Opol, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Tubigon, Iligan at Surigao port.

Tuloy tuloy din ang paggawa sa LRT-1 Cavite Extension project maging ang LRT-2 kung saan hanggang Antipolo na ang magiging byahe nito.

Maliban dito, isinusulong din ng DOTr ang pagkakaroon ng subway system sa bansa kung saan inaasahang uumpisahan ang konstruksyon nito sa 2019 at matatapos sa 2025.

Transforming celebrities one eyebrow at a time

Rachelle Ann Go (right) with Jane Pecson

Jane Pecson of Fleek Eyebrow & Beauty Clinic said the trend of having brows on fleek has seen her clinic enjoy increasing demand and flourishing clientele including celebrities.

Some of the famous ones are Kristel Fulgar, MYX VJ, host and model Sunshine Kim, Barbie Imperial, Karen Reyes, Nikki Bagaporo, Nicole Estrada and international singer Rachelle Ann Go.

“Uso ngayon ’yung mga thick eyebrows partly because of international celebrities like the Kardashians and model and actress Cara Delevingne. Now the trend is thick eyebrows pero hindi ’yung ang kapal kapal ng kilay but in a natural way,” explained Jane.

She added that her clinic uses the micro-blading technique. Also popular nowadays are Feather Brows and Bold Brows.

“Our artistas love this look because it looks more natural compared to the old fashion tattoo,” shared Jane.

Fleek has branches at MPlace Mall, SM Mall of Asia and Mega Plaza, Ortigas. Already a year in the business, Jane revealed its plan to open five branches of Fleek clinic every year.

• • •

Special event

Mhelwin Jeremae Rapadas, model of designer Christian Albert Fider

A special event was held recently at Kalye Crisologo in Vigan City, spearheaded by Mayor Juan Carlo Medina. The event was the World Costume Festival 2017 (Vigan and Luzon Leg). Popular designers from the Ilocos region and Pangasinan showcased their fabulous designs through their models who paraded on the ramp.

One of the designers was Christian Albert Fider who’s the pride of Tayug, Pangasinan. Sunflower-inspired gowns were worn by models Mhelwin Rapadas and James Cabote. Christian has been designing and competing in various fashion competitions for the last five years.

• • •

ABS-CBN, GMA contest ratings lead in October

ABS-CBN Corp. maintained its leadership in nationwide television ratings in October, while GMA Network Inc. claimed it won the ratings game in urban households.

In a statement, ABS-CBN said it had an average national audience share of 46 percent in October, higher than GMA’s 33 percent based on data from multinational audience measurement provider Kantar Media.

Kantar Media uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural households to represent the total Philippine TV viewing population.

The Kapamilya network said it dominated all time blocks for October.

In particular, ABS-CBN won in the primetime block (6 p.m. to 12 midnight) as it got a 50 percent audience share, ahead of GMA’s 31 percent.

The primetime block is considered the most important part of the day for advertisers as this is when most Filipinos watch TV.

In Mega Manila, ABS-CBN had an average audience share of 36 percent versus GMA’s 34 percent, while it had a higher audience share of 41 percent compared to GMA’s 27 percent in Metro Manila.

Nine of the 11 most watched programs nationwide in October also belong to ABS-CBN, led by the long-running police drama FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, which recorded a national TV rating of 39.9 percent.

Also in the top 10 were Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin, It’s Showtime, ASAP, Pusong Ligaw, The Promise of Forever, Ipaglaban Mo, TV Patrol, La Luna Sangre, The Good Son, Tonight with Boy Abunda, Little Big Shots, I Can See Your Voice, Wildflower, Wansapanataym, MMK, Home Sweetie Home and Goin Bulilit.

As of mid-September, ABS-CBN said it sold 3.6 million units of its TVplus digital service, helping drive its terrestrial television penetration in Metro Manila. One in 2 homes in the area have TVplus, according to Kantar.

ABS-CBN also offers content online through iWant TV. The top five most watched programs on the platform in October were La Luna Sangre, Wildflower, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, Pusong Ligaw, and The Good Son.

Meanwhile, GMA said in a statement it got a higher average total day audience share of 41.7 percent for the period of Oct.1 to 28 compared with ABS-CBN’s 38.1 percent, based on Nielsen Philippines TV Audience Measurement’s National Urban TV Audience Measurement (NUTAM).

GMA said it also ruled across all day parts in NUTAM as it got a 38.5 percent people audience share as compared to ABS-CBN’s 35.9 percent in the morning block, a 45.4 percent audience share as against ABS-CBN’s 37.5 percent in the afternoon block, and 40.2 percent audience share versus ABS-CBN’s 39.4 percent share in the evening block.

GMA also beat its rival in Urban Luzon where it had an audience share of 47.2 percent compared to ABS-CBN’s 32.6 percent.

As for Mega Manila, GMA stayed ahead of competition with an audience share of 48.8 percent compared to ABS-CBN’s 29.3 percent.

More Kapuso shows are in the list of top programs in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement.

Pepito Manaloto is the most-watched program for October, also making in the list are Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, 24 Oras, Magpakailanman, Celebrity Bluff, Super Maam, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, 24 Oras Weekend, All-Star Videoke and Alyas Robin Hood.


Also making to the list are the most-watched programs are Wowowin, Ika-6 na Utos, My Korean Jagiya, Bubble Gang, Wish Ko Lang, Imbestigador, Eat Bulaga, Sunday Pinasaya, Impostora, Haplos and Tadhana.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 7, go to Gen. Ernesto Mata, Annabel Santiago, Alice Bernal, Erwin Tagle, Coke Nicolás, Roberto Castro, Rommel Gumatay, Dennis Odessa, Claudio Sapo Rapadas, Mickie Joy Hyatt, ABS-CBN’s Aaron Domingo, Maricar de Mesa, and QC Councilor Mayen Juico… Nov. 8: Basil Valdez, Deo Endrinal, Teresita Guiao, Joel Atencio, Jocelyn Poon, Gabriel Ripollet, Lou de Guzman, Karla Pizarro, Venida Viernes, Boysie Agustín, Aida Martínez, Hazel Cabrera, Oliver Volante, and Lauren Young… Condolence to the family of colleague Vir Mateo who died Oct. 26 and was cremated on Nov. 5 and Isabelle Granada who died Nov. 5…

Manila wary of lone wolf attacks after twin US shootings

Following shooting attacks that killed scores of people in Texas and New York in the United States, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada has ordered the city police to see to it that its security measures are fool-proof to ensure the safety of the visiting heads of states attending the upcoming Asean Summit.

Estrada, citing the warning recently aired by Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla, also called on the Manila Police District to be wary of possible sympathetic attacks by individuals or groups still loyal to the defeated Maute-ISIS terrorists in Marawi.

“So far there are no security threats—no actual, direct or imminent threats. But there are intelligence reports that we are closely watching—the possibility of lone wolf attacks,” Estrada warned, quoting MPD director Chief Supt. Joel Coronel.

“We are not being overly suspicious,” Estrada insisted, “but we should listen to the AFP’s advice to be more vigilant and more observant of our surroundings.”

Coronel admitted that such lone wolf attacks, similar to the one carried out by the Uzbekistan-born suspect in the New York terror incident and the lone gunman that went on a shooting spree at a Baptist church in Texas, are possible

“Sympathetic attacks from Marawi, because of the Marawi crisis…. that is a possibility, this is one of the repercussions like what happened in the United States recently… to express sympathy or express support to the Maute Group. We are watching this,” Coronel said.

To protect the City of Manila, he said they have asked the help of the local Muslim communities.

“We are working closely with our Muslim communities through their elders. They are cooperating with us, in fact, helping us in securing the Muslim areas. Hopefully, we will not be infiltrated by the Jihadists or extremists. We are counting on their help, their vigilance in the community,” Coronel added.

As part of preparations for the ASEAN Summit, Coronel announced they will start fielding 2,700 police personnel starting November 5.

They will be part of the 23,000 policemen and soldiers that will compose the ASEAN Security Task Force under the operational control of Director Napoleon Taas.

With this commitment of 2,700 policemen to the ASTF, Coronel said the MPD is left with around 1,400 policemen to protect the city.

“There will be a lot of security convoys. Closures and rerouting will start on November 13 and 14,” he said as he called on the public to stay away from the venues of the ASEAN Summit as far away as possible to avoid inconvenience.

These include the CCP Complex, SM MOA Arena and in Manila, hotels where the foreign delegates and VIPs will be billeted such as Manila Hotel, Manila Diamond Hotel, New World Manila Bay, Pan Pacific, and Century Park Sheraton.

“Since November 13, 14 and 15 are holidays, we recommend that Metro Manila residents visit other places outside of Metro Manila for vacation. That’s our advice,” Coronel said.

http://manilastandard.net/sunday-lgu-section-pdf/ncr/251095/manila-wary-of-lone-wolf-attacks-after-twin-us-shootings.html

DOTr takes over MRT maintenance

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) yesterday  took over the maintenance of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3) following the termination of the P3.8-billion  contract of Busan Universal Railways Inc. (BURI) more than a year ahead of its January 2019 expiry.

DOTr served the final decision to terminate BURI’s  three-year contract involving the   maintenance of the system, general overhaul of 43 light rail vehicles (LRV), total replacement of its signaling system and other additional maintenance works.

In the Nov. 3, 2017 decision,  DOTr secretary Arthur Tugade said BURI failed to address the issues raised in the notice of termination served to the company last Oct. 17,  2017: poor maintenance, failure to put in operation reliable and efficient trains; failure to implement a feasible procurement plan for spare parts and; failure to comply with the contractual requirements of a complete and up to date Computerized Maintenance Management System.

“It cannot be overemphasized that what is at stake here is the welfare and interest of the riding public... This office could not just sit back and wait while watching BURI trifle and flirt with the lives of the commuting public with its substandard performance,” Tugade said.

Along with this, Tugade signed the establishment and composition of the MRT-3 Maintenance Transition Team that will temporarily take over the maintenance works of MRT-3 while the procurement of a new maintenance provider is being processed.

The government will auction off or enter into a negotiated bid with another party which would officially replace BURI as maintenance provider.

In order to avoid service disruptions, DOTr said MRT-3 will absorb the technical personnel from BURI, whose roles are vital in MRT-3 maintenance works.

Other government agencies such as Philippine National Railways and Light Rail Transit Authority have committed to provide sufficient technical support and expertise to ensure the smooth transition of MRT-3 maintenance works.

DOTr  issued the  notice of termination just a week after the Regional Trial Court in Quezon City  ordered DOTr and BURI to proceed with the arbitration proceedings before the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center Inc. to settle their issues over the contract.

BURI in response to that notice said  it will pursue legal battle against the DOTr even as it would abide by the court’s order to pursue arbitration.

BURI meanwhile called for the recall of the notice of termination.

Charles Mercado, BURI spokesperson,  yesterday said  procedural and substantive infirmities committed by the DOTr in its notice of termination should convince the latter to recall the same.

BURI said  the grounds stated in DOTr’s notice to terminate do not constitute factual or legal bases for the termination of its contract  as it reiterated that train removals, service interruptions and derailment were not caused by poor maintenance  but rather by system and design flaws and the deteriorated track condition of the MRT 3 concerns that to date remain unattended by DOTr.

Mercado said  DOTr and not BURI was the one in default the contract.

As of Oct. 9, 2017, the total amount due and unpaid to BURI has reached P348 million and another P54 million due this month..

The amount includes the P18.5 million BURI is supposed to be paid for the completion of 7,200 meters rail installation and the  P42 million for the general overhaul of cars.

The company said those amounts, if timely paid could have been put into good use such as for continued improvement of services of the MRT-3.

BURI said  it is unfair the DOTr demands compliance of BURI’s obligations and yet it refuses to comply with what are incumbent upon it to perform . 

Metro's traffic, one year under Du30

One year into the Du30 era traffic emergency

This year's pre-Christmas and last year's is a good time frame to judge if traffic flow through the Metro improved or was, at least, mantained. Which probably goes to show that, with or without a functioning i/ACT [inter-agency commission on traffic] traffic czar, what really matters is what happens and what is done on the ground by the “boots-on-the-ground”. And that is exactly what MMDA does not have in adequate numbers. From a high need for 22,000 traffic aides, all the cops, traffic aides of MMDA and LGU [local government units] traffic aides working on main thoroughfares do not even amount to a third of that. So when the PNP Highway Patrol Group was again asked to go back to EDSA, it was more for the need to raise the body count rather than the need for highly trained law enforcement minds to argue the nuances of the ADDA [anti distracted driving] law and the upcoming restriction on near opaque car tint film.

A man named Tim

One advantage that then MMDA Chairman/GM Tim Orbos had was that he was not afraid to terminate the implementation of many poorly studied, rehashed and failed traffic management applications that worsened traffic management in the months of 2015 leading up to the APEC Conference. First, Tim did not have to answer to a traffic czar who may well be some hurriedly appointed inexperienced outsider, led astray by bumbling and unimaginative sub-alterns who just copied the traffic solutions of the 70s and early 90s, without bothering to analyze if they worked or why they didn't work. If 2015 traffic solutions didn't work, why reapply the same useless rehashed so-called solutions. Those wholesale lane segregation schemes, implemented with several gazillions worth of APEC budget funded orange bollards and those tire shredding concrete wedges, which tore, many a low profile tire or even heavy duty bus tire. If only history was not erased, it would become known that segregation schemes tried by MMC Governor Mel Mathay in the mid-seventies were promptly junked because it didn't work. Not only did the barriers curtail business access but some of those diabolical wedges even capsized a brand new City Bus.

Status quo, no!

Secondly, Tim didn't set out to change the world with some legislator inspired hare-brained ideas masquerading as the silver bullet to slay the traffic beast. All the newish thrusts and major innovations – pink/blue fences, prefab footbridges, U-turn slots, No Left Turn, scheduled bus stops- were all implemented by BF before but patchily maintained thereafter. Moreover, the ever vigilant traffic hawk, Sen. Poe, was not going to sit idly by while MMDA tighten the screws on private transportation while mass transit and public transpo goes to rot day by passing day. Tim tried to do a zipper lane lane counterflow for the morning EDSA-Makati bound rush hour at EDSA Ortigas flyover, but it failed because the all important between-the-flyovers median “filler” lane has not been proposed and constructed. But his removal of the Greenhills bollard wall from Annapolis to Ortigas greatly eased traffic in the Greenhills and Ortigas center networks.

Succeeded by a General

Just like his successor, Gen. Danny Lim, Tim [appointed as USEc for land transport at the DoTr] believed that barring mega-buck infra projects, 24/7 vigilance of traffic management rules is a non-negotiable must. Fine tuning whatever rules are in effect were the hallmarks of his brief tenure as MMDA GM; urban clearways/tow away zones [Mabuhay/Christmas lanes] where no parking ordinances were strictly enforced by making LGU [local government units] officers and stakeholders responsible for keeping their zones compliant; the selective access to Cubao underpass for provincial buses; the strict application of bus terminal ingress/egress into EDSA RROW, tough measures against illegal vending at Balintawak market curbside, Guadalupe EDSA sidewalk and other MMDA foot bridges. The Balintawak market is of particular note as sidewalk clearance was a rarity before but it has now become the rule rather than the exception.

Bollards: use 'em or loose 'em

The improvement of traffic on EDSA is due to smarter deployment of those same orange bollards that caused so much mayhem in 2015. Even in their greatly reduced presence, being properly deployed make them far better at traffic control and flow than the endless walls the traffic czar put up in 2015. Noteworthy are the following deployments: Walter Mart/Munoz UV Express/bus stop, blockage of Roosevelt to Congressional at EDSA, defined U-turn lanes from Balintawak to Quezon Ave EDSA medians, defined lanes from White Plains Ave. to Santolan U-turns and many more. The best modified application I saw was the long segregated Cubao bound lane for Trinoma U-turns which effectively blocked the unruly traffic coming from West Avenue. Such a simple idea, yet so very effective.

Claims on the cloverleaf

Though not as visibly intensive as before, MMDA continues putting up foot bridges. Of late, DPWH has finally recognized growing pedestrian traffic on Balintawak cloverleaf and is at last installing a long footbridge. We hope it doesn't end there as Balintawak cloverleaf needs a network of footbridges, considering that flooding still happens. Unfortunately, some property claimants of the cloverleaf itself filed a court suit that is preventing NLEx management from activating their new multi-million peso anti-flood pumping station built to clear heavy downpour flood waters in minutes.

The Window works

With Sen. Poe against more traffic circulation restrictions and burdens on private citizens, the most tinkering Tim could do to MMDA regulation was the cancellation of the 9-3 coding window. Much as we were [and still are on account of restrictions to one-car families] against the cancellation of the 900AM-300PM coding window, we cannot deny that traffic along EDSA has been consistently better distributed from pre-Christmas rush 2016 to pre-Christmas rush 2017. Our proof lies at the critical point of traffic queueing that happens everyday at the Cubao bound side of EDSA Quezon Ave., just under the MRT Q. Ave station. Even during the pre-BF MMDA of 2005 and long after the window was instituted, you could even tell the time of day by your position in the 4.0km long crawl to Cubao. Traffic queueing to Cubao promptly becomes stop/go at this point by 900AM. With the cancellation of the window, traffic queueing only begins in front of GMA Network Center and the duration per stop is not very very long. Definitely there has been a sustained improvement of traffic flow, on a daily basis.

NAIAx as traffic relief

Another major reliever for traffic for the southend is the accessibility afforded by San Miguel-Vertex infrastructure's NAIAx. Now more than a year old, NAIAx has provided relief to commuters living as far south as Cavite and Las Pinas. Taking advantage of ex-Cong. Mark Villar's riverside road avoiding heavily trafficked Zapote-Alabang road with easy access to CAVITEx, NAIAx and Makati, commuting is much relieved. It is now common to hear about commutes to Makati falling below the critically bearable one hour mark. Naturally, as NAIAx displaced and redistributed traffic down south, we are seeing longer and longer traffic queues on Dr. Santos, pushing traffic queueing on the barely 8-year old elevated Skyway Stage 2. At least Metro Pacific is already pile boring for the C-5-CAVITEx flyover link road over the SLEx as this, when finished, will fully utilize C-5 as the direct gateway to Manila Bay and Cavite.

Tight integration, no room for error

Of course, these factors suspend their positive influence once you have serious standstill traffic bottlenecks elsewhere in the Metro because, believe it or not, traffic flow across all of MMDA's main thoroughfares are tightly integrated. Get a stalled extra long 18 wheeler under the Bagong Ilog viaduct on C-5 and you have traffic crawling for hours in Antipolo, Shaw Blvd., Cubao and Katipunan. You might think they are too far from the traffic causing incident but it is not so. Major jams in Southwoods, Las Pinas, Dr. Santos, C-3/R-10, Roxas Blvd., Tandang Sora, Ortigas Ave. in Cainta and Balintawak have the capacity to paralyze the rest of Metro Manila's road system in a Filipino instant. Just add water [rain], lots of water.

Trouble in Section 2

Medium/Long term prospects? Skyway Stage 3 has at last solved the section impasse at the Burgos bridge. Citra opted to do what Vertex did for NAIAx when it constructed the skyway over the Tripa de Gallina; Section 2 goes over the Beata tributary, crosses the Pasig and shadows the San Juan River to connect to the New Panaderos bridge over and past SM Centerpoint. Whatever right of way it needs on land will mostly likely eject warehouses. This recent change in Skyway Stage 3's route now poses a challenge or two to Secy. Mark Villar. His first challenge is if the G. Lo eco-warrior sympathizers at DENR will allow clearance for the passage of the stacked expressway over the San Juan River, never mind that “Build, build, build” envisages 11 Pasig River crossings. The next challenge is how to speed up or play catch up with the scheduled full opening of Skyway Stage 3 by 2020, considering the 2-year delay of this Section 2. The solution may actually lie in DPWH expediting the design and construction of the Connector-Stage 3 common alignment by PUP. Since Metro Pac's metro link connector passes over the PNR rail right of way, Leighton, its contractor, can already start building the interchange to Stage 3 at the Burgos River Bridge approach. As it is, Leighton is close to finishing the Harbor Link to C-3 and R-1 and will just need clearance to proceed building along the PNR tracks heading for Espana/Gov. Forbes junction. This way, the connector may provide the contiguous link to Skyway Stage 3 as DMCI and EEI finish Section 3 &4.

Stuck in the North

And speaking of Section 4, the A. Bonifacio/C-3 works area of Skyway Stage 3, severe traffic disruption happens regularly causing major queues at NLEx stretching from Balintawak cloverleaf to Smart Connect cloverleaf. Construction at this zone has been haphazard causing several patches of partly finished work areas and work areas that are left untouched for weeks on end. This has been an ongoing agony for Manila bound NLEx commuters for 2 years and counting.

NLEx goes faster

This traffic build-up is aggravated because of the higher throughput of NLEx traffic now that the well illuminated 3x3 section from Balagtas to San Fernando is fully operational. Traffic may have been higher than projected as the new 3rd lane or ex-shoulder along San Fernando grew bumpy sooner rather than later, necessitating a major repave in less than 6 months of use. Ditto for the north bound Candaba Viaduct's ex-shoulder. The 3rd lane's pavement has already worn very coarse compared to the south bound viaduct.

No drowse “S” curves

A welcome feature of the new 3x3 NLEx carriageway is not only the superb nighttime illumination of LED arrays but the gently radiused “S” curves marked by solid white road markings for several carriageway bridges and their approaches. Recall that this NLEx segment was planned in the 1970s when current highway designs preferred arrow straight alignments which, coupled to strict speed limit enforcement, induced monotonous highway drowsiness and drivers falling asleep behind the wheel. The design remedy that French and Japanese highway designers introduced then was to course the highway in an alternating curve route albeit at very gentle radii. Strictly observed, the gently curving solid white lines on these NLEx bridges actually achieve the same effect of preventing highway hypnosis. If only it isn't illegal, the NLEx as configured, is safe even beyond speeds of the metric equivalent of 130MPH.

Extra exits

Elsewhere on the older part of the NLEx, new auxiliary exits at Meycauayan Pandayan and Libtong, along with Valenzuela's Lingunan have greatly reduced the on-carriageway exit traffic queue duration and length. Similar constructions are being studied for the Angeles-Magalang exit where the old Magalang southbound on-ramp may be re-introduced if only to relieve the heavy Angeles and Magalang bound traffic on the roundabout shared by Toyota Angeles, Ayala's Marquee Place and Marquee Mall.

Gotcha! by GATSO

With more lanes on NLEx, speed noggins now rear its ugly head. Having not had 100% speed reading accuracy for the mobile or hand held LIDAR speed cameras, as in Doc Dennis's unfortunate case of clumsy speed gun reading by MATES/SLEx last year, NLEX corp. leveled up their anti-speeding squads, by getting Tritec Integrated's world famous GATSO HD video fixed speed monitoring equipment from the Netherlands. The bane of many British, Commonwealth, Gulf States and Middle East drivers for decades, GATSO was known for its vandal prone bulky grey boxiness and its ability to shoot clear images of speeding violators at night, even with all lanes occupied. The eagle eye among you will spot these devices mounted on white poles beside CCTV modules mounted on the blue painted bunkers with yellow notices for the Hot Line. By this writing, the whole of NLEx is covered by these sophisticate, all weather sentinels of speed allowing night time enforcement of the speed limit by arresting officers at the tollway's end toll barriers. What is needed is contact-less ticketing just like MMDA's “mayhulikaba” internet based bulletin board, this time, for speeding violations.

Projected traffic because of “build, build, build”

In the medium term, the looming introduction of a Japanese loan funded EDSA BRT only means that there will be further reduction in EDSA's remaining lanes, aggravating EDSA's under-capacity. This possible traffic aggravation is being keenly watched by Sen. Poe. This all the more cries for the quick acceptance of Metro Pac's offer to buy out the MRT-3 consortium and operations contract. This is where emergency powers can help if only to accelerate the vetting process and the necessary elapsed time for a Swiss Challenge. Now that i/ACT is hopefully up and running, this may be the time to utilize its emergency powers. If MRT-3 works efficiently sooner than sooner, then the EDSA BRT installation may shove commuter traffic to MRT-3 instead of increasing P2P buses that will just crowd EDSA just the same.

EJT? Cool it!

As for Tim, well, he still gets our sympathy whenever he honestly jokes about EJT [extra-judicial-transport] means of transportation [“habal-habal”, illegal Uber/Grab, colorum “padjaks”] despite the intolerant gaze of his formerly jovial boss. Might Tim's boss loss of joviality be the influence of the aggravating and intolerant mood at the LTFRB?

Can they deliver soon enough?

Let me say at the outset that the administration’s economic team is composed of highly competent people with their hearts in the right place. But they may have promised more than they can quickly deliver.

From TRAIN to Build Build Build, it is starting to look like they may have overestimated the power of Mr. Duterte’s charm to get members of Congress and the usually lackadaisical bureaucracy to cooperate. The economic team also made some unforced errors like junking PPP in favor of budget financing and ODA.

Indeed, even a ready to bid project like the bundled modernization of five domestic airports was given up for no good reason. When I last asked for the status, I was told they are preparing feasibility studies for each airport with at least a year’s delay. Sayang. The private sector bidders have already done their feasibility study at their expense, only to be told the project is no more.

They will likely exert all the political pressure they can muster to get the Senate to junk the TRAIN bill that came out of the ways and means committee of Sen. Sonny Angara. Still, a friend of mine who had closely followed the tax reform measure, even advocated strongly for it, isn’t sure it is possible to deliver what they first thought was possible.

In a comment to one of my Facebook posts, he remarked: “even if we get a good TRAIN, the additional revenue will not be enough to cover infra at least for the short term. The good TRAIN can fetch P130 billion. But consider the following expenses: free college education, P40 billion; Marawi rehab, P50 billion; social protection including the cash transfer, P36 billion; PUV modernization, P9.7 billion.

“Wala pa diyan ang universal health care, costing P65 billion annually for the medium term. That’s why the sin tax is necessary. Then we have to contend with the salary hikes for military and police and other populist measures like free irrigation. PPP is, thus, an option in areas where private sector is willing to invest.”


 I guess the economic managers, notably Ben Diokno, were too sanguine about the ability of the bureaucracy to absorb all that money to carry out an ambitious infra program. Ben did not give much thought to the observation of his predecessor, Butch Abad, about the problem of technical deficit which slowed down rollout of projects in the past.

The Duterte economic team inherited pretty much the same bureaucrats and this is where their problems of execution are now starting to happen. In a PPP, the onus for the preparation of a feasibility study, including the cost, is on the private sector proponent. In the scheme the Duterte team selected, the onus is on that same bureaucracy with a technical deficit.

So we have been reading headlines and news stories of trillions of dollars in ODA from China and Japan to fund those projects in their list. The thing is, before the money starts flowing that would allow construction work to start, our government must present feasibility studies.

The only project with such a study now is the Tutuban to Malolos railway line because it was a leftover project from P-Noy’s time. PNoy asked JICA to take over from the Chinese. But even here, JICA had to revise the FS to comply with the insistence of DOTr Sec. Art Tugade to use standard gauge rails rather than narrow gauge.

The JICA guys, however, insisted on demolishing the two kilometers of posts installed by the Chinese despite Tugade’s insistence to build on it. The Japanese engineers do not want to take responsibility for faulty Chinese construction or possible substandard cement or steel used. But that project should be a “go.”

Completing the line from Malolos to Clark is another thing altogether. It needs its own FS and even now, someone at NHA should work to move residents out of the PNR right of way. I don’t think that’s being done.

I think the ADB noticed the problems of the economic team, notably DOTr and DPWH, in preparing the studies that would enable JICA to start releasing funds and get the construction of the projects going.

The facility will supply comprehensive assistance, from feasibility studies at the initial stage of project development, up to the bidding process.

“I am pleased to announce that ADB is preparing a TA (technical assistance) loan of $100 million, the Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility, or IPIF. This TA loan will provide expertise and knowledge to key line agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Transportation,” ADB president Takehiko Nakao said in a speech.

“It will help the development and preparation of projects, covering project feasibility studies, design, and procurement. This facility will fasttrack priority projects and move them forward for delivery under this administration,” he added.

Because the ADB works in close consultation with Japan, its principal shareholder, it politely expressed its official impatience on the slow movement of the infra projects. So ADB gathered a team of experts in a two-day Philippine Transport Forum 2017 to discuss how they can help to get going a project pipeline of about P8 trillion through 2022.

ADB president Nakao expressed Japan’s impatience in no uncertain terms. “We need to act, we need to show results instead of just talking beautifully,” Nakao said, urging all stakeholders to move beyond plans. My words exactly!

To help things along, ADB is giving our government a $100-million technical assistance loan to help DOTr and DPWH to produce appropriate project studies. He said the ADB would provide advisory services for a variety of projects, including the North-South Railway project in Luzon and the Clark Green City project in Pampanga.

What about China? An article in Asia Times written in Davao by a local correspondent wondered if China is withholding funds from Duterte. A lot of promises have been made, but nothing is moving on the ground.

“It remains unclear why Beijing has tarried in making actual outlays while other One Belt, One Road initiatives are steaming ahead in other Asian countries,” the Asia Times article wondered. “Some analysts suggest Beijing may be withholding the funds until the bilateral relationship is more firmly consolidated, including in regard to unresolved territorial disputes in the South China Sea.”

 The same article pointed out that five big ticket projects for Davao City were presented to China’s Vice Premier Wang Yang in his recent Davao visit. 

“The projects include the Davao City expressway project spanning 23.3 kilometers at a cost of P24.5 billion ($477 million), the Davao City coastal road project worth P15 billion ($292 million), the Davao coastline and port development project for P39 billion ($759 million), the P445.3 billion ($8.7 billion) Mindanao Railway Project, and the development, operations and maintenance of the Davao City airport for P40.57 billion ($790 million).

 “They are also pushing for China to prioritize the long sought-after Mindanao Railway Project which will connect Davao City with other key areas in the southern Philippines spanning a circumferential length of 830 kilometers and another 702 kilometers of spur lines for other areas.

 The first phase, involving the Tagum-Davao-Digos segment costing P37.29 billion ($726 million), has already been approved by NEDA’s board and is targeted to start construction in 2018 and finish in 2022.”

 The Davaoenos also hope China will give priority funding to the Davao City coastal road project, whose acquisition of the right-of-way component has already started. “The development of sustainable and improved infrastructure facilities and services shall support Davao region’s growing economy, expanding population and rapid urbanization,” the local NEDA official told Asia Times.

 They are banking on Duterte’s declaration that the Philippines and China were now “besties,” or the best of friends. “But for the presidential hometown of Davao City that closer relationship has yet to build a single Chinese-funded pillar, road or railway.”

 Davao City’s International Airport was part of the bundle that private bidders were prepared to work on until Tugade changed government’s strategy. Will the Duterte economic team have enough humility to say they have miscalculated and that maybe, PPP is the way to go?

MRT-3 maintenance provider contract officially terminated

Today, November 6 the Department of Transportation (DOTr) served it final decision to terminate its contract with Busan Universal Railways Inc. (BURI) for the maintenance of the Metro Railway Transit 3 (MRT-3) system, general overhauling of 43 Light Rail Vehicles (LRV), total replacement of its signaling system, and other additional maintenance works.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade signed the decision on November 3. The decision cited these reasons:

1. Poor performance;
2. Failure to put in service and subsequently ensure the availability of contractually obligated number of trains, and more importantly, for failure to put in operation reliable and efficient trains;
3. Failure to implement a feasible procurement plan for spare parts, as it in fact failed to procure and store the required volume of spare parts, which affected its ability to effect immediate repairs on defective trains and other facilities of the MRT-3 system, and;
4. Failure to comply with the contractual requirements of a complete and up to date Computerized Maintenance Management System.

“It cannot be overemphasized that what is at stake here is the welfare and interest of the riding public – this office could not just sit back and wait while watching BURI trifle and flirt with the lives of the commuting public, with its substandard performance,” Secretary Tugade said.

With this, Tugade established MRT-3 Maintenance Transition Team (MTT) that will temporarily take over the maintenance works of MRT-3 while the procurement of a new maintenance provider is being processed.

Moreover, in order to avoid service disruptions, technical personnel from BURI, whose roles are vital in MRT-3 maintenance works, shall be absorbed by the MRT-3.

DOTr terminates Busan Universal contract as MRT-3 maintenance provider

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has served a final decision ending the contract of Busan Universal Railways Inc. as maintenance provider of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3).

"The Department of Transportation served today, 6 November 2017, its final decision to terminate its contract with Busan Universal Railways Inc. (BURI)," the DOTr said in a statement sent to reporters via text message.
DOTr terminates contract with MRT-3 maintenance provider

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has filed a final decision ending the contract of Busan Universal Railways Inc. as maintenance provider of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3).

"The Department of Transportation (DOTr) served today, 6 November 2017, its final decision to terminate its contract with Busan Universal Railways Inc. (BURI)," it said in a statement sent to reporters via text message.

The contract covers the general overhauling of 43 Light Rail Vehicles (LRV), total replacement of the signaling system, and other additional maintenance works.

The DOTr cited the following reasons for ending its contract with BURI:

• Poor performance
• Failure to put in service and subsequently ensure the availability of the contractually obligated number of trains, and failure to put in operation reliable and efficient trains
• Failure to implement a feasible procurement plan for spare parts
• Failure to comply with the contractual requirements of a complete and up to date Computerized Maintenance Management System

"It cannot be overemphasized that what is at stake here is the welfare and interest of the riding public ... This office could not just sit back and wait while watching BURI trifle and flirt with the lives of the commuting public, with its substandard performance," Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

BURI said last month it was confident of hurdling the process of contract termination initiated by the DOTr.

"Through the process of arbitration that will commence between BURI and the DOTr, and other judicial remedies BURI is considering, the grounds raised by DOTr in its notice to terminate its contract will be proven to be bereft of factual and legal basis," the MRT-3 maintenance contractor said. — VDS, GMA News

DOTr “BUILD BUILD BUILD” projects take off

CLARK, Pampanga, Nov. 5 -- The Department of Transportation (DOTr) vows to continuously push for the development and faster completion of transport infrastructure projects.

A year of building

Since the BBB Program launch on 3 November 2016 in Malacanang, the DOTr has broken ground and started construction of some of the big-ticket infrastructure projects under the program.

In April, the DOTr led the ground breaking of the Cavite Gateway Terminal, the country’s first barge terminal to be developed in a six-hectare property in Tanza. It is expected to reduce truck trips in Metro Manila by 140,000 trips annually, while maximizing the use of the country’s nautical highways.

Several ports in the country are also being improved and modernized: Iloilo, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Basco, Bataraza, Calapan, Catagbacan, Dapitan, Larena, Legazpi, Makar, Matnog, Opol, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Tubigon, Iligan and Surigao.

In the railways sector, the LRT-1 Cavite Extension project was finally green lit for construction after years of delay. The current line will be extended from Baclaran to Niog in Bacoor, Cavite, serving around 300,000 riders per day from Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Cavite.

In the east, LRT-2 will also be extended from Santolan to Antipolo, reducing travel time from Recto to Masinag from 3 hours by jeep or bus to just 40 minutes.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade is likewise pushing for partial operability of the Metro Manila Subway system, which is set for construction in 2019 and targeted for full completion in 2025.

Pending since 2009 but got bogged down in disputes and controversies in the succeeding administrations, the construction of the Common Station has finally started following the ground breaking last September 29. It will provide a seamless intermodal connectivity between LRT Line 1, MRT3, MRT7, and the Metro Manila Subway. It is expected to service up to 478,000 riders per day by 2020.

Under airports and aviation, the new terminal at the Puerto Princesa International Airport was formally opened to the public last May 4. The terminal spans 13,000 sqm. with a 2,600-meter runway that can accommodate bigger aircraft and around 1.9 million passengers annually.

After 11 years of delay, the DOTr has also finally resumed construction of the Bicol International Airport in Albay.

Expansion and improvement projects in Bacolod (Silay) Airport, Davao International Airport, Iloilo Airport, and Laguindingan Airport are currently being undertaken. Runway lengthening and widening in Kalibo, Virac, Calbayog, Ozamiz and Cotabato have also begun. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines is likewise fast-tracking rehabilitation and expansion work in eight airports --- Naga, Tuguegarao, Cauayan, Dumaguete, Dipolog, Cotabato, Pagadian and Ozamiz --- to make them capable for night-time flight operations.

The Communications Navigation Surveillance / Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM), a state-of-the-art and satellite-based air traffic management system will be fully operational by December 2017. This year, an additional 10 radars were established across the country, bringing the total to 13.

Coming in 2018

In 2018, the public will finally get to experience some of these high-impact projects.

First off is the Cavite Gateway Terminal, which is due for completion during the first quarter of 2018. In April 2018, the Southwest Intermodal Transport Exchange will be completed. The facility will provide seamless transfers, fixed departure schedules, and centralized ticketing system for provincial buses.

At about the same time in June, two airports will be inaugurated --- the New Bohol Airport in Panglao, the country’s first eco-airport, and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the world’s first resort airport.

Meanwhile, the LRT-2 east Extension Project will be completed in August 2018. (DOTr)

ABS-CBN, GMA contest ratings lead in October

ABS-CBN Corp. maintained its leadership in nationwide television ratings in October, while GMA Network Inc. claimed it won the ratings game in urban households.

In a statement, ABS-CBN said it had an average national audience share of 46 percent in October, higher than GMA’s 33 percent based on data from multinational audience measurement provider Kantar Media.

Kantar Media uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural households to represent the total Philippine TV viewing population.

The Kapamilya network said it dominated all time blocks for October.

In particular, ABS-CBN won in the primetime block (6 p.m. to 12 midnight) as it got a 50 percent audience share, ahead of GMA’s 31 percent.

The primetime block is considered the most important part of the day for advertisers as this is when most Filipinos watch TV.

In Mega Manila, ABS-CBN had an average audience share of 36 percent versus GMA’s 34 percent, while it had a higher audience share of 41 percent compared to GMA’s 27 percent in Metro Manila.

Nine of the 11 most watched programs nationwide in October also belong to ABS-CBN, led by the long-running police drama FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, which recorded a national TV rating of 39.9 percent.

Variety show It’s Showtime, is still the most watched noontime show in the country with a national TV rating of 35.9% on weekdays and 29.5% on Saturdays, against its rival Eat Bulaga which only got 39% on weekdays and 32% on Saturdays, ABS-CBN said.

Also in the top 10 were Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin, ASAP, Banana Sundae, Pusong Ligaw, The Promise of Forever, Ipaglaban Mo, TV Patrol, La Luna Sangre, The Good Son, Tonight with Boy Abunda, Bandila, Little Big Shots, I Can See Your Voice, Rated K, Gandang Gabi Vice, Wildflower, Wansapanataym, MMK, Home Sweetie Home and Goin Bulilit.

As of mid-September, ABS-CBN said it sold 3.6 million units of its TVplus digital service, helping drive its terrestrial television penetration in Metro Manila. One in 2 homes in the area have TVplus, according to Kantar.

ABS-CBN also offers content online through iWant TV. The top five most watched programs on the platform in October were La Luna Sangre, Wildflower, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, Pusong Ligaw, and The Good Son.

Meanwhile, GMA said in a statement it got a higher average total day audience share of 41.7 percent for the period of Oct.1 to 28 compared with ABS-CBN’s 38.1 percent, based on Nielsen Philippines TV Audience Measurement’s National Urban TV Audience Measurement (NUTAM).

GMA said it also ruled across all day parts in NUTAM as it got a 38.5 percent people audience share as compared to ABS-CBN’s 35.9 percent in the morning block, a 45.4 percent audience share as against ABS-CBN’s 37.5 percent in the afternoon block, and 40.2 percent audience share versus ABS-CBN’s 39.4 percent share in the evening block.

GMA also beat its rival in Urban Luzon where it had an audience share of 47.2 percent compared to ABS-CBN’s 32.6 percent.

As for Mega Manila, GMA stayed ahead of competition with an audience share of 48.8 percent compared to ABS-CBN’s 29.3 percent.

More Kapuso shows are in the list of top programs in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement.

Pepito Manaloto is the most-watched program for October, also making in the list are Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, 24 Oras, Magpakailanman, Celebrity Bluff, Super Maam, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, 24 Oras Weekend, All-Star Videoke and Alyas Robin Hood.

Also making to the list are the most-watched programs are Wowowin, Ika-6 na Utos, My Korean Jagiya, Bubble Gang, Saksi, Imbestigador, Eat Bulaga, Sunday Pinasaya, Dear Uge, Impostora, Haplos and Tadhana.

Further, GMA’s flagship AM radio station Super Radyo DZBB was also hailed as the listeners’ number one choice in Mega Manila proving GMA’s dominance both in TV and radio.

Based on the latest data from Nielsen Radio Audience Measurement, DZBB garnered a total day average audience share of 32.3 percent in October, which toppled DZMM’s 27.5 percent and DWWW’s 12.6 percent.

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/11/05/1755609/abs-cbn-gma-contest-ratings-lead-october

Top 2 networks both claim viewership lead

THE country’s biggest broadcast networks ABS-CBN and GMA both claimed top ratings in October based on their respective television audience measurement providers.

In a statement on Friday, ABS-CBN said it posted an average audience share of 46 percent in October, 13 percent higher than GMA’s 33 percent, based on data from Kantar Media.


Meanwhile, citing data from Nielsen Philippines TV Audience Measurement (NUTAM), GMA said it outstripped ABS-CBN with a total day people audience share of 41.7 percent versus ABS-CBN’s 38.1 percent.


ABS-CBN said it led the primetime block (6 p.m. to 12 a.m.) with an audience share of 50 percent, 19 points higher than GMA’s 31 percent.


It said it continued to expand its lead with its morning (6 a.m. to 12 noon) and afternoon blocks (12 noon to 3 p.m.) that scored average audience shares of 39 percent and 47 percent, respectively, against GMA’s 32 percent and 33 percent.


ABS-CBN said it won the ratings game in “all territories” such as Mega Manila where it scored an average audience share of 36 percent versus GMA’s 34 percent; in Metro Manila with 41 percent versus GMA’s 27 percent; in Total Luzon with 43 percent versus GMA’s 34 percent; in Total Visayas with 53 percent versus GMA’s 28 percent; and in Total Mindanao with 50 percent versus GMA’s 33 percent.


Nine of the 11 most watched programs nationwide in October also belong to ABS-CBN, led by the long-running police drama FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, which recorded a national TV rating of 39.9 percent.


Variety show “It’s Showtime,” is still the most watched noontime show in the country with a national TV rating of 35.2% on weekdays and 29.5% on Saturdays, against its rival “Eat Bulaga” which only got 28% on weekdays and 25% on Saturdays, ABS-CBN said.


Also in the top 10 were “Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin,” “ASAP,” “Ipaglaban Mo,” “Pusong Ligaw,” “The Promise of Forever,” “Ipaglaban Mo,” “TV Patrol,” “La Luna Sangre,” “The Good Son,” “Tonight with Boy Abunda,” “Bandila,” “Little Big Shots,” “I Can See Your Voice,” “Rated K,” “Gandang Gabi Vice,” “Wildflower,” “Wansapanataym,” “MMK,” “Home Sweetie Home,” and “Goin’ Bulilit.”


As of mid-September, ABS-CBN said it sold 3.6 million units of its TVplus digital service, helping drive its terrestrial television penetration in Metro Manila. One in 2 homes in the area have TVplus, according to Kantar.


ABS-CBN also offers content online through iWant TV. The top five most watched programs on the platform in October were La Luna Sangre, Wildflower, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, Pusong Ligaw, and The Good Son.


Meanwhile, GMA said it recorded higher ratings across all day parts in NUTAM. In the morning block, GMA said it registered an audience share of 38.5 percent compared to the 35.9 percent of ABS-CBN; afternoon line-up boosted the time block with a 45.4 percent viewership against ABS-CBN’s 37.5 percent; and the evening block was also captured with a 40.2 percent viewership versus the other network’s 39.4 percent.


GMA said it posted a total day people audience share of 47.2 percent, 14.6 points higher than ABS-CBN’s 32.6 percent in Urban Luzon, while in Mega Manila (based on October 1 to 21 data), it said it gathered 48.8 percent total day people audience share versus ABS-CBN’s 29.3 percent.


More Kapuso shows are in the list of top programs in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement.


“Pepito Manaloto” is the most-watched program for October, also making in the list are “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” “24 Oras,” “Magpakailanman,” “Celebrity Bluff,” “Super Maam,” “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” “24 Oras Weekend,” “All-Star Videoke,” and “Alyas Robin Hood.”


Also making to the list are the most-watched programs are “Wowowin,” “Ika-6 na Utos,” “My Korean Jagiya,” “Bubble Gang,” “Saksi,” “Imbestigador,” “Road Trip,” “Eat Bulaga,” “Sunday Pinasaya,” “Impostora,” “Haplos,” and “Tadhana.”


Further, GMA’s flagship AM radio station Super Radyo DZBB was also hailed as the listeners’ number one choice in Mega Manila proving GMA’s dominance both in TV and radio.


Based on the latest data from Nielsen Radio Audience Measurement, DZBB garnered a total day average audience share of 32.3 percent in October, which toppled DZMM’s 27.5 percent and DWWW’s 12.6 percent.


http://www.manilatimes.net/top-2-networks-claim-viewership-lead/360594/

MNL48 going full throttle with nationwide auditions

The official operator of MNL48, Hallohallo Entertainment Inc., is making waves nationwide since it started its auditions for MNL48 hopefuls last Oct. 14 at the Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall.

Since forging a strong partnership with ABS-CBN and its noontime show “It’s Showtime,” MNL48 has conducted auditions at Far Eastern University, Manila, Starmall Alabang and LRT 2 Legarda Station. Young MNL48 aspirants ages 15-20 years old can find out more about where the MNL48 audition truck is headed through their social media accounts.

Headed by Paolo Kurosawa, the goal is to complete the members of MNL48 and launch it as the official sister group in the Philippines of AKB48, the globally popular Japanese pop icon group.

AKB48 started its unique concept of “Idols You Can Meet” in 2005 and has since been performing in their own theater at Akihabara, Tokyo. They have counterparts in Jakarta, Taipei and Bangkok.

As the Filipino adaptation of AKB48, the highest-selling idol group in Japan, supporters may vote for their favorite aspirant through MNL48 website. They can also download the mobile app available from Google Play or the App Store. The app will provide a unique supporting system as they have unlimited “likes” to their chosen aspirant which help get their rank higher as well as real-time access on the recent happening of MNL48.

• • •

Tribute to Annie Brazil

Musical tribute “All My Lovin’” will be given tonight to Ms. Annie Brazil, dubbed the “Queen of Jazz.” It will be held at Romulo’s Cafe at the Azumi Boutique Hotel at the Madrigal Business Park Phase III, Alabang.

The performers are jazz artists Richard Merk, Emcy Corteza and Pat Castillo.

Among Annie’s siblings are Richard and Rachel Anne Wolfe who are both singer-actors. Annie retired in the US where she still sings regularly until she suffered a stroke last year.

• • •

ABS-CBN leads urban, rural ratings in October

ABS-CBN said Friday it maintained the nationwide ratings lead in October, ahead of the competition in all regions.

Citing a nationwide survey of urban and rural homes by Kantar Media that represent the country's entire TV viewing population, ABS-CBN said it had a national audience share of 46 percent, 13 points ahead of GMA Network with 33 percent.

ABS-CBN said it was ahead of GMA in all regions, 36 percent versus 34 percent in Mega Manila, 41 percent versus 27 percent in Metro Manila, 43 percent versus 34 percent in Luzon, 53 percent versus 28 percent in the Visayas and 50 percent versus 33 percent in Mindanao.

The Kapamilya network also led across all time blocks against GMA, 39 percent versus 32 percent from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., 47 percent versus 33 percent from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., 42 percent versus 39 percent from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and 50 percent versus 31 percent in the primetime block from 6 p.m. to 12 midnight.

Nine of the 11 most watched programs nationwide in October also belong to ABS-CBN, led by the long-running police drama FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, which recorded a national TV rating of 39.9 percent.

Also in the top 10 were Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin, It's Showtime, Pusong Ligaw, The Promise of Forever, TV Patrol, La Luna Sangre, The Good Son, Tonight with Boy Abunda, Little Big Shots, I Can See Your Voice, Wildflower, Wansapanataym, Maalaala Mo Kaya, Home Sweetie Home and Goin Bulilit.

As of mid-September, ABS-CBN said it sold 3.6 million units of its TVplus digital service, helping drive its terrestrial television penetration in Metro Manila. One in 2 homes in the area have TVplus, according to Kantar.

ABS-CBN also offers content online through iWant TV. The top five most watched programs on the platform in October were La Luna Sangre, Wildflower, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, Pusong Ligaw, and The Good Son.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 4, go to Noquito Beltran, Armida Siguion-Reyna, singer Roeder, Ningning Ocampo, Michelle C. Santos, Dr. Lito Sarao, Lilia Ty, Jennifer “Chiqui” Canlas, Melissa Mercado, Dr. Jun Mendiola, Luz M. J. Acosta, Modesta Boquiren, Nap Miranda of PCSO PR Dept., Dean Calleja, Wilson Constantino, Schaun Delbert Gamboa, my brother Carlo V. Martinez, Bobong Velez, Tessie Cruz, Michelle Madrigal, Tess Palada, Michelle Santos, Dr. Jun Mendiola, J-Ar Armas, Nellie Bengzon, Melissa Mercado, Chiqui Canlas, Dr. Lito Sarao, Lilia Ty, Ching Lopez, Dr. Mike Noche, Bea Binene, Jekki Pascual, Aynsleigh Gephart Anora, Ira Duane Estado, Ivy Valero, Judith Bacarsa, Marc Louie Arafol, Rachel Lorraine Tan, Robert Almerio and Angelica Panganiban…Nov. 5: MTRCB Vice Chairman Maning Borlaza, Bong Osorio, former head of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications, former Sec. Raul Gonzalez, Gabby Concepcion, Zandro Zamora, Mrs. Julie Benedicto, Marife Santos, Carol Nielsen, Thelma Paredes, Cherry E. Mojica, Arman Giron, Alexander P. Romero, Mon Chua, Dr. Aldrene Lee-Tan, Isabel D. Espejo, Quincie Joy Crisostomo, Thea Clarise Tagulao, Marc P. Ventura of LA, Ma. Elena K. Bocalan, Ida F. Caalim, Belinda Zabala Valdecanas, Darius Driz of PCSO PR Dept, Marion Bailey, 2008 Bb. Pilipinas International Patricia Fernandez (news anchor of CNN Philippines), Joy Isabel, Dr. Rudy Ante, Jomar D. Belen of CA, Mina Malinab-Martinez, Yugel Losorata, Bing Formento, Enchong Dee and Dianne Medina of Star Magic… Nov. 6: Shaina Magdayao, Doña Rufina Saldaña, Letty Caparrus, Joy Buensalido, Clara Tagasa, Dr. Raul Guanzon, Michael Bermundo, Manu Pili, Edd Fuentes, Rene Nieva, Leonardia Camacho, Meldy Tuazon-Rubiano, Michael Bermundo, Fr. Jessel Gered Gonzales, S.J., Mhine Jesa, Clara Francesca Tagasa, Manu H. Pili, Bong Obligacion, Gee-Ann Abraham, Jolina Magdangal, and MB’s executive editor Pinky Colmenares…

ABS-CBN leads urban, rural ratings in October

ABS-CBN said Friday it maintained the nationwide ratings lead in October, ahead of the competition in all regions.

Citing a nationwide survey of urban and rural homes by Kantar Media that represent the country's entire TV viewing population, ABS-CBN said it had a national audience share of 46 percent, 13 points ahead of GMA Network with 33 percent.

ABS-CBN said it was ahead of GMA in all regions, 36 percent versus 34 percent in Mega Manila, 41 percent versus 27 percent in Metro Manila, 43 percent versus 34 percent in Luzon, 53 percent versus 28 percent in the Visayas and 50 percent versus 33 percent in Mindanao.

The Kapamilya network also led across all time blocks against GMA, 39 percent versus 32 percent from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., 47 percent versus 33 percent from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., 42 percent versus 39 percent from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and 50 percent versus 31 percent in the primetime block from 6 p.m. to 12 midnight.

Nine of the 11 most watched programs nationwide in October also belong to ABS-CBN, led by the long-running police drama FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, which recorded a national TV rating of 39.9 percent.

Also in the top 10 were Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin, It's Showtime, Pusong Ligaw, The Promise of Forever, TV Patrol (34.4 percent), La Luna Sangre (33 percent), The Good Son, Little Big Shots (31.3 percent), Wildflower (28.9 percent), Wansapanataym (27.5 percent), MMK (27.1 percent), Home Sweetie Home (27.1 percent), and Goin Bulilit (24 percent).

As of mid-September, ABS-CBN said it sold 3.6 million units of its TVplus digital service, helping drive its terrestrial television penetration in Metro Manila. One in 2 homes in the area have TVplus, according to Kantar.

ABS-CBN also offers content online through iWant TV. The top five most watched programs on the platform in October were La Luna Sangre, Wildflower, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, Pusong Ligaw, and The Good Son.

News.abs-cbn.com is the official news website of ABS-CBN Corp.