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Heightened security for Degamos after Teves arrest | The wRap
The wRap's highlights: Roel Degamo, West Philippine Sea, Kate Middleton.....»»
UN Security Council demands immediate ceasefire in Gaza
The US abstains from the vote to allow the Security Council to demand an immediate ceasefire amid growing global pressure for a truce.....»»
DOE monitoring power situation amid El Niño
Following the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s recent declaration that the warm and dry season has begun, the Department of Energy (DOE) said the country’s power situation is currently being monitored to ensure energy security......»»
Cops on heightened alert, NLEX ready for Lenten break
Police units across the country are on heightened alert starting tomorrow, as part of security preparations for the safety of the public during the Holy Week break......»»
LTFRB: No transport crisis amid PUV deadline
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has assured commuters that there will be no transport crisis in any part of the country come the New Year......»»
LIVE updates: Traffic situation on December 24
Several commuters and motorists are expected to experience heavy traffic on Sunday, Christmas eve as Filipinos are expected to return to their homes amid Christmas festivities......»»
LRT-1 pilots exclusive lanes for QR, Beep users
The Light Rail Manila Corp. has opened exclusive lanes for commuters paying via QR or with Beep at select stations of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 to minimize long queues amid the Christmas rush......»»
LIST: ‘Libreng Sakay’ options amid November 20 transport strike
Here are the available 'Libreng Sakay' options for commuters affected by the transport strike on November 20......»»
Malls to stay open until 11 pm starting 13 November to ease holiday traffic
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority met with mall operators and other stakeholders on 25 October to discuss traffic management plans in preparation for the approaching holiday season. In a meeting led by MMDA Deputy Chairman Undersecretary Frisco San Juan Jr. and Traffic Discipline Office Director for Enforcement Atty. Victor Nuñez, shopping mall operators agreed to adjust their business hours starting 13 November, Monday, from 11 am to 11 pm, as one of the measures to address the expected traffic problems in the metropolis. "Due to the expected heavier traffic, we have decided to implement contingency measures," San Juan said. “Mall-wide sales will only be allowed during weekends while deliveries will only be permitted from 11 pm to 5 am, with the exception of perishable goods restaurants serving breakfast, and supermarkets.” Mall operators were also asked to submit their respective traffic management plans for their mall sales and promotional events two weeks before the scheduled date of such events. Shopping malls with government satellite offices are also allowed to open as early as 9 a.m. As part of the agency's traffic management plan this Christmas season, the duty of the traffic enforcers will be extended until 12 midnight to maximize their visibility on major roads. "We will deploy traffic enforcers until midnight every day to assist and manage the traffic flow in Metro Manila,” said San Juan Jr. The MMDA will be working with the Department of Transportation to discuss possible extensions of the public transport system's operating hours to accommodate late-night commuters and mall employees. Also, the MMDA and representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways and other concerned offices including the engineering district offices, local government units, utility companies and contractors, also met to discuss the temporary suspension of excavation activities on all Metro Manila roadways. All excavation works that will cause obstruction or will affect the smooth flow of traffic shall be temporarily suspended effective midnight of 13 November 2023 until midnight of 8 January 2024. Projects that are not covered by the moratorium: Flagship projects of the government DPWH bridge repair/construction flood interceptor catchment projects (box culvert) Asphalt overlay projects without re-blocking works Sidewalk improvement Drainage improvement projects along the sidewalk and not occupying any part of the roadway footbridge projects Emergency leak repair or breakage of water lines by Manila Water Co. and Maynilad Water Service Inc. New water service connection or electrical service connections Road activities without excavation (traffic clearance only) Meralco relocation/emergency works affecting major projects of government All concerned agencies are advised to take appropriate measures and ensure that all affected roads will remain passable, safe and serviceable to all types of vehicles and pedestrians amid the anticipated increase of vehicles on the roads. The post Malls to stay open until 11 pm starting 13 November to ease holiday traffic appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ANGKAS: Driving force of the future
Millions of commuters brave the road every single day. At the same time, being on the road and picking up passengers despite unpredictable weather conditions and uncertain times has become the primary source of income for drivers — and this is how Angkas become a driving force for both commuters and drivers despite the worsening transportation crisis in the Philippines. Angkas CEO George Royeca is a beacon of hope for commuters struggling to find a ride amid bustling crowds and everyone who wants to earn money from ride-hailing. "We're looking at empowering the informal sector, particularly those that own a motorcycle. We can quickly help reinforce the motorcycle as a business concept to many Filipino brothers and sisters so they can lead a good life," Royeca said in a recent interview. Bounce back As pandemic restrictions ease and more Filipinos return to the road since last year, Angkas champions as one of the best ride-hailing companies in the Philippines, offering an affordable and reliable ride that commuters can enjoy without compromising their safety. During the pandemic's peak, back riding on motorcycles has been limited to people within the same household. With the government allowing Angkas to reopen its services to the public, it became a viable option for commuters, considering the seating capacity restrictions of trains, buses, and other public utility vehicles. With Angkas' upstanding performance in serving Filipinos in their everyday lives, Royeca is optimistic about the mobile application's future in the market. "I'm thrilled that every person that we talk to, whether they're from the government or the private sector, they believe in this industry that we have been able to establish, and I think that we have proven that it is a safe form of transportation and also an affordable option, alternative to the existing transportation public utility vehicles," he said. Royeca also mentioned expanding the mobile application to the informal sector. "Outside Manila, there's still a lot of habal-habals (motorcycles-for-hire) that are informal, and it is time to make them a part of the legitimized (system)," Royeca said, believing that all riders should experience the same opportunities as Angkas riders. With the Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, private owners of motorcycles can be sued when they accept or transport passengers in exchange for payment. Despite good intentions to provide an alternative and ease commuter needs, habal-habal remains unregulated and illegal under Republic Act no. 4136 — and it becomes heavily discouraged by the authorities since private riders cannot offer safety or insurance when extreme circumstances arise. Fulfilling dreams Angkas bring forward a positive change towards their bikers in pushing through with their goals and life aspirations. A living testament to Angkas' strong commitment towards its bikers is Kleiy Zarus Escalona, an Angkas rider who was able to graduate with a degree in BS Criminology. In a Facebook post that garnered a positive reaction from netizens, Escalona thanked Angkas for helping him finish his studies while earning at the side. “SALAMAT ANGKAS since 2017 hanggang ngayon ANGKAS kasama kita. Laking tulong mo sa mga estudyante(ng) nakakapaghanapbuhay ka ng hindi nakaka-abala sa pag-aaral mo kaya maraming salamat sayo (Angkas) nakapagtapos ako ng pag-aaral sa kursong BS CRIMINOLOGY, (Thank you Angkas for being with me since 2017. You are a big help to working students that’s why I am thankful to Angkas because I was able to finish my studies with a degree in BS Criminology.)” the Facebook post reads. Escalona's story proves how perseverance and hard work pay off. At the same time, it is a story that shows how Angkas' business model helps its riders have a productive and meaningful life outside the ride-hailing platform. Royeca is proud of the rider for his success, adding that Angkas firmly adheres to creating more job opportunities and alleviating poverty. Royeca confirmed that 30,000 registered bikers on their platform are out of the poverty line — and they will continue to extend their services to the Filipino people. With more than seven to eight million downloads of the mobile application, Royeca is hopeful and persistent in bringing the well-loved ride-hailing service to cities outside Metro Manila in the future. "We're hopeful that we can open up and provide services to the places that needed it the most, which are the provinces, so I think there is a lot of opportunity there," Royeca said, noting that Angkas is on the process of extending their reach outside Metro Manila, including Cebu and Cagayan de Oro. The post ANGKAS: Driving force of the future appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Revilla urges DPWH, MMDA to promptly address Metro Manila flooding
Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. on Thursday urged the Metro Manila Development Authority and the Department of Public Works and Highways to immediately address the flooding problem in the National Capital Region amid the rainy weather brought by the combined effects of low-pressure area and southwest monsoon. Revilla lamented there is a need to identify factors contributing to the quick and sudden flooding in Metro Manila—noting that some of these were not flooded-prone areas before. The DPWH earlier declared that they are prepared for the effects of heavy rains, noting that pumping stations across NCR have a “100 percent” capacity to handle the rainy season. Despite the DPWH’s pronouncement, Revilla said some areas in NCR are now submerged in floods which he blamed for the heavy traffic congestion being experienced in the busiest roads. “Small vehicles were not able to pass several roads and highways. People want to see the DPWH declaration that a total of 13, 224 flood control structures are being readied nationwide because this problem should not be happening and must be addressed as soon as possible,” Revilla told reporters. He cited that motorists passing through the South Luzon Expressway are being delayed by heavy traffic after the heavy rains. He added that flooding caused “standstill traffic” from Laguna to Crossing to EDSA roads. “The standstill was due to the rapid flooding of low-lying portions of the road, worsened by the suspected clogging of drains where water should be flowing freely in case of floods brought about by heavy rains,” Revilla underscored. The senator said the many commuters and motorists traveling from provinces going to Metro Manila supposedly skipped their meals due to long drives amid heavy traffic. “[They] have their meals inside the vehicles because they are already starving, while some chose just to walk to get to EDSA due to the heavy traffic,” he said, expressing concerns over the welfare of the motorists and public vehicle commuters “who repeatedly experience such sad scenario every time rainy season ushers in.” Meanwhile, the MMDA said it is currently conducting a flood monitoring effort in the newly-launched command center. Based on its monitoring, MMDA said a knee-deep flood was reported in Sun Valley, Parañaque, which was not passable to all types of vehicles as of 7:55 a.m. Moreover, the Office of the Civil Defense said the flooding due to torrential rains resulted in heavy traffic in the SLEX-Alabang area as Metro Manila is experiencing light to moderate with occasional heavy rains due to the LPA. The post Revilla urges DPWH, MMDA to promptly address Metro Manila flooding appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bike taxi cap impedes jobs
Transport groups are urging regulators to scrap the limits on the number of motorcycle taxis on the streets amid a spike in demand. In separate statements over the weekend, CitizenWatch Philippines, Bantay Konsyumer, Kalsada, Kuryente or BK3 and The Passenger Forum unilaterally pointed out that removing the limits will also open livelihood opportunities to more Filipinos. CitizenWatch Philippines co-convenor and former Quezon City representative lawyer Kit Belmonte noted that the shortage of transportation options has “resulted in the proliferation of illegal habal-habal, which are being patronized by desperate commuters.” “Because they are unregulated, the drivers of habal-habal do not have proper training and they do not have accident insurance,” Belmonte said. “No less than Senator Raffy Tulfo recommended legalizing habal-habal operations, and even asked MC taxi operators to help train habal-habal riders,” he added. Jobs to more Filipinos Likewise, Belmonte contended that similar to other countries, removing the riders cap will encourage more players to participate and ensure competition for better delivery of services for commuters. Meanwhile, Passenger Forum Convener Primo Morillo, said his group believes “it is about time to do away with the limit for motorcycle taxis as it impedes the potential of motorcycle taxis to serve commuters and provide a livelihood for riders.” “No other than the Philippine Competition Commission recommended the removal of the cap as it will lead to better commuter experience,” Morillo added. While there are no official government statistics on the number of habal-habal nationwide, they were initially estimated to have reached 200,000 in Metro Manila in 2020, during the height of the global health pandemic. Thus, the proliferation of habal-habal has compelled local government units like Cebu City to create an office to regulate their operations. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board recently urged habal-habal operators, particularly in provinces, to join its pilot study for bike taxis so they can be regulated and trained. LTFRB chief Teofilo Guadiz III previously said that safe and secure operations will “ultimately benefit the riding public.” The post Bike taxi cap impedes jobs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Stakeholders appeal for bike taxi fleet cap removal
Transport groups are urging regulators to scrap the limits on the number of motorcycle taxis legally allowed to operate amid a spike in demand for convenient and affordable transportation alternatives. In separate statements over the weekend, CitizenWatch Philippines, Bantay Konsyumer, Kalsada, Kuryente (BK3), and The Passenger Forum unilaterally pointed out that removing the limits will also provide a livelihood to more Filipinos. CitizenWatch Philippines Co-Convenor and former Quezon City representative lawyer Kit Belmonte noted that the shortage of transportation options has “resulted in the proliferation of illegal habal-habal, which are being patronized by desperate commuters.” “Because they are unregulated, the drivers of habal-habal do not have proper training and they do not have accident insurance,” Belmonte said. “No less than Senator Raffy Tulfo recommended legalizing habal-habal operations, and even asked MC taxi operators to help train habal-habal riders,” he added. Likewise, Belmonte contended that similar to other countries, removing the riders cap will encourage more players to participate and ensure competition for better delivery of services for commuters. Meanwhile, The Passenger Forum Convener Primo Morillo, said his group said, "It's about time to do away with the limit for motorcycle taxis as it impedes the potential of motorcycle taxis to serve commuters and provide a livelihood for riders.” “No other than the Philippine Competition Commission recommended the removal of the cap as it will lead to better commuter experience,” Morillo added. While there are no official government statistics on the number of habal-habal nationwide, they were initially estimated to have reached 200,000 in Metro Manila in 2020, during the height of the global health pandemic. Thus, the proliferation of habal-habal has compelled local government units like Cebu City to create an office to regulate their operations. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board recently urged habal-habal operators, particularly in provinces, to join its pilot study for bike taxis so they can be regulated and trained. LTFRB chief Teofilo Guadiz III previously said that safe and secure operations will “ultimately benefit the riding public.” The post Stakeholders appeal for bike taxi fleet cap removal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Various groups express woes amid transport crisis
THE TRANSPORT crisis, along with shortages in other basic needs such as food, water, and electricity have topped media headlines in recent weeks. Media showed long lines and counted long hours of commuters standing and waiting for rides, reported bumper to bumper traffic in cities, and shar.....»»
Workers group slams uniform curfew amid mass transportation shortage
"It is evident that Densing is indifferent to the plight of public mass transport commuters and the common two-wheel riders as he is too comfortable in his own private vehicle and in the transport services accorded to him as a government official.".....»»
69,000 PUVs ready to ferry commuters – LTFRB
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has assured commuters that over 69,000 public utility vehicles are available to serve them amid concerns on the re-implementation of the strict one-meter distancing policy in mass transportation......»»
Mayor Uy posts cryptic messages amid Igacos power problems
ISLAND Garden City of Samal (Igacos) Mayor Al David Uy posted cryptic messages regarding the power crisis in Igacos......»»
Israel bombs Gaza, fights Hamas around hospitals
Israeli forces pounded besieged Gaza on Wednesday and fought Hamas around several hospitals, despite a UN Security Council demand for a ceasefire. Talks in Qatar towards a truce and hostage release deal involving US and Egyptian mediators have brought no result so far, with Israel and the Palestinian militant group blaming each other. READ: Israel.....»»
Security Council warns of foreign interference in 2025 polls
There may be foreign interference in next year’s midterm elections and the Department of Information and Communications Technology should prepare to counter cyberattacks, the National Security Councilwarned yesterday......»»
Marcos Jr. eyes stronger maritime ties with India
The Philippines is seeking stronger maritime security cooperation with India to ensure the safety of seafarers from both nations as the world’s oceans are becoming more dangerous for commercial shipping, President Marcos said......»»