Advocacies

HANDLE-LESS BIG PAPER BAGS: The “Geniuses” at Jollibee and KFC should try carrying a bag-full around the mall or in crowded PUVs

Whoever got the “bright” idea for those medium and big handle-less paper bags that Jollibee and KFC use for their goods probably haven’t tried carrying a bag-full around the mall or riding crowded PUVs. The SM Store, The French Baker and other establishments who started with the same concept quickly realized their mistake and came out with paper bags with handles (BIG HURRAH to The SM Store and The French Baker!).

Either the “geniuses” at Jollibee and KFC haven’t realized this or they had but just didn’t care.

To Jollibee and KFC management: Follow the good example of The SM Store and The French Baker (who quickly learned from their initial oversight) by putting handles on your paper bags! You should also come up with a better, spill-free device for your take-out drinks.

Also, what’s with the paper cup holders that actually causes the lids to open and spill its contents? Besides, if the lid hadn’t pop-up, the cold sweat from the cups “melts” thru the board! Jollibee and KFC are just some establishments who uses this impractical (and idiotic) contraption for their beverage products.

To our government – national and local (LGUs): The plastic bag is one of the most practical innovations for cold and/or wet goods from the grocery or takeout counter – why insist on using paper even for these items? We need plastic bags on wet goods for the basic reason that they don’t collapse even when soaked. Regulate or manage or minimize the use of plastic bags, but don’t eliminate or ban it. In Singapore, they still use plastic bags widely and liberally because proper disposal and recycling is strictly adhered to.




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IMPLEMENTATION OF RH LAW IS PRO-LIFE, PRO-POOR AND PRO-PROGRESS: Family planning is a must for poverty alleviation

Over-population or high fertility rate is a common factor in underdeveloped or “developing” countries. In fact, all developed nations have low fertility rate that some have zero or negative population growth.

But in developed nations, too, there are significantly less devout Catholics. This is probably why the Philippines's Roman Catholic Church is holding us back – it won’t allow government to implement an effective population control program and no president has been able to contradict this for fear of losing their vote. According to statistics, devoutness is prevalent among the poorer countries - so it seems that rich nations don’t have much time or much need for it. This is what scares the bejesus out of the clergy.

President Rodrigo Duterte has voiced out the need to stem our alarmingly growing population and I’m glad that he is determined to do this. Family planning will benefit those that suffer most from the lack of it – the poorest families tend to be those who have 5 to 14 members (believe it or not).

SHAME ON YOU, Sen. Tito Sotto and other senators who’ve applied pressure on the past administration and those who intend to pressure the current administration to back down from implementing the RH Law of 2012. You already know the facts but you’re willing to look the other way because you’re too eager for the blessing of the Roman Catholic Church.

As early as decades ago, Pres. Duterte has already seen too many Davaoeños who were suffering from poverty that is compounded by their oversized families (because they did not know any better) – that’s why Davao has the best family planning program in the country today.

I hope that Pres. Duterte becomes successful in implementing the same for the entire country within the next few years and it will be an enduring legacy whose beneficiaries will be the next generations of Filipinos.




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The slowest speed available, not the fastest, should be the true measure for quality of internet connectivity

I heard over the news the other day quoting a Phil. Long Distance Tel. Co. (PLDT) executive (who was boasting) that a recent “research” showed that the Philippines has risen to the No. 12 among countries with high-speed internet connection (in Asia-Pacific). What is he talking about?  I knew for a fact that in Hong Kong and Singapore, the slowest internet speeds start at 12-15mbps (megabits per sec.) and their fastest may be twice that.

In the Philippines, however, where our telcos (telecommunications companies) are making so much money by providing multi-tiered internet packages – internet connection speeds start at an unbelievable slow speed of 375-750kbps (kilobits per sec.) or 0.375-0.750mbps. The next package (for an add’l P336/month) is at 750kbps-1mbps - how can he say that we’ve become the 12th fastest?

Rating a country’s overall internet quality should be based on the slowest available, not the fastest. What’s the point of heralding “we have the 12th fastest internet connection speed” if most of our households can only avail of the slowest because that’s what they can afford?

On the day that the slowest package will be 12-15mbps and at a price most Filipino households can afford – that’ll be the day that we can truly say that the quality of our country’s internet connectivity has become world-class.


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HPG DID A GREAT JOB TO END THE BALINTAWAK MARKET TRAFFIC CHAOS (BUT WHY HAVEN’T I SEEN THEM LATELY)?

Prior to ex-Pres. Aquino’s order for the PNP-Highway Patrol Group’s (HPG) to “fix” EDSA, Balintawak Market always caused a traffic buildup. Vendors occupy 1-lane, 1-lane is filled with patrons’ and suppliers’ vehicles, 1-lane has become the “terminal” of unfilled PUJs and yet another lane served as the “unloading/loading” area for other PUVs. This means that out of 5-lanes in that portion of EDSA, passing vehicles are left with only 1-lane to use.

And what’s exacerbating is that all of these are usually happening under the watchful eyes of MMDA Traffic Enforcers posted at the area. Makes anyone who emerges from the bottleneck and sees them to think that either these MMDA personnel are too afraid to do their job or they’re taking bribes to “let it slide”- either way they’re useless and they should be relieved.

Of course, when HPG took over EDSA they ended this long-standing madness. I’m sure that countless motorists who felt the welcome change are gratified and grateful to the HPG Officers for a job well done.

I submit that besides the doubled salary our PNP are going to get this Dec., increased hazard pay should be given to HPG field personnel and incentives, too, for those doing exemplary work.

However, I’ve noticed over the past week that vendors and patrons’ vehicles are “creeping” back to their old places by occupying 1-2 lanes of EDSA again – not a single HPG Officer or vehicle is around but (like the old chaotic days) there are MMDA Traffic Enforcers. The “creeping” 2-lane annexation hasn’t resulted in a buildup as worse as the pre-HPG times but it will naturally come to that if left unabated. I hope that newly appointed HPG Head Sr. Supt. Antonio Gardiola and DOTr Sec. Arthur Tugade doesn’t let this Balintawak Market chaos happen again. Who knows how much longer it’ll take before the Balintawak Market is closed or moved in order to accommodate the new Ayala Cloverleaf development.


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HPG CLOSES U-TURN SLOT AT SM NORTH EDSA: THERE’S A BETTER SOLUTION THAN CLOSING IT

The U-Turn slot after West Ave. that previously served all vehicles going to SM North EDSA was closed in an effort by the HPG to help make traffic flow along EDSA smoother by diverting traffic to the much farther Quezon Ave. I think that motorists can bear the expense of the added distance if only to avoid a traffic buildup at the old U-Turn slot, but now the bottleneck is at Quezon Ave. and unless it affects the EDSA flow (their current mission) I fear that HPG doesn’t care.

As a motorist (and commuter) who frequents SM North EDSA coming from Monumento, I think that there’s a better solution to mitigate EDSA traffic buildup in the area and at the same time decongest the Quezon Ave. U-Turn slot:

Let private vehicles use the old U-Turn slot and let PUVs use the Quezon Ave. slot.

But it CAN’T be the other way around. Why? PUVs are the primary cause of the blockage - PUVs unloading at the outermost(rightmost) lane and PUVs emerging from West Ave. that “cross” EDSA in order to get to the old U-Turn slot. These practice by PUVs results to 4-5 out of the 6 lanes of EDSA getting blocked by PUVs trying to get to the old U-Turn slot.


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THE NEW KFC SUNDAE: A PRODUCT OF FALSE ADVERTISING

The new KFC Sundae posters at KFC SM Annex North EDSA was so tempting that I tried it and I was shocked with the almost halved serving size. The crew, a Ms. Mocha, even reiterated that it was the correct serving size when I called her attention to it. Frustrated, I dutifully started filming and taking photos of the sundae and the KFC posters for Consumerword.

Only after noticing my actions did the branch officer approached me to apologize and offer to replace the item. She said that Ms. Mocha was new and didn’t realize that her serving was incorrect. Although she brought me a better serving, and I thanked her for it, it still wasn’t poster-like. I hope that it was the first and last time it happened at a KFC – anywhere.

What’s wrong with serving the right amount shown on the poster anyway? Are your KFC branches on a strict quota and perhaps pilferage is one of the reasons they're unable to cope? Or is this disproportionate serving top management sanctioned?

This is not the first time such an incident happened on a sundae. Twenty years younger ago, I wrote McDonald’s Phils. (Golden Arches Inc.) regarding the often disparity between their sundae’s actual servings and what they show on their posters. Their response was immediate and commendable – their Area Manager called with a promise that the reported incidents were mistakes and that these will be stopped. He even offered to give me a tour of his area’s branches just to show how their branches are complying with the brand standard. I welcomed the promise but I turned down the tour.

Of course, McDonald’s must have had a hard time implementing the brand standard on all of its franchised establishments so it may have been the reason they eventually took down the posters and changed the sundaes’ photos on the overhead menu. At least, with the new photos they’re not trying to fool anyone.


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THE SLOWEST SPEED AVAILABLE, NOT THE FASTEST, SHOULD BE THE TRUE MEASURE FOR QUALITY OF INTERNET CONNECTIVITY

A Phil. Long Distance Tel. Co. (PLDT) executive was over the news boasting that a recent “research” showed that the Philippines has risen to the No. 12 among countries with high-speed internet connection (in Asia-Pacific). What is he talking about?   I knew for a fact that in Hong Kong and Singapore, as way back as several years ago, the slowest internet speeds start at 12-15mbps (megabits per sec.) and their fastest may be twice or many times that.

In the Philippines, however, where our telcos (telecommunications companies) are making so much money by providing multi-tiered internet packages – internet connection speeds start at an unbelievable slow speed of 375-750kbps (kilobits per sec.) or 0.375-0.750mbps. The next package (for an add’l P336/month) is at 750kbps-1mbps - how can he say that we’ve become the 12th fastest?

Rating a country’s overall internet quality should be based on the slowest available, not the fastest. What’s the point of heralding “we have the 12th fastest internet connection speed” if most of our households can only afford the slowest (that is way too far, far behind other countries' slowest)?

On the day that the slowest package will be 12-15mbps and at a price most Filipino households can afford – that’ll be the day that we can truly say that the quality of our country’s internet connectivity has become world-class.


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JANSPORT BACKPACK ZIPPERS GET STUCK A LOT

Jansport backpacks aren’t inexpensive teens’ school gear, but apparently they’re popular. That is why we’ve had at least 3 over the years for my teenage daughter. They’re the “in” thing in school since she was in her elementary school days. They’re sturdy, with a life-time warranty on service, but they have a problem – the zipper often gets stuck on the covering flap.

And after I searched the internet, I found out that other Jansport backpack owners have been experiencing the same problem. It is not an uncommon problem among Jansport owners.

Jansport backpack designers didn’t think of sewing-in a cord along the edge of zipper covering flap in order to prevent the zipper from “eating it up” (getting stuck with it).

To Jansport backpack manufacturers: I appreciate the lifetime guarantee in case the zipper itself breaks - but the hassle of untangling the zipper every time it gets stuck with the covering flap is frustrating. A simple cord along the edge of the zipper’s covering flap should fix this and you should implement this immediately because the frustration will grow and will translate to existing customers looking for other brands.


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TRUCKS AND BUSES NOW AT ROXAS BLVD.: THEY’RE CAUSING HAVOC

I was sadly surprised to see huge container van trucks and buses along Roxas Blvd. the other night on my way to Malabon City from the Mall of Asia (MOA) in Pasay City. For several decades now, trucks and buses have been banned from much of Roxas Blvd. which makes the traffic congestion relatively easier.

Eventually I noticed a lane with the new marking “TRUCKS WITH TABS” that apparently runs the entire stretch of Roxas Blvd. now. The new administration may have been trying to replicate the Circumferential Road 5 (C5) model wherein trucks and buses can use one lane. In the C5 model, however, the single-lane use is strictly implemented – this is evident because a long line of trucks creates a “wall” along the route during certain times of the day.

In Roxas Blvd., however, this is apparently not strictly implemented. These huge vechicles weave through the stretch with complete disregard for the single-lane assigned (and clearly marked) for them - thereby causing the same problems posed by huge vehicles found on EDSA.

To the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Department of Transportation (DOTr): it is sad that you should have to surrender the decades-old ban on trucks and buses along most of Roxas Blvd. to a perceived alternative to ease traffic congestion elsewhere, but please implement a single-lane system for trucks and buses on Roxas Blvd. with the same strictness that is being observed along C5, if only so that a major thoroughfare like Roxas Blvd. can be spared from being another failed traffic decongestion experiment.


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CUSTOMER SERVICE AT BPI: PROBABLY ONE OF THE SLOWEST (IF NOT THE SLOWEST)

I wonder why it takes longer to bank at BPI than any of the major banking institutions in the Philippines. Is it because there are usually only one or two of the 3 or 4 teller booths operating? Is it because BPI staff conduct their business more slowly and therefore less efficiently? I also bank at various branches of BDO, Metrobank, China Bank, PS Bank, and RCBC – and I’ve realized that BPI branches are generally unpleasant and too time-consuming to go to.

Compared to BDO, customer service at BPI sucks. BDO branches have more tellers, and if 4 or 5 aren’t enough, even their new accounts/customer service counters officers and staff pitch in (if there is a long queue already).

In fact, BDO prides itself in its fast, efficient service that its branches don’t have seats and customers have to stand in line. BPI, on the other hand, may be trying to project the same image by having “backrest-less” seats that prove to be very uncomfortable when you’re on it for a long time (which is becoming a new normal).

Also, I get the impression that BDO must be having their staff trained by experts of SM Malls because every time I walked into a BDO branch, I feel like I’m walking into an SM Store – generally warm, friendly and accommodating faces greet everyone, “suki” or not. BPI staff should apprentice with them.

Although in fairness to BPI, they did pioneer (and remains the only one with) the in-branch POS system wherein the customer didn't have to write on transaction slip(s) for each account or transaction but needed only to push a few buttons on the POS machines - this certainly was quicker than the manual type (when you get the hang of it). However, they wasted this advantage over other banks by slowing down on the rest of the process.

To BPI President and CEO Cezar P. Consing: Even if you’re one of the oldest and well-known banks in the country, you shouldn’t be too arrogant about it by neglecting the “small details” in customer service. You should have more tellers and staff to cope with your overgrown clientele base.

To BDO’s officers and staff: Kudos on your persistence to improve and maintain the standard of customer satisfaction that you have on your branches –  in spite of the growing demands of a continually increasing customer base.


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THE PROPOSED LRT-MRT GRAND CENTRAL STATION: COMMUTERS’ DREAM TURNED INTO A NIGHTMARE

What was once a grand plan to construct what could have been considered Manila’s first true “Grand Central Station (GCS)” near SM City North EDSA Mall has stalled and thousands of LRT-MRT riders who were the intended beneficiaries of the plan are now hopefully waiting for the promised change that we yearn for from the new gov’t of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte.

It’s interesting to note that the “re-positioning” stance (that totally scrapped the originally-approved integration plan) of the DOTC occurred during former Sec. Jun Abaya’s term under the Aquino administration. I’m quoting Inquirer columnist Mr. Conrado R. Banal III, who aptly summed-up the (still pending) case of the proposed Grand Central Station:

“It was rather common sense for the technical people hired by LRTA to locate the station at the SM mall, because there they could connect all three lines—LRT-1 and MRT-3, plus MRT-7—rather seamlessly. The location at Trinoma would exclude the MRT-7 station, for example, and the commuters thus would have to walk a long way (more than 600 meters) in what was supposed to be a “common” station during rush hours when the station would be bursting with humanity.”

(More details on the project at http://www.getrealphilippines.com/blog/2014/06/manila-commuters-nightmare-sm-city-grand-central-station-plans-for-mrt-and-lrt-lines-now-in-pieces/)

Let’s accept the fact that the most logical choice for the GCS location landed at SM City North EDSA’s doorstep. I understand Ayala Malls’ lobbying to get the proposed Grand Central Station re-positioned to its Trinoma Mall’s doorstep, but how such a concept can come to fruition in spite of its impracticability can only mean one thing – a party’s or parties’ business interests won over the welfare of the greater majority of the riding public.

To Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and to Sec. Arthur Tugade: please consider above all the interests of the riding public in making a decision whether to junk or reinstate the original proposed plan of 2009, which was clearly the most logical choice as shown in the original and new plans’ layouts and in Mr. Banal III’s argument.

To the SM Group of Companies and Ayala Malls: please do everything possible to have the original plan expedited and implemented so that the majority of LRT-MRT riders can finally realize the convenience of having an integrated rail system.


ADDENDUM: LRT-MRT GRAND CENTRAL STATION TUSSLE BETWEEN MALL GIANTS OVER – DOTC BREAKS IMPASSE

UNTV Online reported on Aug. 19, 2016 that the legal stalemate between mall giants SM Group and Ayala Group has been resolved. Sec. Arthur Tugade of DOTC helped broker the compromise deal between the two mall owners affected by the planned construction of the common station. However, the deal hasn’t been signed by all parties involved so this isn’t final yet.

After over seven years of legal tug-of-war between the two malls, this is good news nevertheless. LRT and MRT riders may soon be spared from the additional hassle of physically making a PUJ /PUB transfer from one line to the other – a convenience that should have been afforded them way back in 2010 if the DOTC under the Aquino administration hadn’t favored the Ayala Group’s Trinoma Mall over what is logically the most practical location to build it.

The most practical spot happened to fall on SM City North EDSA’s doorstep, which was why the original plan by experts was to build it there and that was why the original contract was awarded to the SM Group in 2009 (see original and revised plans and PDI’s Conrado Banal III’s opinion in my preceding article titled “The Proposed LRT-MRT Grand Central Station: COMMUTERS’ DREAM TURNED INTO A NIGHTMARE”). Sad to say for SM Group, and the LRT & MRT-riding public, the Aquino administration came to power so vested interests got in the way of common sense.

Anyhow, I guess that Sec. Tugade made the most appropriate decision in going for a compromise solution because if the SM Group insisted on what is rightfully the just resolution – it may be another seven years of legal wrangling that won’t only continue to hurt the thousands of commuters but two giants’ own business interests as well.

I hope that DOTC expedites this project and have it completed soonest within 2017. It’ll be one of the Duterte administration’s most enduring legacies that the people will cherish!


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“ROAD RAGE” AT SM CITY-ANNEX NORTH EDSA CARPARK

Irate car owners at the SM City North EDSA-Annex carpark tonight, Tue., Aug. 16, 2016, can only blow their horns incessantly in pure disgust over a 65-min. waiting time at the exit ramps. I was one of the victims of this sheer folly. And the worst thing is – staff at the only exit booth didn’t even bother to offer an explanation or an apology when asked “What the heck happened?”. It was like adding insult to injury.

I’m unsure exactly when SM City North EDSA-Annex carpark started to implement the new carpark system wherein a parking card is issued and payment is made at the exit booth. The problem is – for the entire 5-levels or so of parking area there is only one(1) payment booth (located at the lowest level). What (the heck) were you geniuses thinking?

SM City North EDSA-Annex carpark planners should have OJT’d with Trinoma’s Ayala Properties Management before putting this new system in place. SM City North EDSA-Annex carpark personnel should have had a “fail-safe” or “fall-back” procedure in place in case this (fledgling) system failed – like it did on this night. It was quicker and easier with the old system where payment is made upon entering and tickets are collected by guards at the carpark exit ramp at every level.

To the management of SM City-Annex North EDSA carpark: SM City North EDSA-Annex carpark personnel were witnesses to the outrage expressed by car owners tonight – don’t let this sort of blunder happen again. Because next time, the “road rage” may actually explode into a tragedy.


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BEWARE OF EXTREME AIRE: A SAMSUNG-ACCREDITED REPAIR SHOP

I had a sad experience with Extreme Aire, an accredited service provider of Samsung Electronics (Phils.) located along MacArthur Highway, Potrero, Malabon City. I hadn’t really gotten around to filing a formal complaint with Samsung Electronics (Phils.) but I intend to. I’m unsure if they are even officially accredited by brands like Koppel, GE, Daewoo and Fedders that appear on their store sign.

When my refrigerator broke down over a year ago, I had the misfortune of getting their name from the website of Samsung Electronics (Phils.) so I contacted them and they sent two technicians to look at my unit. Unfortunately, these technicians conned me into paying them P2,900 (plus P200 tip) for a botched repair job. They initially diagnosed the problem as a Freon leak and made repairs for such – which I paid for – but it turned out that it was an irreparable compressor unit. After I complained to the owners of Extreme Aire and asked for a refund, they refused. They even refused to issue an Official Receipt even as they insisted on holding on to my cash payment!

During my lengthy conversation and text messaging with the owner of Extreme Aire, it seemed to me that they didn’t’ care whether their technicians made the correct call or not – meaning that the risk is up to the client. Extreme Aire should take full responsibility for the competence and for the character of their personnel and Samsung Electronics (Phils.) should see to it that only those that fit a high ethical standard for consumer relations get accredited by the brand.

Calling on Mr. Binggoy Mauricio or Mr. Jerry Lacson of Samsung Electronics (Phils.) – please look into the shady character of Extreme Aire and take them off your accredited service provider list as soon as possible. A business partner of this sort will give the brand a bad reputation.


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UV EXPRESS STILL MOST CONVENIENT AND QUICKEST

I recently watched MMDA Officer-In-Charge Atty. Emerson Carlos over DZMM TeleRadyo talk about some of the priority solutions for the worsening traffic congestion problem in Metro Manila, specially EDSA. His No. 1 proposal is basically to make buses plying the routes more efficient or “quicker” in order to encourage a shift in attitude of sole occupants of motor vehicles to become public transport users – a bus with 50 riders spares the road of potentially 50 vehicles with solo occupants. This is true, but it is only one of the necessary measures or a “band aid” solution to the long-term problem of maintaining an efficient mass transport system.

LRT and MRT systems should still be the priority concern of the new administration, fixing the existing infrastructure first before going through with the expansions (to neighboring provinces) – more people still rely on these operational units and are suffering daily due to long overdue fixes. These rail systems, when performing optimally and efficiently, will bring the hundreds of thousands of daily commuters faster and more conveniently than buses to their destinations.

“UV Express” or van shuttle services that carry 12-18 passengers per trip, are also effective means of mitigating the congestion on the other two mass transport options and should be priority solution No. 3. Plus, “UV Express” or van shuttle services are the most convenient, too. They save thousands of commuters the hassle of taking 3-4 transfers on their way to and from work and currently beats the time and effort that it takes if it were LRT/MRT or buses that they took. I have a brother, who has been working in Makati for over 15-years and who uses this mode of transportation, who can attest to this. I’ve also tried it myself daily for the last four weeks. The “UV Express” or van shuttle service concept is synonymous with “car-pooling” (in steroids!) and therefore should be encouraged and promoted though quick and easy (but rigorous) processing of franchise applications.


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DAGSIN AT CINEMALAYA FESTIVAL: A BREATH OF FRESH AIR FOR FILIPINO MOVIEGOERS

I chanced upon a Filipino independent (indie) film titled “DAGSIN” today and I must confess that I nearly broke down into tears at the end. And yes, I’d recommend it to hopeless romantics like myself. It’ll be well worth your while and your 150 pesos (only!).

I can only speak from the point of view of someone who’ve only seen mostly foreign films my entire life because this was how we were raised – no “bakya” TV shows or movies. “DAGSIN” is world-class quality, in my humble observation. I’m captivated by its story as well as the storytelling. I think that our movie industry has come a long way and we should showcase our countrymen’s talents in movie-making and acting by joining more international film fests and competitions.

Considering that our indie film makers have a relatively limited budget in producing these films, I’m eager to see what they are capable of with a considerably bigger war chest. Let’s patronize CINEMALAYA films so that these quality movie-makers can keep on making films that our race can really be proud of. Kudos to Director Atom Magadia, cast members Tommy Abuel, Lotlot De Leon, Benjamin Alves, Janine Gutierrez, Alex Diaz, Sue Prado, Yoshihiko Hara, et al and the producers – a job well done!

It is interesting to say that among the audience are Caucasian-looking people who were undoubtedly impressed by “DAGSIN”. That’s Filipino talent, I can proudly say to them.


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PONDO NG PINOY: GREAT IDEA TURNED HORRIBLY WRONG

As a parent of a child who attended St. James Academy, a 90-year old Catholic school in Malabon City, I experienced the yearly fund-raising effort of the Catholic Church called "Pondo ng Pinoy". I think that the "Pondo ng Pinoy" concept is laudable and it should be promoted perpetually. However, as a parent whose child is annually "mandated" to collect and fill-up a sizable container of 25-centavo coins and NOTHING ELSE - it has become an unnecessary burden.


Yes, we're not allowed to include 1-peso or 5-peso coins in the bottle, even if it means more in total value. And during the time when the min. fare is 7.50 and 25-centavo coins became scarce, this noble undertaking became unreasonably burdensome.

In fact, it is almost impossible to collect a 500ml-bottle filled with 25-centavo coins with just change that our entire family comes across naturally. We have to go to the bank and get some (if they're even available).

To the Catholic Church officials overseeing "Pondo ng Pinoy": "Pondo ng Pinoy" is a great and noble idea that is why it should go on - but please don't turn it into an unnecessary burden among children and parents. Let Catholic schools under your supervision or influence know that this endeavor should be encouraged but not compulsory and that they should consider including other coin denominations (above 25-centavos in value).


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LONG OVERDUE FIXES FOR LRT, MRT: HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS ARE SUFFERING DAILY

I hope that Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s administration can finally put in place a lasting solution to the LRT-MRT problem in his first year in office. I think that a “first aid” fix, like more trains, faster travel time and cooler air-conditioning system, for the first 100 days isn’t too much to ask. The tens of thousands of daily riders, who’ve suffered long enough over a span of past incompetent administrations, will certainly appreciate and remember that.

It is deplorable that our primary mass transport system, underdeveloped as it is, was heavily neglected and now the riding public is even suffering more because of it. People will remember the names of past Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) heads, including Secretary Jun Abaya - who was vocal about his apathy (“ride the LRT/MRT if you want or ride something else”) - for this gross negligence. Former Sec. Jun Abaya apparently doesn't realize that for many of us, there is actually no other choice. These DOTC chiefs are either incompetent or corrupt, and considering that these are highly-educated and highly-experienced executives, it is natural to think that the latter may be the case.

Expanding the LRT to Cavite is welcome news but before we start on that we should improve the infrastructure that is already in service. Optimize the number of trains plying the lines (especially during the morning and afternoon rush hours), optimize their speed capacity, fix the air-conditioning systems, improve the queuing system on stations to minimize long lines on the roads/sidewalks, etc. are just some of the priority concerns.


The “universal” BEEP card is a very welcome improvement considering that LRT1, 2 and MRT systems accept it, and that its load has a long validity period – much like Singapore’s EZ-Link card and Hong Kong’s Octopus card. But it’ll be better if just like the EZ-Link and Octopus cards, its stored value can be used at 7-Elevens, Mini-Stops and other establishments nationwide. Jollibee, SM ePLUS and others have this system (with Point-Of-Sales or POS machines) in place for their own stored value cards – arrangements should be easier so that they can accept BEEP cards as well.

I’ve watched DOTC Secretary Arthur Tugade on TV speak about his plans for his first 100 days and I was really impressed. I hope that besides being a visionary he is also a crusader like President Duterte - and that he has the determination and the resources to turn his vision into reality.


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RADIAL ROAD 10: A LONG-NEGLECTED OPTION TO HELP DECONGEST EDSA

Did you know that Radial Road 10 (R10) is the shortest (and quickest) way to the southwest portions of Manila, Makati, Pasay, Parñaque, Las Piñas or the entire Cavite province if you’re coming from Malabon City, Navotas City, Caloocan City, Quezon City (portion), Valenzuela City or Bulacan?

Unlike EDSA that arches (semi-circle) thru Caloocan, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Makati & Pasay – R10 is like almost a straight path along the pier. Of course, past urban planners apparently recognized this and that is why they made provisions to widen R10 into 6-lanes on opposite directions.

However, informal dwellers, homeowners, commercial establishments & truck hauler owners continue to make huge portions of R10 inaccessible to motorists. In fact, widened sections that were already cleared of dwellers are now full of parked trucks, cars & makeshift structures that render the newly-paved lanes useless to vehicular traffic (traffic triples in volume during morning and evening rush hours).

This means that a viable option to help ease the traffic congestion in EDSA and other key roads in Metro Manila is wasted, along with billions of taxpayers’ money. Calling on Secretary Mark Villar of Department of Public Works and Highways and Secretary Arthur Tugade of Department of Transportation and Communications - please clear out R10 and ensure that it stays that way in order to help decongest EDSA.



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HURRAY! ROAD SPACE-SAVING DOUBLE-DECKER BUSES ARE NOW HERE FOR DOTR’S P2P TRANSPORT SYSTEM

Filipinos need not go to Hong Kong or Singapore or London to experience the double-decker bus, just ride the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Point-to-Point (P2P) mass transport system (http://cnnphilippines.com/life/videos/2016/10/12/Government-launches-14-new-double-decker-P2P-buses.html). This space-saving vehicle can ferry almost as many passengers that two regular buses can. Besides cash, commuters can also use their BEEP cards for their fare, too. WOW!

The double-decker concept is “MOVING MORE PEOPLE IN LESS VEHICLES (on the road)” – we need to focus on similar solutions considering that our population is still increasing at alarming rate and rural dwellers are continually emigrating to overcrowded urban centers (see related article on Philippine population “IMPLEMENTATION OF RH LAW IS PRO-LIFE, PRO-POOR AND PRO-PROGRESS: Family planning is a must for poverty alleviation”).

Kudos to the DOTr, MMDA, LTO and other national and local gov’t units who thought of and implemented this very practical solution (although it is quite unsettling that no one, gov’t or private, during the past administrations seems to have even thought of this simplistic approach – using space-saving double-decker transport units - to help lessen traffic congestion in Metro Manila).


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METRO MANILA 4-DAY SCHOOL WEEK WILL ALSO HELP PARENTS AND STUDENTS

There’s a proposal going around about the 4-day work week in order to ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila, this is good as long as the business sector doesn’t mind. Although eventually they may not have a choice anyhow but why don’t we try the 4-day school week first?

Every daily commuter knows that during summer vacation the usual long queues at LRT and MRT stations are drastically shorter and the usual choke points on major roads that happen on school zones are gone. That’s because a huge number of students (commuters or with vehicles) aren’t using the PUVs or roads. That’s what we’re aiming to re-enact one day every week throughout the rest of the year.

The Department of Education (DepEd) can surely work out a scheme wherein additional school hours on the 4-days will compensate the 5th day load thru home works and projects (U.P. Open University- like or off-campus type of education), right? Our students do not even need web connectivity for the off-campus “school day” because they can get and submit their required home works when they come to school during the rest of the week.

Parents and students will save a day’s worth of transportation, meal and other expenses and other hassles on a weekly basis. The University of the Philippines (U.P.), St. Paul’s University (Manila), iAcademy (Makati) and other universities and schools are already using this type of system and it works well. Why not implement this in most, if not all, learning institutions nationwide?


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MMDA’S NO-CONTACT TRAFFIC APPREHENSIONS: EFFECTIVE ROAD DISCIPLINARIAN

When Metro Manila Dev’t Authority (MMDA) announced the start of the No-Contact Traffic Apprehensions System (http://www.mmda.gov.ph/index.php/20-faq/2040-no-contact-traffic-apprehension-policy-11-things-you-need-to-know), I knew that a sustained and strict implementation of the system is good for motorists’ road discipline and for add’l gov’t revenue for our traffic system’s overdue upgrades. Now that Pres. Duterte aims to cut income and other taxes, the penalties collected from erring motorists is a timely and good source of funding to augment the “savings” that the previous administration left.

Expect this source of funding to be significant because of the countless violations that we see on the road, private and public vehicles alike. Of course, the no-contact apprehension may take some time because of the due process of sending notices, waiting period, etc. before the actual remittance of penalties/fees but considering the no. of violators that we see occur on the road that MMDA Constables are unable to see or apprehend, we’re looking at a considerable amount of revenue here.

On top of the potential revenue, this measure will likely improve traffic discipline among motorists. Motorists tend to violate traffic rules when there are no traffic enforcers around because they know that they can get away with it. Or in the case of PUV violators, traffic enforcers and constable tend to shy away from potentially ugly confrontations. These road violations (and potential road mishaps) may be minimized, if not eliminated, now that “Big Brother CCTV” is watching over us.


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PROTECTION FOR PHILIPPINE LAW ENFORCERS (AND THEIR FAMILIES) IS A MUST

Protective gear for our “in-the-line-of-fire” Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel should be given priority. Currently, only special units like the SWAT, NBI, PDEA, etc. don bulletproof vests, Kevlar helmets, advanced communications gear and other life-saving paraphernalia. My heart goes to heroes like PO1 Romeo Mandapat who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. PO1 Mandapat may have had a chance against his drug-pusher killer if he had the proper gear. (http://balita.definitelyfilipino.com/tags/po1-romeo-mandapat/)

Our policemen and law enforcement agents who go out in the field to conduct raids, arrests, searches and other operations should be adequately provided with protection not only for themselves but for their family and loved ones, too. Doubled or more hazard pay, comprehensive life and medical insurance and other such benefits should be extended to them so that they’ll go out in the field to do their duty knowing that they, and their families, are protected no matter what.