Tag: governance

Muntinlupa City Mayor comments on ban on e-bikes and e-trikes on national roads plus regulations approved by Metro Manila Council (MMC)

Muntinlupa City Mayor comments on ban on e-bikes and e-trikes on national roads plus regulations approved by Metro Manila Council (MMC)

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In the progressive City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon spoke about the Metro Manila Council’s (MMC) approval of a resolution banning electric tricycles (e-trikes) and electric bikes (e-bikes) on national roads within Metro Manila and regulating them, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon said it is about time to rationalize the use of e-vehicles (electric vehicles) in the country in light of an increase in road accidents.

On Feb. 28, the Metro Manila Council (MMC), to which Biazon belongs, passed a resolution banning e-trikes (electric tricycles) and e-bikes (electric bikes) on national roads in Metro Manila.  A P2,500 fine will be imposed on violators.

E-trike and e-bike drivers will also be required to obtain a driver’s license.

In addition, each local government unit (LGU) in Metro Manila will determine the roads in its jurisdiction that will be added to the ban.

“It is about time we rationalize the use of these vehicles which are increasingly getting involved in accidents, cause traffic and endanger their users,” said Biazon.

Biazon, a former congressman, added that “many of those who operate these e-vehicles lack the basic knowledge in road use and driving skills.”

“It has even been observed that some are driven by minors who would not even qualify for a student driver’s permit,” he noted.

He explained that “driving motor vehicles on roads is only a privilege, that’s before anyone is allowed to drive a motor vehicle, a license is required after undergoing training and a test.”

“Since drivers of these e-vehicle are using the same road, they should also comply with requirements imposed on motor vehicle drivers,” he said.

For my previous blog posts about e-bikes and e-trikes, click here, here, here, here, here, here and here.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, did you notice e-bikes or e-trikes traveling along the Alabang-Zapote Road or the old highway going to Muntinlupa City Hall lately? Did you notice e-trikes entering the parking areas of Alabang shopping malls and actually park? Are you concerned that the charging of e-bikes or e-trikes at home could spark a fire unexpectedly?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City Government tells telecom firms to relocate cables and wires underground this year

Muntinlupa City Government tells telecom firms to relocate cables and wires underground this year

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Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government formally told all telecommunication companies and service providers to relocate the overhead cables and wires underground this year in accordance to an existing city ordinance, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

All telecommunication companies and service providers that use overhead wires and cables are required to relocate and install their facilities underground starting this year in Muntinlupa.

This is mandated by Muntinlupa City Ordinance 2021-256 which was passed by the Muntinlupa City Council in August 2021.

2021-056 is an “ordinance requiring/mandating all telecommunication companies, service providers, and other similar entities that use overhead wires and/or cables operating within the City of Muntinlupa to install and/or relocate wire and cable system underground.”

Muntinlupa Councilor Mamerto Sevilla Jr., chairman of the Committee on Land Use and Zoning and one of the sponsors of the ordinance, told Manila Bulletin that the ordinance will take effect by August this year.

“Yung ordinance kasi ipinasa noong 2021, August. Implied doon sa ordinance na after three years magte-take effect. So yung three years niya this August (The ordinance was passed in 2021. It is implied in the ordinance that it will take effect after three years. So the three years will be this August),” said Sevilla.

He said by August this year, affected companies under the first phase should have relocated their wires and cables underground.

The implementing rules and regulations (IRR) are being prepared by the Muntinlupa City government.

The ordinance stated that “it is necessary to protect the residents from the hazardous effects of overhead lines in the event of earthquakes, heavy rain or thunderstorms.”

“An underground cabling system will serve the purpose of having a sustainable, safe, and clean aesthetic view of power lines to respond to the changing needs of technology which are likewise less susceptive to mechanical damages,” it added.

The ordinance covers “all telecommunication companies, service providers, and other similar entities which use overhead wires and cables located within the territorial jurisdiction of the City of Muntinlupa.”

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) will be allowed to maintain its overhead wiring and cabling subject to restrictions.

Under the Muntinlupa ordinance, telecommunication companies and service providers are defined as “any company, private corporation or business entity which has a franchise to operate a system of transmission of signs, signals, messages, words, writings, images and sounds or information of any nature by wire, radio, optical electromagnetic systems.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you think the adjustments of wires and cables will be implemented by the telecommunication firms with minimal disruption of services?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Metro Manila Council (MMC) approves resolution banning e-trikes and e-bikes on major roads within the NCR, regulation of said vehicles will be implemented

Metro Manila Council (MMC) approves resolution banning e-trikes and e-bikes on major roads within the NCR, regulation of said vehicles will be implemented

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Finally, the authorities in Metro Manila made a major move  as the Metro Manila Council (MMC) approved yesterday a resolution that specifically prohibits electric tricycles (e-trikes) and electric bikes (e-bikes) on major roads within the National Capital Region (NCR), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. That being said, the mentioned electric vehicles (e-vehicles) will finally be regulated by local authorities and their users will be required to be licensed to drive.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

Mayors of Metro Manila agreed on Wednesday, Feb. 28, to ban e-scooters and e-trikes on major thoroughfares in the National Capital Region (NCR) amid rampant traffic violations and accidents involving the small electric vehicles.

The decision was stipulated in a resolution of the Metro Manila Council (MMC), composed of all Metro Manila mayors, according to MMC Chairman and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora during a press briefing with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Don Artes. 

“Why are we doing this? There were a lot of pictures and videos shown to us about accidents involving these e-trikes and e-bikes and their presence on national roads and even on expressways which show that they are not following traffic rules and regulations,” said Zamora.

“Ultimately, the objective is to regulate and impose fines for the safety of everybody especially that the number of these e-bikes and e-trikes are continuously increasing,” he added.

Artes said that while there are other local government units across the country that have already issued ordinances on the use of e-bikes and e-trikes, the missing part of these ordinances and regulations was that they do not have stipulated fines for violators.

As a matter of protocol, the implementation of the resolution will be done 15 days after its publication.

Initial list – Initially, both the MMDA and MMC identified 19 major roads in Metro Manila where e-bikes and e-trikes are banned.

They are Recto Avenue, Quirino Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Katipunan/CP Garcia, Southeast Metro Manila Expressway, Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, South Luzon Expressway, Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas Avenue, Magsaysay Boulevard/Aurora Boulevard, Quezon Avenue/Commonwealth Avenue, A. Bonifacio Avenue, Rizal Avenue, Delpan/Marcos Highway/McArthur Highway, Elliptical Road, Mindanao Avenue and Marcos Highway.

Zamora, however, said that the number of roads where e-bikes and e-trikes are banned will increase in the coming days as all local government units (LGUs)( in Metro Manila were given authority to identify roads where e-bikes and e-trikes will not be allowed to travel.

Penalty – Artes said the MMC will be imposing P2,500 fine to all violators, or those who would dare to enter the prohibited roads.

He said the MMDA and enforcers of the LGUs are authorized to impose the fine on every e-bike and e-trike violator.

Artes said the same MMC resolution also authorizes traffic enforcers to impound e-bikes and e-trikes.

“If they enter the national roads we will impose a fine of P2,500. At the same time if the driver of these e-bikes and e-trikes have no driver’s license, then we will impound the vehicles,” said Artes.

Artes explained that the decision to impound the e-bikes and e-trikes was made since they could not issue a citation ticket for violation since the current regulation states that these vehicles do not need to be registered.

“Why do we have to impound them? With no registration and the driver has no driver’s license, who would receive the citation ticket?

Guidelines – Zamora, on the other hand, said they expect the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to release the guideline on Thursday, Feb. 29, on the use of e-bikes and e-trikes.

But this early, he said drivers of e-bikes and e-trikes must have a driver’s license in order to ensure that they underwent the proper training and seminar on traffic rules and regulations, as well as road safety measures.

“We consulted with the LTO to ask if the LGU has the power, and they said that if the e-trikes and e-bikes are not registered and the drivers do not have a driver’s license, then these are already two violations,” said Zamora.

Artes, for his part, said they expect the LTO guideline to discuss and clear things up on registration and the driver’s license requirement for riders of e-bikes and e-trikes.

For my previous blog posts about e-bikes and e-trikes, click here, here, here, here, here, here and here.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think the regulation of electric vehicles (including e-bikes and e-trikes) and the ban on them on national roads will make vehicular travel safer for all? Do you think the declared penalty is too low? Are traffic enforcers in your city ready to implement the new rules that the Metro Manila Council approved? Do you think that there will be no more electric vehicles driven by minors once the new rules take effect?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Malacañang declares March 27 a special non-working day in Las Piñas City in celebration of dual anniversaries

Malacañang declares March 27 a special non-working day in Las Piñas City in celebration of dual anniversaries

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Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced that the date of March 27, 2024, has been officially declared by Malacañang Palace a special non-working day in the city in connection with the dual anniversaries, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

The Las Piñas City government has announced that March 27 has been declared by Malacanang as a special non-working day in the city in celebration of its 117th founding and 27th cityhood anniversary.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said Malacañang issued Proclamation 471 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Feb. 16 declaring March 27 as a special non-working day in the city.

Aguilar said the declaration was made to give residents full opportunity to participate and enjoy the celebration.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? How many members of your local community are aware of the city’s founding as well as the cityhood anniversary?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

March 1, 2024 is special non-working day in Muntinlupa City, State of the City Address by mayor set

March 1, 2024 is special non-working day in Muntinlupa City, State of the City Address by mayor set

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Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that March 1, 2024, will be a special non-working day locally in celebration of Muntinlupa City Charter Day, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The mayor will deliver his State of the City Address on the said day.  

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The Muntinlupa City government reminded the public that March 1 is a special non-working day in the city.

This is based on Republic Act 9191, approved on Feb. 21, 2003, or “An Act Declaring the First Day of March of every year as a Special Non-Working Day in the City of Muntinlupa to be known as the Muntinlupa City Charter Day.”

The city government will celebrate Muntinlupa’s 29th cityhood anniversary on March 1. Mayor Ruffy Biazon will deliver his State of the City Address on that day.

Muntinlupa became a highly urbanized city on March 1, 1995 when then President Fidel V. Ramos signed Republic Act 7926 or “an act converting the Municipality of Muntinlupa into a highly urbanized city to be known as the City of Muntinlupa,” which is also known as the “Charter of the City of Muntinlupa.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you very happy to see how much the city has progressed since March 1, 1995? Are you familiar with the history of Muntinlupa and how it formally became a city?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

BI reminds travelers that eTravel registration is free of charge and they should avoid scammers

BI reminds travelers that eTravel registration is free of charge and they should avoid scammers

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With renewed focus on the safety of travelers in mind, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that registration with the eTravel system (electronic travel declaration system) is free of charge and people should avoid scammers who have been targeting travelers using fake websites, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday warned travelers against scammers purportedly charging fees for the electronic travel declaration system or eTravel.

Commissioner Norman Tansingco clarified that registration in the eTravel platform is free of charge, thus travelers should be wary of unscrupulous elements who charges fees from passengers via fake websites.

“The eTravel registration process is absolutely free of charge. We, therefore, advise the traveling public to register only in the government’s official website at https://etravel.gov.ph,” he said in a statement.

Fees allegedly collected from the passengers amount to between PHP3,000 to PHP5,000 when converted to peso as the fees charged by the scammers are usually in US dollars.

The BI chief urged the public to beware of the such fraudulent websites or entities which require any form of online payment.

Likewise, he asked them to report to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) via its website at https://cicc.gov.ph/report/.

Tansingco issued the warning following reports of passengers at the airports who claim they have already registered in the eTravel platform and “paid” the supposed fees that were charged to them.

BI officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have reported instances of many passengers who were surprised when informed that they have to register in the eTravel as the digital QR code they presented could not be accessed in the system.

“It is only when they encounter our officers at the airport that these passengers would realize they have been duped by these fraudsters and scammers in the internet,” he added.

The eTravel was launched earlier this year, and serves as the single data collection platform for arriving and departing passengers. It establishes an integrated border control, health surveillance and economic data analysis.

It is a joint project of the agency with the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Privacy Commission (NPC).

The project abolished the paper-based arrival and departure cards, as well as the quarantine form.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent report? Does this latest development make you feel safer to be online? If you had traveled overseas and came back home within the past six months, how was your experience registering with the eTravel system? Did you encounter any scammer online?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Muntinlupa City Government wins CROWN award

Muntinlupa City Government wins CROWN award

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Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that it won the prestigious Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) award and a cash incentive of half-a-million Pesos during the National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The Muntinlupa City government bagged the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) award given by the National Nutrition Council (NCC).

Mayor Ruffy Biazon received the CROWN award and a cash incentive of P500,000 during the National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony on Feb. 12.

Muntinlupa received the award for the effective implementation of nutrition programs for three consecutive years.

According to Biazon, Muntinlupa previously received the Green Banner Seal of Compliance Award, the highest award given to LGUs for effective nutrition programs, in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2022.

In addition, Alicia Tanabe of Barangay Alabang was named 2022 National Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar awardee for implementing nutrition programs and improving the nutritional status of malnourished children in the barangay.

“Maraming salamat sa ating City Nutrition Committee at sa lahat ng nagtulung-tulong para makuha natin ang award na ‘to (Thank you to our City Nutrition Committee and to everyone who cooperated for us to receive this award),” said Biazon.

The CROWN award is given “to a municipality, city, or province that has been adjudged by the interagency regional nutrition evaluation team as outstanding in the region in the implementation of its nutrition action plan for three consecutive years.”

To date, 170 local government units (LGUs) have been given the CROWN award. Each awardee also gest P500,000 cash incentive and trophy.

LGUs that were able to maintain scores of at least 90 percent and 93 percent in the monitoring and evaluation of local level plan implementation (MELLP!) are conferred the first and second year CROWN Maintenance Award, respectively.

The CROWN Maintenance Award recipient gets P100,000 for first year maintenance. This year, the awardee for the second year CROWN Maintenance will receive P200,000 and certificate of recognition.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted over this newest achievement by the City Government?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Local governments and national government agencies discuss regulating use of e-bikes and unregistered electronic vehicles

Local governments and national government agencies discuss regulating use of e-bikes and unregistered electronic vehicles

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With more electric bikes (e-bikes) adding more traffic problems on national roads and highways in recent times, several local government units (LGUs) and agencies of the national government formally met to discuss regulating the use of e-bikes and the other electronic vehicles that remain unregistered, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Several national government agencies and local government units (LGU) on Thursday began discussions on regulating the use of e-bikes and other unregistered electronic vehicles (e-vehicles) nationwide.

The meeting was held at the headquarters of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) between officials of the MMDA, Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and traffic heads of LGUs in the National Capital Region (NCR).

During the meeting, MMDA acting chair Don Artes said the proliferation of e-vehicles has become a “cause concern.”

“The LGUs have laid down their concerns, existing ordinances, regulations, and programs concerning e-vehicles. These will be reconciled with the policies of the national government,” Artes said.

Vendors of e-vehicles, he said, often cite that, unlike regular motor vehicles, e-vehicles are neither required to be registered nor need a license to operate.

“When these e-vehicle users violate the law, how can we issue a traffic violation ticket if the users do not possess a license? We also cannot charge the vehicle owners because they are not registered,” he said.

In addition to being a “grave risk” to their drivers, other motorists, and pedestrians, he said e-vehicles also slow down the flow of traffic.

Many of their drivers have also been monitored to be minors, do not wear helmets or other protective gear, and some use their e-vehicles in the middle of highways.

“We will consolidate and harmonize all existing rules and regulations, as well as ongoing programs of the LGUs and even national government concerning e-vehicles to make it comprehensive. This will also cover not just Metro Manila but nationwide,” he said.

Metro Manila LGUs have been asked to submit a list of their ordinances regarding the regulation of e-vehicles, particularly those used for commercial purposes.

“We will take a second look at the suggestions of the LGUs and propose the appropriate measures to regulate the use of e-vehicles in major thoroughfares,” he said.

In addition, LTFRB chair Teofilo Guadiz III said e-trikes are also a concern of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program (PUVMP) as these compete with legitimate PUVs in getting passengers.

“We are coordinating with the MMDA and LTO to apprehend these units that do not have franchises to operate as PUVs,” Guadiz said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you consider e-bikes and e-trikes a growing problem to traffic at major roads? Do you thinks laws should be made to prevent e-trikes from competing with the legitimate public utility vehicles when it comes to offering public transportation services? Should there be a law to prevent minors from driving e-bikes and e-trikes on all public roads nationwide?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

In response to public complaints versus e-bikes and e-trikes, government to issue new guideline soon

In response to public complaints versus e-bikes and e-trikes, government to issue new guideline soon

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In recent times, a lot of people have spotted electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trikes) traveling on national roads – including the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) – and posted images of them online. That being said, the local authorities could not ignore the many complaints of these electric vehicles (EVs) and they will respond by issuing a new guideline soon, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news article. Some parts in boldface…

Viral videos of complaints against e-bikes and e-trikes , including an elementary pupil driving one of them on a national road and their presence on major thoroughfares that include the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), have prompted national government agencies to expedite the finalization of the rules and regulations that would govern both their ownership and use.

On the side of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), its chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II, said two of the measures that would be included in the recommendation they would submit to the Department of Transportation is for the registration of the e-bikes and e-trikes before the agency.

E-bikes and e-trikes are not required to be registered similar to motor vehicles and this is actually the major marketing strategy of its sellers, according to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairperson Don Artes.

Aside from registration requirements, Mendoza said they will also include in the recommendation the issue on whether or not the users of e-bikes and e-trikes will be mandated to obtain a driver’s license.

Artes, again, said the non-requirement of a driver’s license to drive them is another selling point of the e-bikes and e-trikes.

According to Mendoza, another argument that will be included in the recommendation is the total ban of e-bikes and e-trikes not only on national roads but also on major thoroughfares and even public roads, particularly the busy ones.

“The guideline (on e-bikes and e-trikes) must be released within this month because a publication of it is still needed before the implementation,” said Mendoza in a press briefing at the MMDA office in Pasig City on Thursday, Feb. 15.

“So we should be able to submit our recommendations to the Secretary (DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista) within this week so that everything will be finally ironed out,” he added.

Exponential growth – Asked if the national government has a data on how many e-bikes and e-trikes in the country, Artes said they do not have the figure simply because there is no source of credible information since e-bikes and e-trikes are not required to be registered.

Artes, however, said that in Metro Manila alone, they have been seeing an exponential growth on the number of e-bikes and e-trikes.

But in Caloocan City where an ordinance was passed for the mandatory accounting of e-bikes and e-trikes, Artes said the figure is at around 18,000.

“So in just one LGU (local government unit) here in Metro Manila, there were already 18,000. So you can just imagine using the fact there are 17 LGUs here in Metro Manila. For sure, there are plenty of them,” said Artes.

“This is really concerning in terms of road safety because they are using roads, especially major roads, and some of the users do not even have the idea of basic road regulations that may cause accidents. So it’s about time that we come up with regulations on this matter,” he added.

E-bikes accident data – Based on the data released last month by the MMDA, a total of 556 road accidents were recorded in Metro Manila involving e-bikes and e-trikes from January to November last year.

There were two reported fatalities recorded in the same period—one was reported in February last year while the other one was reported in August last year.

The same data revealed that e-bikes and e-trikes accidents resulted in 282 non-fatal injuries and 281 cases of damage to property.

Enforcement difficulties – Artes admitted that their enforcers on the roads are having difficulty dealing with e-bikes and e-trikes. For one, they could not issue a citation ticket for traffic violation since the riders have no driver’s license in the first place.

Another one is that they could not also impound the e-bikes and e-trikes due to the absence of a guideline that would legally allow the MMDA to do so.

Consolidation of policies – Artes said there are a number of local government agencies which came up with guidelines on the use of e-bikes and e-trikes, one of them is their use for livelihood by allowing e-trikes to be used as public utility vehicles.

On the part of the national government, Mendoza said they will come up with a guideline that would be nationwide in scope in coordination with local government agencies and other stakeholders.

This is the reason, he said, why they have been continuously meeting even with representatives of groups advocating e-vehicles.

“The guideline that will be issued will be nationwide on scope. So it is important that coordination with LGUs and other stakeholders is important,” said Mendoza.

For road safety – Both Artes and Mendoza said that the guidelines that will be issued by the national government are purely aimed at ensuring the safety of all road users, including the riders of e-bikes and e-trikes.

To make things clear, e-bikes and e-trikes have been around for many years now. When someone travels along a major road or even on the highway using an e-bike or e-trike, he or she adds to the danger on the road. There were 556 e-bike crashes in Metro Manila in 2023 and e-trikes were clearly not designed to be safe nor stable. While the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is taking so long to execute any solid action, more e-bikes and e-trikes are spreading around and some of them were even driven by minors. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reminded local governments to ban tricycles and pedicabs on national roads and highways.

To see why e-bikes and e-trikes are problematic on major roads and highways here in the Philippines, watch the following videos below…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you consider e-bikes and e-trikes traffic hazards on major roads and highways? Do you think the national authorities will be able to come up with new rules in response to the many complaints made against e-bikes and e-trikes? Do you want to see all e-bikes and e-trikes banned on major roads and highways nationwide? Should all e-bikes and e-trikes be registered and their respective drivers should be required to have drivers’ licenses?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

DTI intensifies scrutiny of online sellers who engaged with offering mystery boxes to customers

DTI intensifies scrutiny of online sellers who engaged with offering mystery boxes to customers

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If you are fond of ordering items online, better stay away from those mystery boxes offered to you because the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is closely watching online sellers offering those things, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has intensified its scrutiny of online sellers, particularly those offering mystery boxes or parcels, to ensure consumer protection and uphold fair trade practices.

In an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon Wednesday, DTI Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles said all online shops selling mystery items are subject to stringent verification procedures requiring them to provide evidence regarding the sourcing of the items they offer on their platforms.

Nograles said sellers must substantiate the items’ origin, demonstrating that they have acquired them through legal means. This could include proof of purchase from valid auctions or confirmation that the items were legally obtained from sources such as the Bureau of Customs (BOC) or through legitimate means like through abandoned parcels or “balikbayan” boxes.

“Kailangan iyong online seller ay makapagbigay ng ganoong ebidensiya; ngayon kung hindi, puwede natin siyang ipa-takedown doon sa platform – we have a good relationship with most online shopping platforms and kapag ni-request po ng DTI, napapakiusapan po natin na tini-takedown iyong mga seller na ganito at nang hindi po makabiktima ng mga consumers natin (The online seller needs to provide such evidence; now if not, we can have them taken down from the platform – we have a good relationship with most online shopping platforms, and when requested by the DTI, we ask them to have such sellers taken down so that they cannot victimize consumers),” she said.

Nograles said the DTI is regularly monitoring online stores.

Some items inside mystery boxes or parcels are illegally sourced, such as stolen products from warehouses, which is against the Anti-Fencing Law, the DTI official said.

The Anti-Fencing Law prohibits the selling of stolen goods or items obtained through illicit means. Both sellers and buyers can be charged if these items were stolen.

The DTI’s move to tighten regulations on online sellers aims to safeguard consumers from potentially fraudulent or unsafe products while also promoting transparency and accountability within the e-commerce sector, Nograles said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent report? Are you concerned that mystery boxes are harmful to consumers who are often looking for the best deals online? Do you think that items placed inside mystery boxes may have been stolen or smuggled? How many times have you availed of mystery boxes offers online?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco