Tag: motoring

S-PaSS now essential for those who need to travel far and pass through police checkpoints

S-PaSS now essential for those who need to travel far and pass through police checkpoints

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Moving around the Philippines, specifically in the National Capital Region (NCR) and the nearby provinces, has gotten tougher as President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the shift into ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine) for the said places. ECQ is a more restricted status that will last from March 29 to April 4, 2021. Again, this is the national government’s response to the recent spike in new COVID-19 cases which are very disturbing.

To put things in context, here is an excerpt about ECQ from Philippine News Agency’s (PNA) report…

An ECQ status mandates all households to observe strict home quarantine. Movements will be limited to Authorized Persons Outside Residence, those accessing essential goods and services, and workers in establishments allowed to operate.

Mass gatherings (more than 10 persons outside and non-household members indoors) and face-to-face classes are also prohibited in ECQ zones. Mass transportation is allowed at limited capacity.

With regards to local travel during this time of ECQ, the S-PaSS  (Safe, Swift & Smart Passage) online travel management system is more essential and it has an app that can be downloaded for free. This is the same S-PaSS that the City Government of Las Piñas promoted recently.

For those who have not been familiar nor started using it, the S-PaSS was designed to facilitate a safe, swift and smart coordination of travels to destination LGUs (local government units). The traveler may check if the destination LGU has a restricted or unrestricted travel policy. If the LGU is restricted, the traveler must use the S-PaSS to apply for a TCP or Travel Coordination Permit. Travelers are free to visit any unrestricted destination LGU, however it is recommended to generate a TPP or Travel Pass-Through Permit if they will be passing through LGUs with restricted statuses.

The S-PaSS is now the subject of a new article published yesterday at Philippine News Agency (PNA) and below is an excerpt…

The new paperless app S-PaSS (Safe, Swift and Smart Passage) recently launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) offers a convenient and safe way to process travel authority online for local travelers, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas on Saturday said.

Sinas said S-PaSS will boost the PNP’s imposition of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the quarantine control points (QCPs) that have been set up in different local government units (LGUs).

“It will continue to help and benefit LGUs in recording and monitoring in real time, traveler’s information, such as those who are going in and out of their respective localities,” Sinas said in a statement.

He said the implementation of S-PaSS by Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) promises to be a one-stop-shop app for the local stranded individuals (LSIs), returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs), emergency travelers (ETs) and other essential travelers during the pandemic.

“The PNP welcomes the development of this local mobility feature as a tool which integrates the processing system for the issuance of Travel Pass-Through Permit or TPP and Travel Coordination Permit or PCP, Travel Authorities and QR codes which quickly generates real-time reports needed,” he added.

Despite the use of the mobile S-PaSS app, Sinas said police deployment will continue to ensure strict public adherence to the implementation of minimum public health and safety protocols.

Last Friday, the DOST and partner government agencies officially launched the S-PaSS, a one-stop online communication and coordination platform for LGUs.

As you can see in the above information, the S-PaSS is crucial for those who need to travel far distances and reach their respective destinations (notably local government units). Apart from helping motorists, other travelers such as returning overseas Filipinos, the stranded people and the essential movers can avail of the system to move around. The Philippine National Police (PNP) recognizes S-PaSS officially.

To learn more about S-PaSS, https://www.facebook.com/spassph or visit their official website at https://s-pass.ph/

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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

SMC President Ramon S. Ang declares Skyway northbound extension structurally complete

SMC President Ramon S. Ang declares Skyway northbound extension structurally complete

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Motorists coming from south of Metro Manila (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and other southern destinations) here in the Philippines will have something good to look forward to as San Miguel Corporation (SMC) president Ramon S. Ang formally announced that the northbound section of the Skyway Extension project has been completed structurally and by the end of this month, asphalt-laying will be done.

This announcement by the charismatic businessman and infrastructure developer reflects his corporation’s commitment to the public providing a long-term solution to the traffic congestion problems of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), particularly the area approaching the Alabang area of Muntinlupa City. It is San Miguel Corporation that spearheaded this project in coordination with the national authorities. This is a great example of how a major private sector player (as well as one of the Philippines’ largest corporations) made a breakthrough on Philippine infrastructure that will benefit many motorists and passengers in the generations to come. This is something that the anti-prosperity, anti-business, socialist and Communist fanatics cannot discredit.

Going back to the announcement, below is an excerpt from the press release published through the Philippine News Agency (PNA) website…

“I’m happy to announce that soon, we can open the northbound section of the Skyway Extension for our motorists coming from the south. This almost four-kilometer, three-lane expansion will have an additional capacity of 4,500 vehicles per hour, significantly easing congestion and allowing motorists to bypass the Alabang viaduct. Those coming from SLEX or MCX can go up the ramp at Susana Heights, and directly go to Makati, Manila, Skyway 3, all the way to Quezon City and North Luzon Expressway,” he said in a statement Wednesday. 

Ang said one can be at NLEX in 25 to 30 minutes instead of two to three hours, and bypass the usual traffic chokepoints such as Alabang, Magallanes, and Edsa. 

“This will be a big relief to so many motorists and will do a lot to ease traffic in southern Metro Manila, including on public roads leading to SLEX and Skyway,” he added. 

Conceptualized and fully funded by SMC, the Skyway Extension project started in late 2019. The northbound section stretches 3.99 kilometers from Susana Heights to Sucat. 

It is seen to decongest SLEX and Skyway at-grade traffic by diverting motorists straight to the elevated Skyway. 

The project was originally set for completion by December 2020 but was affected by delays and work limitations brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) global pandemic, starting with the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) implemented beginning middle of March last year. 

Ang thanked motorists and stakeholders, including the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation, the local government of Muntinlupa, and private companies such as Filinvest, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), and Meralco, for their full cooperation and support for the project.  

While those were a lot of details, I did notice that there is no fixed date yet as to when exactly will the northbound structure (the wide ramp of which is located many meters before the Filinvest Exit and the Alabang viaduct) will be opened to the public. To put things clearly, SMC and its contractors are doing the finishing touches.

Regardless, this is still great news and in due time the opening will happen. I guess it will be opened formally during the summer season. Once a new update has been made, I will update you all.

In the meantime, please kindly share this to motorists, relatives or friends you know who need to travel from the south to the Metro Manila and to the north.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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

Las Piñas City Government tells travelers/motorists to avail of S-PaSS (Safe, Swift and Smart Passage) service online

Las Piñas City Government tells travelers/motorists to avail of S-PaSS (Safe, Swift and Smart Passage) service online

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Yesterday the City Government of Las Piñas formally announced that travelers can avail of the service of S-PaSS (Safe, Swift & Smart Passage), an online traveling management system that can be used to travel to provinces or cities with applicable travel restrictions.

In case you need it for your destination local government unit (LGU), here are the following steps or guidelines for creating an S-PaSS Account and getting your travel documents online.

Information published by the City of Las Piñas Facebook page.

With the S-PaSS, it will facilitate for users a safe, swift and smart coordination of travels to the destination LGUs. The traveler may check if the destination LGU has a restrict or unrestricted travel policy. If the LGU is restricted, the S-PaSS must be applied for a Travel Coordination Permit (TCP). The travelers are free to go to any unrestricted destination LGU, however it is recommended to generate a Travel Pass-Through Permit (TPP) if they will be passing through LGUs with restricted statuses.

Information published by the Facebook page of S-Pass.

Once again, everyone is reminded to continue to be careful, be disciplined and adhere to health and safety protocols.

About S-Pass

S-PaSS is a travel management system developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) VI primarily intended to make travelling of Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs), Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) Emergency Travelers (ETs), and other travelers during this pandemic Safe, Swift, and Smart.

The system was designed to help users facilitate their travels when going to provinces or cities that have travel restrictions

To learn more about S-PaSS, https://www.facebook.com/spassph or visit their official website at https://s-pass.ph/

For updates about the city, visit https://www.facebook.com/cityoflaspinasofficial

For South Metro Manila discussions, visit and join the community in Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

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The above information was sourced from the City Government of Las Piñas and from S-PaSS.ph

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

SMC President Ramon S. Ang clarifies Skyway Stage 3 remains open to motorists

SMC President Ramon S. Ang clarifies Skyway Stage 3 remains open to motorists

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Are you a motorist who needs to go way north, or way south or somewhere in between in the heart of Metro Manila? Here are some good news for you all: Skyway Stage 3 remains open to motorists as confirmed by San Miguel Corporation President Ramon S. Ang.

Very recently, there was confusion when it was announced that Stage 3 of the elevated expressway would close down on March 16, 2021 starting 5PM. Below is the excerpt from the GMA News report…

“In accordance with the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) directive, the Skyway Stage 3 will be closed indefinitely starting 16 March 2021 at 5PM,” the Skyway Stage 3 management said in a post on Twitter on Monday night.

The elevated expressway will be reopened once all ramps are completed, as ordered by TRB, it said.

“Apologies for the inconvenience. SMC Infrastructure has no choice but to comply,” management said.

However, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) issued an advisory on Tuesday saying the TRB has not issued a decision or directive ordering the closure indefinitely of Skyway Stage 3.

“This is to inform the public that the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) DID NOT ISSUE a decision or directive ordering the indefinite closure of the Skyway Stage 3 starting 5 p.m. of 16 March 2021,” the DOTr said.

“The Toll Regulatory Board DID NOT ISSUE a decision or directive ordering the indefinite closure of the Skyway Stage 3,” it added.

“TRB’s position is to keep Skyway Stage 3 OPEN for the benefit of motorists,” the DOTr added.

“The TRB is composed of the Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Finance, National Economic Development Authority, and a representative from the private sector,” it said.

“Yes, I have just talk[ed] to [Transportation] Sec. [Arthur] Tugade. He will take care of TRB (Toll Regulatory Board),” Ang told GMA News Online.

As you can see above, things got really confusing and it was a major relief that Ramon Ang clarified that Skyway Stage 3 would not be closed. To put things in perspective, the 18-kilometer long Skyway Stage 3 was fully opened toll-free to motorists this past January and the TRB has yet to approve the proposed toll rates for it.

Now that the issue has been resolved, keep using Skyway Stage 3 for as long as you need it to move around. Please share this article to fellow motorists and other Skyway travelers you personally know. Thanks.

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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

Skyway Stage 3 opened to motorists

Skyway Stage 3 opened to motorists

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After long years of waiting and a lot of hard work done mainly by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and its strategic partners, Stage 3 of the Metro Manila Skyway here in the Philippines has officially been opened to motorists as confirmed by SMC’s president and CEO Ramon S. Ang.

“All access points and seven lanes in select areas will be available to motorists starting January 15 still for free—extended until February 1—so that our motorists can experience and enjoy seamless driving along this engineering marvel over Metro Manila’s congested streets,” Ang posted on his official Facebook page on January 13, 2021.

An official photo of a specific stretch of Skyway Stage 3 released by San Miguel Corporation.

Yesterday, the inauguration ceremony of Skyway Stage 3 was held and was graced by many government officials and special guests, including President Rodrigo Duterte. Ang expressed hope for the future as Skyway Stage 3 will benefit a lot of people traveling between north and south of Metro Manila.

Ang issued the following statement: I celebrate this special day with a full heart, knowing that we have delivered another game-changing project that will make a difference in the lives of so many Filipinos for many generations to come. With the official opening of our 18-km Skyway Stage 3, traffic in Metro Manila will be significantly reduced. It will no longer rob our kababayan of precious quality time with their families. After bridging the north and south of the Metro, we will begin work next month to realize another dream: to link Manila and Rizal in the east and eventually provide seamless land travel on all four corners of Metro Manila.  Thank you to all our partner-stakeholders past and present, and to the Duterte Administration for the unwavering support in helping us deliver this vital infrastructure project! Maraming, maraming salamat po!

As mentioned before, Stage 3 of Skyway is a stretch of about 18 kilometers that connects the northern and southern parts of Luzon with an elevated highway that results much faster travel for motorists. Not only does it connect the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) with the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), it also allows motorists coming from both highways to reach their destinations in Quezon City, Manila and Makati City via designated exits. Skyway Stage 3 also has seven lanes.

In addition, anyone traveling from the north, let’s say the province of Bulacan, who has to travel all the way to Cavite province can do so by traveling along Skyway Stage 3 (to bypass EDSA and all the congested Metro Manila streets below), reach the older Skyway that connects to the NAIAX (Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway) and connect to the CAVITEX (Cavite Expressway). Motorists from Cavite on the other hand can go north much faster than before through the same route of expressways.

People from Laguna province who need to visit far destinations in the north like Subic Bay or Clark can do so by entering the Skyway from SLEX, go through Skyway Stage 3 and enter the NLEX. From NLEX travelers can go to Subic Bay via the SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway). To reach Clark, travel further north via NLEX.

The potential benefits of Skyway Stage 3 makes travel between north and south much easier and more efficient. This also means avoiding losing precious time in traffic jams in Metro Manila’s old roads below the Skyway, and this should translate into much less stress traveling. As such, San Miguel Corporation and Ramon S. Ang deserve a lot of thanks and admiration. Also, never forget to thank God that this incredible achievement of Philippine infrastructure happened in our lifetimes. For sure, Skyway Stage 3 will contribute a lot to the socio-economic development of not only Luzon but the Philippines as a whole.

In ending this, posted below is the January 5, 2021 official video of Skyway Stage 3 (which was partially opened weeks ago) for your viewing pleasure and learning.

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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 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 FB group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Watch the Blade Moto radio show hosted by Love-Love Tioseco on Tuesdays

Watch the Blade Moto radio show hosted by Love-Love Tioseco on Tuesdays

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Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from Love-Love Tioseco by means of an interview, viewing the Blade Moto radio show and research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Months ago, my very dear college buddy Love-Love Tioseco acted on the direction of the Lord to provide frontliners food to eat during the height of the COVID-19-related lockdown here in the Philippines. You can read all about that in my special feature in this website.

A lot has changed since then. Although the authorities are still cautious and monitoring cases of COVID-19, the community quarantine levels around the country have eased which helped pave the way for more people to travel around and among them are employees and business owners/managers who were allowed to move on with their economic activities. The Philippines still has a long way to go to recover the economic momentum that was lost as a result of the initial lockdown. We are all moving on the road to recovery.

Going back to Love-Love (note: she is the Secretary of the Luzon Motorcyclists Federation, Inc. or LMFI), in recent times she has been hired to host the official radio show of car accessories chain store Blade Auto Center called Blade Moto (also referred to as Blade Mo To). Specifically, she hosts the radio show on Tuesdays in two segments at 11AM and 2PM and it is streamed live online via the Blade.ph Facebook page, the Blade Auto Center Facebook page, the Blade Auto Center YouTube channel, and Blade Auto Center on Instagram to name some.

Love-Love Tioseco hosts the Blade Moto radio show every Tuesday at 11AM and 2PM. Her jacket is that of Colegio de San Juan de Letran. (contributed photo)

Officially, Love-Love started hosting the Blade Moto show on November 3, 2020, the morning segment of which I tuned in and even had a comment read on the air. I’m not a motorcyclist myself but I learned a lot from the topics discussed between Love-Love and the guests on the show. Of course, it was also fun reading comments from viewers who got acknowledged on the air. Through the show, you will also learn about motorcycling, what the motorcyclists’ culture of the Philippines is like, who is who among the motorcyclists, what the bike clubs are, how to drive properly during times of disaster, and more. I should also state that Blade Moto is also an ideal show where motorcyclists can reach out to the public and share their views so that people can understand them better.

Love-Love interacting with viewers who commented live during the November 24 morning show.
My question highlighted during the November 10 morning radio show.

To get the scoop about how she got involved with Blade and their radio show (under the Blade Radio line), I asked Love-Love some questions and below are her answers (in blue).

How Blade Moto came to be

How did you get your break to become host of Blade Moto radio show?

Many thanks to my boss Blade CEO Mr. Robertson Sy Tan who offered me the job to be one of his radio show host at the same time, it is an honor to be a part of the Blade Family so i immediately accepted the job on the spot.

Since the show started, how was the reception from the motorcyclists and other viewers? Did you and the producers receive lots of feedback via text, email or online messages?

The number of viewers has been growing especially those who inquire about the laws that discriminate motorcycle riders and those who like sending funny comments to my featured guests which actually makes the radio show lively.

Most of the messages we receive from our viewers are those who demand for shout outs while watching us live online.

What can people expect from future editions of the show you are hosting? Is something exciting coming?

I do not want the public to have high expectations but rest assured that our radio show will not endorse government officials and we will make it a point to always promote safety for all road users.

Conclusion

In concluding this article, posted below are the November 3, November 10, November 17 and November 24 YouTube videos of Blade Moto in full for your viewing pleasure. I encourage you all to watch out for all future shows of Blade Moto with Love-Love every Tuesday via Blade Auto Center’s YouTube and social media channels. There is always something new to learn and enjoy!

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

Skyway 3 project completed

Skyway 3 project completed

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It is all out in the news here in the Philippines and it is the best piece of infrastructure and travel-related news for travelers, business stakeholders and other concern parties specifically here in Metro Manila and the communities outside its boundaries – San Miguel Corporation (SMC)’s president and chief operation officer (COO) Ramon S. Ang announced the completion of the Skyway 3 project (AKA Skyway Stage 3) which is almost eighteen kilometers long. Right now, they are working on completing the finishing touches before formally opening it to the public.

Personally, I am happy for their achievement!

A great view of a portion of Skyway Stage 3. (source – Mark Villar Facebook page)

For the newcomers reading this, the Skyway 3 project is composed of a 17.93 kilometer stretch that links the norther and southern parts of Luzon by means of a modern highway. More specifically, once the newly completed project finally opens, travel from the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) will take only twenty minutes which will be a major improvement from the average of 2-3 hours (without Skyway 3). It should be noted that the project was completed way before the October 31, 2020 target of completion.

“I’m happy to announce that the whole structure of Skyway 3 is now complete. With this, Skyway 2 in Buendia is now officially extended all the way to the North Luzon Expressway. After many challenges, this project faced in previous years, the dream of connecting north and south and providing an alternative to Edsa is now a reality,” Ang said in a press statement released on October 13.

As mentioned earlier, I am happy for the completion of Skyway 3 and soon it will finally be opened to public motorists (who can afford to pay the eventual toll fees). Each year for the past several years, I travel from Alabang to Clark and Subic Bay to attend important events. During those times, it was a struggle to move from south to north and back WITHOUT Skyway 3. The traffic along EDSA (which passes through different Metro Manila cities and on the maze of roads within the City of Manila were often bad, time-consuming and unpredictable.

Another stretch of Skyway Stage 3 over water. (source – Mark Villar Facebook page)

With Skyway Stage 3, travel between SLEX and NLEX will be much faster. It is stated in the press statement that travel from Magallanes to Balintawak will only take about 15 minutes, Balintawak to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) also only 15 minutes, and Valenzuela to Makati in just 10 minutes. As for people from the cities of Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Parañaque and even further south from Laguna province who need to travel to Subic Bay faster in the near future, imagine going north using the SLEX, then the Skyway (in the south) moving through the metropolis in quick fashion to reach the NLEX thanks to Skyway 3’s stretch and then take the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) to get to Subic Bay faster than ever before. Travelers from Cavite province will also benefit from the improved access and travel too since their province has highways that connect to the SLEX. Really, a lot of people, especially families business people who need to travel within Metro Manila and those who want to go further north or south will really benefit from the eventual operation of Skyway 3 not for just a year but in the years to come.

From this point on, watch out for SMC’s announcement of the formal opening of Skyway 3. Congratulations to SMC and their strategic partners for their accomplishment! Thank the Lord in Heaven also for making big dreams a reality!

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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 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 FB group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Toyota Philippines Donates Vios to Ospital ng Muntinlupa

COVID-19 Crisis: Toyota Philippines Donates Vios to Ospital ng Muntinlupa

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In support of the local health workers handling the daily operations of the Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun), Toyota Motor Philippines formally donated one unit of its popular car, the Vios. Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, OsMun director Dr. Edwin Dimatatac, and City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela personally received the service vehicle from TMP Chief Physician Dr. Laennec Baquiran, TMP execs Dr. Jojo Cruz and Allen Rufo on September 9.

The Toyota Vios donated to Ospital ng Muntinlupa. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

In return, the City Government of Muntinlupa extended its gratitude to Toyota Motor Philippines for its valuable assistance to improve the local COVID-19 response efforts. The donated Toyota Vios will be used by OsMun as a service vehicle.

As of September 9, Muntinlupa City has 3,743 confirmed cases with 2,913 recoveries, 702 active cases, 128 reported deaths, 523 suspect cases, and 595 probable cases.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

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 distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

2020 Alabang Hills Village vehicular stickers for non-residents now available!

2020 Alabang Hills Village vehicular stickers for non-residents now available!

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Recently the Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA) announced that it is accepting applications (for brand new and renewal, and for residents and non-residents) for the 2020 edition of the vehicular stickers for Alabang Hills Village, Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City. Motorists whose applications got approved will see their brand new AHVA stickers released to them.

For your visual reference, see the images below.

The front page.
The back page.

As seen in the images of the 2-page application form, required (in the form of the latest photocopies of the requirements) if the vehicle is under the applicant’s name are the vehicle’s Official Receipt (OR) and the Certificate of Registration (CR) of the vehicle. If the vehicle is not under the applicant’s name, required are OR, CR and a notarized Deed of Sale.

If the vehicle is under the name of a Company, required are the OR, CR and a Company Certification signifying that the applicant is the authorized user. If the vehicle has been recently acquired and has no license plate yet, required are the Delivery Receipt and Sales Invoice.

Most notable of all, as listed on the application form, are some changes on the application procedure which is the result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Take note that things will be a little bit different compared to last year. Firstly, the application form must be filled-up with details (for non-residents, this includes an endorsement from a legitimate Alabang Hills Village resident, from your homeowners’ association or from a school or organization) and must be signed by the applicant (on the back page). Secondly, the signed application form and the required documents (note: must be attached with the form) must be sent to the AHVA through email at alabanghills@yahoo.com (note: you don’t need to personally and physically submit your application form and documents. You only need to scan them for the purpose of sending them to AHVA via email)

Thirdly, the applicant must wait for the AHVA to reply by email from the Sticker Processor on the payment arrangements and day of appointment. That being said, you must prepare yourself for whatever amount will be charged and whatever method of payment will be revealed. Constantly monitor your email. Fourthly, an authorized crew member of the AHVA will install the new vehicular sticker on the windshield (driver’s side) of your vehicle on the day of appointment.

One last thing…the AHVA confirmed to me today that they charge P1,200 for a 1-year sticker (2020-2021) and P2,400 for the 2-year sticker (2020-2022) for non-residents.

Inside Alabang Hills Village, I spotted a tarpaulin (located a short distance away from the Tirona street gate) about the different schedules of the start of applications of AHVA’s 2020 vehicular stickers for different types of applicants. The following details are:

August 24, 2020 – Non-residents

September 14, 2020 – Residents

September 28, 2020 – Commercial

October 12, 2020 – Motorcycle/bicycle

Meanwhile, the old vehicular stickers issued by AHVA in 2019 for private vehicles (both resident and non-resident) and commercial vehicles will expire on September 30, 2020. Meanwhile, the 2019 AHVA stickers issued for motorcycles and bicycles will expire on October 30, 2020. As such, anyone who have expiring stickers need to apply and renew as soon as possible.

Inside Alabang Hills Village.

If you have further questions for the AHVA, send them email at alabanghills@yahoo.com or call them at 8850-8254 and 8850-9631.

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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 and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

SOSIA issues advisory on the confiscation of driver’s license by security guards

SOSIA issues advisory on the confiscation of driver’s license by security guards

carlocarrasco

SOSIA issues advisory on the confiscation of driver’s license by security guards

Hey readers! Has any security guard confiscated your driver’s license in recent times? The latest news and details below deserve your attention.

The Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA) issued on June 15 a new advisory signed by Acting Chief Police Colonel Sidney N. Villaflor regarding the confiscation of driver’s license by security guards. This is pursuant to Republic Act Number 4136 (An Act to Compile The Laws Relative To Land Transportation and Traffic Rules, To Create a Land Transportation Commission and For Other Purposes) regarding the power to secure and/or confiscate drivers licenses are lodged under the capacity of LTO personnel and others who are duly deputized by the said Agency.

Below for your viewing and reading is the picture of the June 15, 2020 advisory from SOSIA.

SOSIAJun15

Item #2 on the advisory states as follows: This pertains to incidents wherein security guards deployed in private villages and subdivisions require the drivers of vehicles to surrender their driver’s licenses prior entering the premises, as directed by the Home Owners Associations’ (HOAs’) leadership.

Item #3 makes clear that the power to secure and/or confiscate driver’s licenses are lodged under the capacity of personnel of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and others who got deputized by the said Agency.

Item #4 is the hot one and it makes clear who or what organizations do NOT have any authority to confiscate driver’s licenses. It reads as follows: the HOAs and the security guards of subdivisions, villages and condominiums are not authorized under traffic laws to take custody, even on a temporary basis, the license issued by the LTO.

For more insight, Section 29 of RA 4136 states as follows:

Confiscation of Driver’s License. – Law enforcement and peace officers of other agencies duly deputized by the Director  shall, in apprehending a driver for any violation of this Act or any regulations issued pursuant thereto, or of local traffic rules and regulations not contrary to any provisions of this Act, confiscate the license of the driver concerned and issue a receipt prescribed and issued by the Bureau  therefor which shall authorize the driver to operate a motor vehicle for a period not exceeding seventy-two hours from the time and date of issue of said receipt. The period so fixed in the receipt shall not be extended, and shall become invalid thereafter. Failure of the driver to settle his case within fifteen days from the date of apprehension will be a ground for the suspension and/or revocation of his license.

Item #5 clarifies that drivers of vehicles entering the above stated properties may present to the security guards any valid ID cards issued by the government. As such, the security guards are supposed to be professional in their work while being courteous to everyone.

Here in South Metro Manila, the cities of Parañaque, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa have a lot of subdivisions or villages combined. From time to time, I saw written feedback by other uses on social media that some incidents occurred in which drivers trying to enter a village had no choice but to surrender the driver’s license because other government-issued ID cards (example: COMELEC ID card) were not accepted by the security guard at the gate.

Now that the SOSIA June 15, 2020 advisory above makes clear that HOAs and security guards are not authorized to confiscate driver’s licenses at all, drivers are more protected. In fact, Section 19 of RA 4136 specifically states:  The license shall be carried by the driver at all times when operating a motor vehicle, and shall be shown and/or surrendered for cause and upon demand to any person with authority under this Act to confiscate the same.

So there you have it, my readers, SOSIA’s June 15, 2020 advisory is a big reminder when it comes to the driver’s license and encountering security guards.

If anyone of you motorists was forced to surrender your driver’s license to an insistent security guard when trying to enter or was traveling inside a private subdivision, please feel free to inform me about it privately (send me a message at Carlo.Carrasco@gmail.com) or by commenting below if you want to express it openly.

Also feel free to print a hard copy of this article (which includes the picture of the June 15, 2020 SOSIA advisory) to bring with you when traveling to other villages. Thank you.

This article was published for public information related to travel and local communities.

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 and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.