Tag: National Capital Region (NCR)

Metro Manila Council (MMC) approves traffic code paving way for single ticketing system in NCR to start this April

Metro Manila Council (MMC) approves traffic code paving way for single ticketing system in NCR to start this April

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Following the recent developments regarding traffic in the metropolis, the Metro Manila Council (MMC) gave its approval on the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023 which paves the way for the implementation of the single ticketing system in the National Capital Region (NCR) this coming April, according to a GMA Network news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA Network news report. Some parts in boldface…

The implementation of the single ticketing system in the National Capital Region (NCR) will start within April, Metro Manila Council (MMC) head and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said Wednesday.

“Within April, realistic ‘yan. Like what I’ve mentioned earlier, after today, it has been approved already. Aandar na ‘yung proseso natin (The process will start),” Zamora said at a press briefing shortly after the meeting of the MMC.

The MMC has approved the Metro Manila Traffic Code that will be used for the single ticketing system in NCR.

Concerned LGUs have to amend their respective ordinances in connection with traffic policies before March 15, according to Zamora.

The Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023, which will serve as the guideline for the system, includes 20 most common traffic violation penalties that will be imposed uniformly in NCR:

  • Disregarding traffic signs
  • Illegal parking (attended and unattended)
  • Number coding UVVRP
  • Truck ban
  • Light truck ban
  • Reckless Driving
  • Unregistered motor vehicle
  • Driving without license
  • Tricycle ban
  • Obstruction
  • Dress code for motorcycle
  • Overloading
  • Defective motorcycle accessories
  • Unauthorized modification
  • Arrogance/Discourteous conduct (driver)
  • Loading and Unloading in Prohibited Zones
  • Illegal counterflow
  • Overspeeding
  • Special laws:
  • Seat Belts Use Act of 1999
  • Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act
  • Mandatory Use of Motorcycle Helmet Act
  • Children’s Safety on Motorcycle Act
  • Anti-Distracted Driving Act
  • Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act

Asked for the list of fines for the violations, the MMDA said this is still subject for amendment.

The single ticketing system aims to establish a uniform policy on traffic violations and penalty system in Metro Manila.

It would cover Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, Taguig, Makati, Manila, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Pateros.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? What is the one thing about the newly approved Metro Manila Traffic Code that concerns you the most right now?

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 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. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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

Las Piñas City lauded by DOH for anti-tuberculosis program

Las Piñas City lauded by DOH for anti-tuberculosis program

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Recently the City of Las Piñas got praised by the Department of Health (DOH) over their anti-tuberculosis program which made an a positive impact, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. A certification of appreciation was officially received by the City Government.

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

The Department of Health (DOH) lauded the Las Piñas City government for developing and implementing anti-tuberculosis initiatives which contributed to the attainment of National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP) targets.

According to Mayor Imelda Aguilar, the DOH conferred the city government with a certificate of appreciation, signed by DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development Director Gloria Balboa, on Jan. 19 at the Lafayette Luxury Suites, Baguio City.

She said the city government launched in July last year a project called Chest X-Ray on Wheels, which roams around the city’s 20 barangays to conduct tuberculosis screening.

The program enables the City Health Office (CHO) determine the health condition of the residents.

The mayor said patients who test positive for tuberculosis based on the X-ray results immediately undergo sputum examination.

Aguilar said those found positive with tuberculosis are referred to barangay health centers for treatment and observation.

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? Do you consider tuberculosis a major health problem within your local community right now?

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

Alleged ghost employees within the Parañaque City Government an issue

Alleged ghost employees within the Parañaque City Government an issue

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Recently in the City of Parañaque, the issue of so-called ghost employees was raised as the City Government moved to review personnel records to find them and determine where exactly the funds from the city budget went, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Parañaque city government will conduct a thorough review of personnel records to weed out “ghost employees” who have been eating a huge portion of the city’s budget.

Mayor Eric Olivarez ordered on Sunday, Jan 29, the review after noticing discrepancies in the number of personnel being reported by the Human Resource Management Office and different departments, as well as in the records of the City Budget Office.

Olivarez said the personnel review will be conducted by a committee to be headed by the city administrator, Atty. Voltaire dela Cruz.

“We suspect that this racket has probably been going on for a long time, perhaps decades,” said Olivarez.

The mayor said he became suspicious because when he assumed office, he was told that there are more than 8,000 city hall employees.

The number was later reduced to around 7,600, but no final number has been submitted to him up to now.

Olivarez said he became curious after all the department heads were ordered to submit the list of their employees who are physically working.

The city government then observed a noticeable increase in the number of supposed employees who have voluntary dropped from the rolls.

The mayor added that when he assumed the post only last July, after serving as congressman for nine years and, before that, as city councilor, he ordered all workers to remain in their posts, and that no rank-and-file employees were terminated as a show of goodwill and to establish a healthy working relationship.

This year, however, he decided to order all offices and departments to submit their personnel list to reduce redundancies and trim bureaucratic fat so that more resources can be allocated to other programs and services that will directly benefit the constituents.

“It turns out that we found a lot of discrepancies, so we decided to find out the truth because this is our responsibility to our people,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you think that the City Government really has a lot of so-called ghost employees? How much money from the City Government’s budget do you think went to those ghost employees? What do you think caused ghost employees in the first place? Do you think this could become a major crisis for Parañaque?

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 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. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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

Maynilad’s new water treatment plant in Muntinlupa City more than 50% complete, additional water supply of 50 MLD expected by year-end

Maynilad’s new water treatment plant in Muntinlupa City more than 50% complete, additional water supply of 50 MLD expected by year-end

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Recently, water concessionaire Maynilad announced that it is more than half-way through with its construction of a new water treatment plant in Barangay Poblacion in Muntinlupa City and additional water supply be the end of the year is expected, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

MAYNILAD Water Services, Inc. said on Tuesday that it is now more than halfway through the construction of its Poblacion water treatment plant in Muntinlupa.

“Once fully operational by the first half of 2024, this facility will have the capacity to produce 150 MLD (million liters per day) of potable water for the southern portion of Maynilad’s concession area, particularly Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Cavite,” the west zone water concessionaire said.

The Poblacion water treatment plant, now 53% complete, is expected to produce 50 MLD of additional water supply by yearend. It will be Maynilad’s third facility to tap Laguna Lake as an alternative raw source of water.

Currently, Maynilad has two treatment plants in Putatan, which provide 300 MLD to around 1.7 million customers.

“Our production of 300 MLD is stretched to meet the current requirements of our customers in the south. Hence, whenever extreme conditions necessitate reduced production, there is no extra supply so some of our customers experience service disruption. The additional output that we will get from the Poblacion WTP will help to address that,” said Maynilad Chief Operating Officer Randolph T. Estrellado.

The Poblacion water treatment plant is part of Maynilad’s P220 billion service enhancement program for 2023 to 2027.

Separately on Tuesday, Lee Robert M. Britanico, deputy administrator for customer service regulation of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), said that the agency’s corporate office continues to look for a new water source.

“If we fail to look for an additional source the existing water supply can no longer meet the demand and the increasing population,” he said in a virtual press briefing.

He also said that the MWSS is now coordinating with Maynilad and Manila Water Co., Inc. to ensure adequate and uninterrupted water supply for the summer months.

“We have a supply deficit now not just in southern Metro Manila,” Mr. Britanico said, referring to the Philippine capital and parts of Cavite and Rizal provinces.

“[Because] the population in these areas continued to grow and the water supply is not coming from Metro Manila, our corporate office is looking for another source to augment that deficit, and we encourage everyone to conserve water and encourage Maynilad and Manila Water to be efficient,” he said.

Mr. Britanico said the MWSS is now preparing for the summer months when it expects a supply deficit due to high temperatures and the lack of rainfall.

“Rest assured as of now, we are okay but we encourage the public to conserve water, let us not take that for granted,” he said.

Mr. Britanico added that if population growth continues amid a lack of new water sources, a significant supply deficit might happen by 2024.

“Right now, if we will base the projection on the population, most likely next year we will have a problem but if we can find a new water source for Metro Manila, Cavite and Rizal, then that will address the issue,” he said.

Meanwhile, the MWSS regulatory office on Tuesday directed Maynilad to rebate P27.48 million to customers affected by the water services interruptions in areas served by the concessionaire’s Putatan water treatment plants.

“MWSS has determined the final rebate amount for Maynilad customers. Maynilad shall rebate a total of P27.477 million as reasonably determined by this office,” Mr. Britanico said.

The decision came after the recurring service interruptions from December 2022 until January this year in areas covered by the Putatan plants such as the southern part of Metro Manila.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? As a local resident, do you think that Maynilad will be able to complete its Poblacion water treatment plant and improve the local water supply? Do you manage a business that got negatively affected by the most recent water service interruptions?

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 uses Japanese technology to clean up Laguna Lake

Muntinlupa City uses Japanese technology to clean up Laguna Lake

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Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, the City Government started using Japanese technology in the form of “bokashi balls” to clean up Laguna Lake, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.  

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

The Muntinlupa City government is using Japanese technology to improve the overall quality of the Laguna Lake.

The city government’s Lake Management Office (LMO), in partnership with the Rotary Club of Muntinlupa City Central and Rotaract Club of Alabang Bagong Paraiso, launched “Project ADBOKASHI” on Jan. 22 that aims to improve bodies of water in Muntinlupa and across the country.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon welcomed the cooperation of the city government, Rotary and Rotaract that focuses on improving water quality in Laguna Lake for the long-term as part of his administration’s 7K Agenda for the environment.

More than 1,000 bokashi balls were released into the lake as part of a two-year experiment to see if the water quality would improve and to counteract the effects of rapid urbanization around the lake.

The project will involve releasing bokashi into Laguna de Bay at least every six months with periodic water quality testing to be conducted by the LMO.

Bokashi balls are made of organic materials such as garden soil, effective microorganisms (EM1), molasses and rice hulls that break down toxins and bad bacteria in water.

Dubbed locally as “mabuhay balls,” bokashi were also proven in Japan to deodorize bodies of water and reduce siltation.

Recently, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) used these to improve the water quality in Boracay’s wetlands as part of the rehabilitation of its beaches.

The organic “deodorizer” balls were introduced into the country by the Asian National Institute in Angono, Rizal, in 2008.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think the bokashi balls will be effective?

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

Lounge for OFWs at NAIA Terminal 3 will be built

Lounge for OFWs at NAIA Terminal 3 will be built

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For the many Filipinos working overseas and supporting their families back home, a lounge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 will be built and eventually opened specifically benefiting the OFWs (overseas Filipino workers), the Manila Bulletin reported.

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

A dedicated lounge for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will soon be built at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

Cesar Chiong, general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) that operates NAIA, shared this development to congressmen during a recent briefing of the House Committee on Transportation.

Chiong said that the Overseas Filipino Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) have already come to an agreement on the matter.

“We met with the OWWA representatives, we’ve already identified the area sir and we’re working on the project so matutuloy na po yun sir (so this will push through),” Chiong said during the interpellation of Zamboanga Sibguay 1st district Rep. Wilter Palma in the briefing Wednesday, Jan. 18.

Palma, in a previous panel briefing, asked the MIAA to set up amenities that OFWs–our so-called “modern-day heroes”–could use whenever they have to wait for flights, or if their flights get cancelled.

The Mindanao lawmaker welcomed the development and asked Chiong for a timetable on the OFW lounge.

“Magsa-submit po kami ng more detailed timeline sir (We will submit a more detailed timeline sir) after the detailed discussions with OWWA,” the MIAA chief told Palma.

“Inuna lang po namin sir is yung area pati ho yung location (We just prioritized the area and the location) because we’ve identified the location to be near the government center,” Chiong added. He said the lounge will be on the left side of Terminal 3, when one is facing the terminal.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are an OFW reading this, what do you think about the planned Terminal 3 lounge?

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

35-year-old woman killed in Parañaque City

35-year-old woman killed in Parañaque City

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Recently in Parañaque City, a 35-year-old woman was shot dead by an unidentified armed assailant, the Manila Bulletin reported. Already the local police trying to figure out who is responsible and what is the motive behind the killing which happened within Barangay Baclaran.

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

A 35-year-old woman was shot dead by unidentified assailant in Parañaque City, Sunday night, Jan. 21.

Col. Renato Ocampo, city police chief, identified the victim as Manilyn Acuesta Guinto, a resident of Bagong Ilog St., Barangay Baclaran, Parañaque City.

Ocampo said Guinto died on the spot from a gunshot wound in the head.

He said the incident happened around 8:10 p.m. at Dimasalang Extension, Barangay Baclaran, Parañaque City.

The city police chief said members of the Baclaran Police Sub-Station immediately responded after receiving a call from concerned citizens about the shooting incident.

Responding policemen recovered from the crime scene two fired cartridges of a .45-caliber gun and a deformed slug.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? What could be the motive behind the killing?

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

Las Piñas City chosen by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), dredging technology test on local river to follow

Las Piñas City chosen by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), dredging technology test on local river to follow

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Recently it was announced that the City of Las Piñas has been selected by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as the site where they will test the floating amphibious excavator of Kochi Marutaka which means dredging on Las Piñas river, according to a Manila Standard news report.  

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

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has chosen Las Piñas city for its pilot test of Kochi Marutaka’s floating amphibious excavator.

Sen. Cynthia A. Villar noted that this technology to be used in cleaning the Las Piñas-Zapote River and waterways in Las Piñas is new. The technology, Villar said, can do extensive dredging while floating in shallow waters of the river due to its remarkable buoyancy.

“There is no doubt that you have chosen well. In Las Piñas, under my guidance, we are serious and very persistent in our river clean-up and rehabilitation,” Villar,  chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, said.

The senator, along with her daughter, Deputy Speaker Camille Villar, joined JICA Rep. Takuya Hashizume, DPWH- NCR Director  Loreta Malaluan and DPWH-Bureau of Equipment  Dir. Toribio Noel Ilao and Las Piñas- Muntinlupa District Engr. Isabelo Baleros, in the launching of JICA’s Verification Survey for the “Utilization of Floating Amphibious Excavator for the Construction Works On Disaster Management and Disaster Restoration in the Philippines.”

The project brief was given by Toru Asakura of CTI Engineering International Co., Ltd. and Hiroshige Takano , chairman of Kochi Marutaka Corporation, while Mikako Shimizu from JICA Philippine office and Tomohiro Matsubara from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines gave their keynote speeches during the launch.

“I welcome events like this that cultivate solutions to the challenges we face to tackle disasters and mitigate its effects. As you know, the Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries to disasters, it is frequented by around 20 typhoons per year,” Villar said.

She also pointed out the use of a floating amphibious excavator is also very much in consonance with her lifelong advocacies of cleaning our city’s rivers and waterways and of efficient waste management.

Prior to the project, the Japanese group approached the Las Pinas city government, seeing the efforts of Sen. Villar in cleaning the Las Piñas- Zapote River which bagged an international environment award given  by the United Nations.

The initiative to clean the said river and rid it of waterlilies that triggered floodings was under the so-called “Sagip Ilog Para Sa Kinabukasan.”

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? Are you delighted over the news that the JICA chose Las Piñas City for testing the mentioned dredging technology? Do you think the dredging along the Las Piñas-Zapote river will reduce potential flooding?

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

NCAP for Metro Manila traffic violations cannot be implemented yet

NCAP for Metro Manila traffic violations cannot be implemented yet

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As the Supreme Court here in the Philippines has yet to make a final decision about the legality of the No-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP), the local government units (LGUs) of Metro Manila cannot implement the said policy yet when it comes to traffic violations, the Manila Bulletin reported. Take note that the SC issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against NCAP in August 2022.

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

Local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila cannot implement the no-contact apprehension policy (NCA) for traffic violations while the two petitions challenging the policy’s alleged unconstitutionality are still pending with the Supreme Court (SC).

The SC issued on Aug. 30, 2022 a temporary restraining order (TRO) against NCAP and the order is enforceable until further orders from the High Court.

The SC wrapped up early tonight, Jan. 24, the legal debates on the two petitions. The first oral arguments were held last Dec. 6.

After the oral arguments, the parties to the cases were given a non-extendible period of 30 days from Jan. 24 to file their respective memorandum in amplification the issues tackled during the debates.

Given the complexities of the issues involved in the NCAP – modes of implementation like systems and mechanics, alleged exorbitant penalties for traffic violations, alleged violations of due process like pay first before complaining, and issues on privacy rights, among other things – the SC – legal quarters said – is not expected to resolve the petitions immediately after the 30-day period to file memoranda.

There were two petitions against the alleged unconstitutionality of NCAP which utilizes closed-circuit television and digital cameras to identify and apprehend traffic violators through videos and images of their violations.

Once a violation is detected and the plate number of the vehicle is recorded, the local government unit issues traffic citation tickets and mail them directly to the vehicle’s registered owner. Data on ownership of the vehicle is obtained from the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Non-payment of fines within seven days would mean the subject vehicle cannot be re-registered by the owner.

NCAP in Metro Manila is operated by a private firm, QPAX Traffic Systems, Inc., which gets a share ranging from 60 to 70 percent of the total amount of fines collected by the LGUs for traffic violations.

In one LGU in Metro Manila alone, the SC was told that the city government had collected close to P200 million in traffic violation penalties before the enforcement of NCAP was stopped. Of the amount 65 percent had been remitted to QPAX which was reported to have invested only about P50 million for NCAP devices and equipment in that city.

The first petition was filed by the Kilusan sa Pagbabago ng Industriya ng Transportasyon, Inc. (KAPIT), Pangkalahatang Saggunian Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association Nationwide (Pasang-Masda), Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP), and Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO).

They told the SC the implementation of NCAP is unconstitutional and thus invalid.

At the time the first petition was filed, the NCAP was being implemented in Metro Manila by the local governments of Quezon City, Manila, Valenzuela City, Muntinlupa City, and Parañaque City through their ordinances based on the 2016 resolution of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) which ordered the re-implementation of NCAP.

The second petition was filed by lawyer Juman B. Paa who also pleaded for the issuance of a TRO against the NCAP being implemented in the City of Manila.

In his petition, Paa asked the SC to declare unconstitutional Manila City Ordinance No. 8676, series of 2020, on NCAP.

He said the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) has access to the database of the LTO relative to the details of the vehicle, including the name of the owner and address.

Paa said that “if a private company is performing the function of the MTPB, their access to the close circuit television (CCTV) footage might be used for other purposes like surveillance of a particular person thus exposing citizens to risks against safety and privacy.”

Solicitor General Menardo I. Guevarra said that “while NCAP cameras capture vehicle images that violate traffic rules and regulations, they are neither designed to capture, nor are these cameras capable of obtaining, facial recognition images of the drivers.”

“This fact attenuates and weakens petitioners’ claim of violation of their right to privacy,” Guevarra said.

“More importantly, the sharing by the Land Transportation Office of vehicle registration data with the local governments involves information necessary to carry out functions of public authorities,” he said.

“It is therefore a sharing of personal information which is expressly excluded from the coverage of the Data Privacy Act under Republic Act No. 10173,” he stressed.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Do you believe that the NCAP is very prone to abuse by the LGUs? Do you believe that the LGUs want to use NCAP to easily raise funds? Do you believe that NCAP actually helps solve traffic problems and helps discipline motorists? Do you think Parañaque City is a good example of a city that implemented the NCAP? Do you believe that NCAP violates a motorist’s privacy in relation to the collection of personal and vehicular data? Did you pay close attention on how your city mayor reacted whenever the NCAP gets challenged?

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 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. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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

Las Piñas City government adjusts business permit renewal deadline to January 31, 2023

Las Piñas City government adjusts business permit renewal deadline to January 31, 2023

carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced that the deadline for the renewal of business permits has been moved from January 20 to January 31, 2023, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Their City Council approved a resolution which was subsequently signed by the Mayor.

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

The Las Piñas city government announced on Saturday, Jan. 21, that the deadline for the renewal of business permits has been extended from Jan. 20 to Jan. 31.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar signed the resolution extending the period for payment of business permits, licenses, taxes, and other similar commercial fees and charges without surcharges and penalties.

The resolution was passed and approved by the City Council on Jan. 16.

Aguilar said they made the move since the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) has been receiving numerous business permit registration and renewal applications.

She said the resolution states that an extension of deadline for payment of business permits and licenses will not only encourage the settlement of fees and charges but also accelerate the collections. It likewise enables delinquent individuals and firms to legalize their business operations.

The resolution also says the extension will ultimately redound to the benefit of the city because the taxpayers will be able to comply with the mandatory obligation of providing revenues to the city government.

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? If you are running a business within the city, will the extension be helpful to you?

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