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?
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
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a man who has been wanted for possession of illegal drugs was apprehended in Barangay BF International – CAA by law enforcers who were doing their duty finding wanted persons, 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…
Members of the Las Piñas City Police- Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) conducted an operation against wanted persons that led to the arrest of a drug suspect on Friday, Feb. 16.
According to the Southern Police District (SPD), the suspect identified as Efondo Masanga, 43, listed as the top eight wanted persons for February, was arrested at around 3:30 p.m. along Barangay CAA, Las Piñas City.
The SPD said members of the WSS in coordination with personnel from the Station Intelligence Section nabbed the suspect by a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Josefina Eco Siscar of Las Piñas City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 201 last Feb. 1, in violation of illegal drug possession.
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? Does this development make you feel safer?
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
Recently in the City of Parañaque, a woman (mother of two) was shot dead by a gunman in front of a coffee shop in Barangay San Dionisio. Shortly after the killing, the suspect surrendered voluntarily to the local authorities, 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 suspect in the shooting to death of a 43-year-old woman in front of a coffee shop in Parañaque City on Feb. 15 voluntary surrendered to the police on the same day.
According to the Southern Police District (SPD), the suspect identified as alias “Cafgu” voluntary surrendered to the officers of San Dionisio Police Substation at around 11:00 p.m.
The SPD said the suspect was accompanied by his relatives when he yielded to the police. He was immediately turned over the Parañaque Police Investigation Section.
The police filed a murder case against the suspect for killing Yolanda, 43, at around 6:00 p.m. in front of a coffee shop on Palanyag Road in Gatchalian, Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City.
The victim was with her two sons and was about to board their car when the suspect approached and shot her several times in the head.
Yolanda was declared dead on arrival at the Olivarez Hospital.
Police investigators said the two sons of the victim positively identified the suspect as the one who shot their mother.
During investigation, police learned the suspect’s licenses to own and possess firearms had expired on March 11, 2022.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that more shooting incidents or murder attempts will happen in your local community?
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
As the proliferation of electric tricycles (e-trikes) continues, the Metro Manila Council (MMC) announced that a resolution on regulating the use of the said electric vehicles will be released and it will include fines and penalties, 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 Metro Manila Council is set to release a resolution regulating the use of electric motor vehicles, especially along major thoroughfares.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Director Victor Nuñez of the Traffic Enforcement Group said Friday that the resolution, up for discussion and approval next week, would include fines and penalties imposed on e-motor vehicle users.
Nuñez said the resolution would reconcile the policies of local government units (LGUs) on e-trikes with those of the national government.
“Nag-TWG [Technical Working Group] meeting kami last week at halos lahat in unison gusto magkaroon ng tamang regulasyon dito, kasama ang DOTr [Department of Transportation], LTO [Land Transportation Office], LTFRB [Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board],” he said in a Bagong Pilipinas briefing aired over People’s Television.
Nuñez said there is an existing LTO circular in 2021 outlining the guidelines on the regulation of e-bikes but without corresponding penalties for violations.
“Nakalagay lang kung saan pwede dumaan pero sa hindi pwede dumaan, kapag dumaan sila wala naman concrete penalty na nakalagay (Only the roads they are allowed to pass are included but it does not indicate penalties or fines). ‘Yun po ang problema kasi (There goes the problem). There’s no definitive fine for them,” he said.
“But now with the recent initiatives magkakaroon po ng fines and penalties at mas na-enhance namin ‘yung regulation pertaining to e-trikes, kuliglig and tricycles kasi ‘di lang po e-trikes nakikita natin sa national roads, pati mga tricycles din (We will include the fines and penalties as we enhance the regulation pertaining to e-trikes and even tricycles),” he said.
Several Metro Manila LGUs have existing ordinances on the regulation of e-trikes even before the pandemic, Nuñez said.
“Kinonsider namin ang mga provisions nila dito. Meron kasing LGUs na wala pa at ngayon pa lang gagawa after mailabas ang Metro Manila Council resolution. They will base their ordinances on that (We took into consideration their provisions on this. There are LGUs that have no [resolution] on this yet and said they would pattern theirs after the Metro Manila Council resolution has been released),” Nuñez said.
Several social media posts have raised concerns over the proliferation of e-bikes, with some seen driving along national highways without protective gears.
Such vehicles, including tricycles, are not allowed to ply major roads and national highways as they pose hazard to other motorists.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think the local authorities will come up with a concrete regulation of the use of e-trikes? Are e-trikes in your city making the flow of traffic worse? Have there been minors driving e-trikes in your local community? Did you spot any abusive e-trike drivers on the local roads lately? When was the last time you saw someone drive an e-trike along the national highway?
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
With a growing Philippine economy in this post-pandemic age, the future of progress in Alabang looks a bit brighter as a new tall residential tower in Filinvest City had its symbolic groundbreaking ceremony and construction will follow, according to a Malaya Business Insight news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Malaya Business Insight article. Some parts in boldface…
1001 Parkway Residences by luxury real estate brand Filigree recently held its groundbreaking ceremony signaling that the construction is well underway.
The excavation works were in full swing in fourth quarter of 2023, while the first pouring is all set to happen in the first quarter of 2024.
“With the recent groundbreaking milestone, future residents of 1001 can look forward to all the benefits of high rise living in a cosmopolitan neighborhood. It is a premium address not only because it is an iconic building located right along the Millionaire’s Row of Filinvest City but also because it perfectly marries two highly sought-after worlds,” said Daphne Sanchez, Filinvest Alabang Inc. senior vice president for residentials & estates
Once completed, 1001 Parkway Residences will be the tallest residential tower in Alabang – an architectural statement that will stand out amidst Filinvest City’s skyline and expansive park system, seamlessly blending beauty and functionality. This will reflect within the property’s interiors and carefully thought out amenities that highlight understated elegance.
The location of 1001 Parkway Residences in Filinvest City.
Residents will get to experience a complete live-work-play concept, starting from 1001 Parkway’s common amenities that foster a healthy lifestyle and community synergy.
In the privacy of the residents’ spaces, the integration of beauty and functionality is incorporated in the design to promote a healthier environment. Every unit comes with a balcony so they can enjoy the outdoors within the comfort of their own spaces. Meanwhile, the living and bedroom areas are built with windows to allow ample amount of natural light and ventilation. 1001 Parkway Residences also offers garden units that offer picturesque views of the future Creekside Park.
Completing an exceptional and healthy living experience at 1001 Parkway Residences is its location in Filinvest City, the country’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold-certified central business district.
Located on Millionaire’s Row at Spectrum, considered Filinvest City’s most premium district, residents will have convenient access to all of the essential establishments – from commercial centers and shops to leisure venues and parks – all a stone’s throw away from each other, allowing its future residents to walk from one establishment to another.
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 that another tall residential tower will open with Filinvest City? Do you know anyone with a lot of money who happens to be looking for a new residence or looking for a new investment opportunity?
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
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?
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
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) joined forces and launched the “Bayanihan sa Barangay” which is a special project that emphasizes unity and cooperation with clean-up and clearing operations to improve the local surroundings, 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 and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority launched “ Bayanihan sa Barangay,” a project that will invoke the “bayanihan” spirit among Filipinos in cleaning up the surroundings, on Thursday, Feb. 15 at Barangay BF International, CAA.
The “Bayanihan sa Barangay” project was personally supervised by Las Piñas City Administrator Reynaldo Balagulan with Public Information Office chief Paul Ahljay San Miguel in coordination with MMDA General Manager, Ret. P/Col. Procopio Lipana.
Balagulan said the project aims to conduct clearing operations on sidewalks, roads, markets, creeks, place traffic signages, and cut obstructive and dead trees.
He said the activity, aside from cleaning the city’s surroundings, also ensures the health of its residents and the safety of everyone.
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 to see the City Government and the MMDA work together to clean up the local areas?
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
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?
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
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?
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 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?
Author Carlo Carrasco 