Groups urge Congress to pass law on motorcycle regulation
TRANSPORTATION advocates and motorcycle riders are lobbying for Congress to pass legislation that will allow and regulate the use of motorcycles as a public utility vehicle (PUV).
Advocacy group Transport Watch and the Riders of the Philippines (ROTP) Thursday, May 24, called on lawmakers to recognize the need to adjust the law that prohibits motorbikes from any paid service.
Lawyer Antonio “Ariel” E. Inton, Jr., a former Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) board member, said the “danger” associated with motorcycle riders can be addressed by acknowledging them as similar to taxis and regulating fare systems.
“Some people say that motorcycles are dangerous. Isn’t it more dangerous if it is unregulated?” Mr. Inton said in a press conference.
Republic Act 4136, the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, requires motorcycles to be registered as private vehicles and “shall not be used for hire under any circumstances” and should not be used to solicit, accept, or be used to transport passengers or freight for a fee.
Angkas, a ride-sharing app for motorcycles that was operating in Cebu and later in Metro Manila, was shut down by the LTFRB as well as the Makati City government where it set up an office.
Motorbikes are popular informal PUVs in many parts of the country, especially in remote areas where there are no other alternatives. These are referred to as habal-habal or skylab in different areas.
In Metro Manila, a number of commuters have also resorted to motorcycles to skirt around the traffic congestion.
Transport Watch said that based on a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey they commissioned, 32% of households own a two-wheeled vehicle, with half of them using it for livelihood. Only 8% own three-wheeled vehicles and another 8% own four-wheeled vehicles.
“With regulation… we can be helping people with their livelihoods,” George Royeca, motorcycle rider and Transport Watch member said.
ROTP will be holding a Unity Ride for Equality riding event on May 27, Sunday to push for the advocacy of regulating motorcycle riding. — Patrizia Paola C. Marcelo
OGCC head denies corruption allegations
OFFICE OF the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) head Rudolf B. Jurado has denied corruption allegations made by an anonymous group of lawyers from his own agency.
“These lawyers are trying to malign my reputation by alleging that I am supposedly incompetent and corrupt,” Mr. Jurado said in a statement given to reporters on Thursday.
The unnamed OGCC lawyers released statements on Wednesday accusing their chief of taking positions that were allegedly disadvantageous to the interests of the government.
One case cited is Mr. Jurado giving approval to the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone (APECO) to grant permits outside its controlled areas, a decision only the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is allowed to do.
Citing Republic Act No. (RA) 9490 as amended by RA No. 10083, Mr. Jurado explained, “it is clear that APECA is allowed to operate outside the Aurora Economic Zone as long as it is within a PEZA controlled area.”
The lawyers also alleged that Mr. Jurado approved a 75-year casino permit, to which the latter replied: “I really do not know what the OGCC lawyers were referring to when they alleged a supposed corruption in approving a 75-year casino permit, because the OGCC has no power to approve casino permits or grant gambling franchises.”
“I hope that the OGCC lawyers could show this 75-year casino permit I supposedly issued,” his statement read.
The OGCC lawyers also claimed that “(Mr. Jurado) turned out to be a disappointment with dire consequences on the OGCC,” days after President Rodrigo R. Duterte said he planned to fire him for alleged corruption in connection with untaxed secret allowances given to OGCC lawyers.
“It is extremely surprising that, after approving and signing all the disbursement vouchers and checks as well as releasing of the allowances of all OGCC lawyers, GCC Jurado now maligns and falsely accuses the OGCC lawyers of receiving excessive allowances that he himself approves,” the lawyers said in their statement. — Dane Angelo M. Enerio
Ex-DoH head Garin warned of Dengvaxia concerns weeks before vaccine’s launch — local experts
FORMER HEALTH secretary Janette L. Garin was warned of the possible negative implications of pushing through with the Dengvaxia vaccination program weeks before it was launched in various parts of the country, according to a letter written by local health experts released on Thursday by the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO). The letter, dated March 16, 2017, was from ten Filipino doctors warning Ms. Garin, among other things, that “there are signals of possible harm from the vaccine.” They also raised questions on the costs and logistics involved in pursuing the program. Pointing out the existence of a new vaccine already being tested that may yield better results, the experts suggested to Ms. Garin that “given the cost and uncertainty surrounding this vaccine, we should probably wait for the new generation vaccine that will come out in a few years.” In a text message to BusinessWorld, Ms. Garin said, “These are the same documents and allegations which have been answered during the Senate hearings… As the legal process moves forward and scientific facts determined, the truth will come out.” Ms. Garin is facing several criminal charges over the controversial dengue vaccine program, along with former President Benigno S. C. Aquino III, incumbent Health Secretary Franciso T. Duque III, and several others. — Dane Angelo M. Enerio
Career tourism exec named new TPB head
ARNOLD P. Gonzalez, a career tourism executive, has been appointed as new officer-in-charge of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) following the resignation of actor Cesar D. Montano as chief operating officer amid questions raised on project contracts. The Department of Tourism (DoT), in a statement Thursday, May 24, said Mr. Gonzales was unanimously chosen as OIC by the TPB Board of Directors. The 56-year-old Gonzales has been with the TPB/DOT for 30 years, assigned at various posts here and abroad. Prior to his current appointment, he was OIC of the TPB Domestic Promotions Department.
