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This Week News
This Week in Metro Manila (August 08 to 14, 2016)
Several measures have been implemented to ease traffic and protect road users.
By: Patricia Marie Prado | August 08, 2016
TRAFFIC NEWS
Duterte to skip event invitations in Metro Manila until traffic is resolved
No events for Duterte until traffic is resolved in Metro Manila (Photo from EDSA Traffic Update)
President Rodrigo Duterte is determined to fix the traffic in Manila that he is willing to skip events until it is resolved. In an open letter read to the media by Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, Duterte apologizes for the events he missed and will not be accepting any further invitation in the city until the traffic situation is mended. He sites that the security measures to keep him safe will only cause heavier traffic, and he doesn’t want to be the cause of inconvenience to the public.
One of the solutions that President Duterte is aiming for is to be granted sweeping authority by the Congress. The said power will allow the government to open private subdivisions to ease traffic and discard public bidding for traffic-related projects.
Using electronic device while driving will now be punishable by law
Texting habits: Not fit on the road.
Last July 21st, the Republic Act 10913 or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act was officially enacted as a law in the Philippines. Former President Benigno Aquino III failed to sign the said act before stepping down from his post, turning it automatically into a law after 30 days.
Drivers who are using any electronic device while driving or while stopped on a red light on the road will now be penalized. Failure to comply will result in a fine that starts at PhP5,000 for the first offense and can go as high as PhP20,000 plus license revocation for repeat offenders. Exemption applies if mobile phones are used in emergency situations.
The new law is due to be released in two newspapers of general circulation and will take effect 15 days after said publication.
UV Express no longer allowed in EDSA
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) released a new policy that the popular vehicle UV Express is now banned in EDSA. The goal of the new rule is to help ease traffic by removing these famed shuttles in the major highway.
Although many passengers and transport groups expressed their dismay regarding the new rule, LTFRB defends that UV Express was never given any permit to traverse in EDSA in the first place. UV Express shuttles are now only allowed to cross EDSA to get to their approved routes and terminals.
AIR TRAFFIC NEWS
Domestic air passengers grow 12% in Q1
More and more people are taking advantage of low-cost fares this year. (Photo from Manila International Airport Authority)
Compared to the first quarter of 2015, 2016 had an increase of 12% in its domestic air passengers. Cebu Pacific airlines topped the list of airlines with the most passengers at 3.03 million. The said increase was attributed by healthy competition among airlines in terms of new destinations being offered and low-cost fares.
LOCAL NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS
Duterte approves FOI Bill
Understanding the Freedom of Information Executive Order (Poster from Presidential Communications)
After 29 years of pending in Congress, the public’s request for transparency of government transactions has been granted through the Freedom of Information bill or FOI. Signed by President Rodrigo Duterte as an Executive Order last July 23, the bill is drafted to promote transparency and accountability of the government to the public, whereby the latter is given access to any government information covering all agencies under the executive branch. However, the bill also has some exceptions such as information on national security.
Although there are still details that need to be finalized including the coverage of the “inventory of exceptions” and the “People’s Freedom to Information Manual,” people are looking forward to the availability of the Statement of Liabilities and Net worth (SALN) of some government officials.
WEATHER ADVISORY
Consistent rain expected in Manila
Make sure to bring an umbrella this week to cover you from the rain.
A heads-up to those who commute every day; Metro Manila will be experiencing consistent rain showers and thunderstorms all throughout this week. The weather will also bring cold air along with the rain. Bringing an umbrella or a jacket is advised to stay dry during travel or commute.
TRADE FAIRS, EXPOS, CONVENTIONS
23rd National Retailers Conference and Stores Asia Expo 2016
Top retailers join this year’s 23rd National Retailers Conference and Stores Asia Expo 2016
Considered as the biggest and most important retail event of the year, the 23rd National Retailers Conference and Stores Asia Expo 2016 will happen on August 10 to 11 at the SMX Convention Center. The event will be hosted by the Philippine Retailers Association, and they will bring top companies and names in the industry to provide education and best practices to today’s retailers.
This year’s theme is “Shifting Gears in Retail: Consumption in the Digital Age” with an aim to shine a light on virtual connections, omnichannel, and the like. ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo Katigbak will be the keynote speaker for the conference. The event will also include a two-day retail supplier expo.
SEASONABLE FRUIT
Avocado
A burger with slices of avocados in between
The well-loved avocado is in season and available in most groceries and public markets this month. Although avocado is already a popular fruit in the Philippines, some might be surprised that in other parts of the globe avocado is considered a vegetable.
Adding a little bit of sugar and milk is to the most usual way that Filipinos turn avocado into a great snack. But some restaurants add avocado to ham and cheese sandwich and burgers, making them tastier and healthier too. The creamy texture of the fruit perfectly complements the meat and the bread.
About Patricia Marie Prado
Patricia came from the field of business and accounting but is now pursuing her dreams of being a writer. She is a self-confessed introvert and is passionate about reading, travelling, writing, movies, coffee and God. When she's not writing, she loves discovering new coffee shops/cafe and doing TV-series marathons.
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