This Week in Metro Manila (August 21 to 27, 2017)

Crucial news updates include MRT-7 project, vape bill, and Uber suspension.

By: Denisse Shawntel Tan | August 21, 2017

Share this article

facebook

twitter

The week starts with Ninoy Aquino Day on Monday, a special non-working holiday which extends the weekend for students and office workers alike. However, commuters from the north will experience heavier traffic during peak hours because of the MRT-7 project. The weather will also be consistently rainy all week long.

Ninoy Aquino Day

This year’s Ninoy Aquino day falls on a Monday.

August 21 marks the death anniversary of former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. This year would be the 34th anniversary of his death. The day is proclaimed as a special non-working holiday nationwide.

MRT-7 project to cause heavy traffic

Traffic at Commonwealth Ave. will worsen in the following days. (Image: Jayric D. Pariñas)

The Metro Rail Transit (MRT)-Line 7 management task force advices commuters from Quezon City to expect traffic congestion along Commonwealth Ave. as phase one of the extension of the MRT Line 7 advances.

Only five lanes at both sides from University Ave. to Central Ave. would be used. During the construction of station seven in the Manggahan area, one lane going south along Commonwealth Ave. and two lanes going north between Katuparan and Kaunlaran streets will be closed.

The MRT extension project will connect Quezon City to Bulacan is expected to be complete in 2019.

Senate to regulate e-cigarettes

Smoking electronic cigarettes or vape indoors will soon be penalized.

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III filed Senate Bill 1538 which will regulate the marketing and usage of electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes.

The bill forbids the use of e-cigarettes in indoor places like churches, health care facilities, government offices, and public transportation. E-cigarettes advertisements are not allowed to air on television, radio, and cinemas. Print advertisements are allowed as long as it is not intended for minors.

First-time offenders would be fined a maximum of PhP100,000, while third-time offenders could pay up to PhP1 million, or spend five years in prison, or both.

The current nationwide smoking ban excludes e-cigarettes.

Rainy weather to persist in Manila

Rainy days are coming ahead.

Locals and travelers can expect the weather in Metro Manila to be persistently rainy all week. There will be thunderstorms during mornings and afternoons. Cloudy skies would be present and will bring light to moderate showers. The minimum temperature this week is 24 °C while the maximum temperature is 32 °C.

Uber suspends operation for a month

Uber is one of the transport network companies (TNCs) that operate in the country.

The Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) filed a suspension notice against Uber after the company violated an order from the board to stop accepting applications.

The Uber online booking feature is temporarily suspended for a month. LTFRB spokesperson Aileen Lizada also said that Uber units that will operate during the suspension period shall be considered as colorum.

Lizada also noted that law enforcement agencies will start to apprehend transport network vehicle service (TNVS) units registered under Uber. Uber would be held responsible for all the apprehended colorum vehicles.

The LTFRB rejected the motion for reconsideration filed by Uber.

About Denisse Shawntel Tan

Denisse Tan is currently a work in progress: she’s an aspiring writer, artist, and fashion designer! She’s trying to figure out how to manage her time in achieving all of her goals while also taking in life as humanly possible. Aside from art, she’s a big fan of the color pink, disco music, Bratz dolls, and Genshin Impact. By age 35, she plans to travel to New York City 🗽.

Learn more stories on:

This Week birth control Philippines Ninoy Aquino Day Uber suspension Vaporized Nicotine Products Regulation Act weather forecast Manila

Location Tags:

Manila

Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of Yoorekka are for general information and entertainment purposes only. Although careful research has been made in writing them, Yoorekka does not make any warranty about the completeness and accuracy of all information presented in our articles. Our content is not intended to be used in place of legal, medical, or any professional advice.