If you can’t lick ’em, paint ’em!

Last week we gave credit to B.F. Homes Paranaque’s UBFHAI (United B.F. Homeowners Association, Inc.) in this column for painting caution stripes on two newly constructed humps along Aguirre Ave., the subdivision’s main thoroughfare.

This now prevents unsuspecting motorists from being jarred and their suspension systems unnecessarily strained, when they suddenly encounter them, especially at night, as these yellow caution stripes properly warned beforehand.

Well, what do you know? Reports have reached us that there’s actually an on-going project to paint all humps and gutters as a way of keeping the subdivision motorists-friendly and safe. That means more kudos to the UBFHAI for such a move.

But many residents are still clamoring for the removal of those humps located at the corner of Aguirre Ave. and Elizalde St., considering that there are traffic lights that control the traffic flow in that junction. These humps only cause delay in the movement of the vehicles as they cross the intersection when the green light is on. The present timing could have been perfect if only the intersection was free of these humps. As it is, because of the humps, two to three vehicles get caught by the red light as it requires some time before one can slowly maneuver over the humps.

Now if the reason for maintaining the humps is in the event that the traffic lights go "kaput", then just leave those that are on the side road, which is Elizalde St., and take out those that are in Aguirre Ave., the main road.

That on-going hump and gutter painting project of the UBFHAI is worthy of note, but then they’ll have to go double-time as the rains are inevitably here already.

And the MMDA or local government officials of the metropolis can follow the lead here. If they cannot, as of now, take out those humps found all over the metropolis that are bereft of rhyme nor reason, at the very least, please have all of them painted with yellow stripes to warn motorists of their inexplicable existence. I shall be one of probably hundreds of thousands who will be thankful to high heavens for such a deed.

New kids vs the long-timers

The controversy between the long-time investors in the local automotive industry, meaning the Japanese automakers and the new kids on the block, meaning the American car giants, seems to have turned into an international issue. That is, if reports are true that the Americans are threatening the Philippine Government that they will file a case with the WTO or World Trade Organization if they will not have it their way.

The issue evolves around the local industry’s stand to maintain the country’s current vehicle tax system, which is "engine-based". The said "industry stand" came out from an 11 to one vote made by the overwhelming majority of the members of the CAMPI, or the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. The lone opposing vote was reportedly that of American automaker Ford Motor Co., which has its large displacement Expeditions being severely affected by the current tax system. Instead, what Ford was reportedly batting for was a shift to "value-based" taxation and the abolition of the 10-seater rule, which exempts AUVs or Asian Utility Vehicles, vans and SUVs or Sports Utility Vehicles from excise tax.

One industry observer was heard saying that this is actually a battle between the "Old Boys Club" and "Johnny Come Lately".

"The issue would not require a "Solomonic" solution from the government if Johnny Come Lately didn’t have its boys in Basilan. Although they are still unsuccessful in what they came to do, their mere presence tilts the balance to their favor, especially if the government would turn its back to the long years of "come hell or high water" that it had with the Old Boys Club," the same source added.

To find one’s self in the middle of this controversy will definitely not be an enviable position. We just hope that whatever the government decides on doing here would have the populace of paramount concern.

Formula 1 Update: Finally, the Macs win one.

David Coulthard emerged as king for the day in one of the most challenging racetracks in Formula 1 Racing. Team McLaren took their first victory of the season in the Monaco Grand Prix, and they did it in a very convincing fashion. DC started out with an impressive overtaking maneuver on Juan Pablo Montoya at flag off, and never relinquished the lead since. His ride, however, was not spared from drama. McLaren fans the world over watched in bated breath as clouds of smoke started coming out of Coulthard’s car in the 31st lap.

Oddly enough, it was during this time that he stated pulling away from Montoya, who was at 2nd. JPM’s race ended on the 46th lap due to engine failure. Ferrari’s main man Michael Schumacher took home a rare silver finish, while brother Ralf of the Williams-BMW F1 Team ended up in 3rd place. Ralf, however, took the cake for the best one-liner of the race. When asked about what happened to teammate JPM and why he failed to finish the race, Ralf mischievously said, "Well, it certainly wasn’t because of team orders," with a sly grin, as he looked over to his older brother.

Cyberspace Mailbag

Readers Matthew Gerardo, Ramon C. Zavalla, Butch Roa and "rmap" have varied suggestions, questions and concerns regarding the PNCC Tollways ranging from road conditions, inappropriately placed signs, toll fees, etc., and I have forwarded them to no less than the chairman and ceo of the PNCC, Atty. Luis Sison, I’m sure our good friend Louie, being a hands-on manager as himself, shall be more than glad to take them up with you. After all, you are the people he’s serving.

Reader Liza B. Mendoza is batting for "very strict enforcement" of traffic laws in order to instill discipline in our roads and she’s especially very much concerned about how the tricycles and pedicabs are illegally lording over the roads not only in the metropolis but in the main highways as well.

Ron Nethercutt thinks that the country’s national debt could be wiped off if only we enforce strictly our traffic laws and fine traffic violators with the revenues going to government coffers only and not elsewhere. He’s also a car rally enthusiast and has followed our coverage of our Sampaguita Rally.

Motoring Today reader and viewer Ed Tirona, referred to us by television peer, Cory Quirino, has written us about a concern he has regarding his Audi A4 and an Audi cars dealer. After referring his letter to Auto Prominence president, Mr. Tirso Uytengsu, Ed is now looking forward to a promised appointment to sort things out.

Another reader and viewer, Mr. Rommie Tayco Doria, has conveyed his concerns about the much delayed delivery of his Isuzu Hilander XUV, currently "selling like hot cakes" in the local market. I have referred your letter to our friends in Isuzu Philippines Corp. and they would be in the best position to clear the air with you and dispel all your apprehensions.

For regular reader Ren-Ren de Leon, I have referred your letter to the LTO to find out what are the actual registration policies regarding vehicles that are not going to be in use in the streets due to some plausible reasons like restoration, lack of parts in the local market or under repair.

Happy Motoring!!!

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