What’s really up ahead for motorists in 2007?

The question that was commonly asked me by people I spoke to in all the parties and get-togethers I attended during the season’s festivities was what motorists can look forward to in 2007. A question I do not have an answer to. I may be more immersed in matters pertaining to motoring than most of those I conversed with during the holidays but really and truly as events and developments in this field develop fast and unpredictable, I myself wonder.

When the reins changed hands in the LTO and LTFRB, the scenario became rather volatile, as expected though in any change of leadership especially in the beginning. But observers have started to wonder what would happen to the changes that were in the offing when LTO’s Anneli Lontoc and LTFRB’s Elena Bautista were still in charge.

In the LTO’s case it appears that its present top honcho, Assistant Secretary Reynaldo Berroya has made good the move to make sure that emission testing is legitimately done by way of the enactment of the PETC-ITF Interconnectivity Project. It’s an IT system where online authentication is made in order to prevent bogus emission testing, which was prevalent among many of the fly-by-night emission testing centers. I remember businessman Tony Halili, one of the major owner-operators of emission testing centers in the country, saying that these unscrupulous operators that even allow "non-appearance" of vehicles prior to the release of CECs (Certificate of Emission Compliance) are the ones giving their industry a bad name. With the implementation of the project, the legitimate business enterprises can now confidently ensure the effective implementation of emission standards for motor vehicles as mandated by the Clean Air Act of 1999.

However, one of the main covenants of the former leadership of the LTFRB, which is to de-clog EDSA by reducing the number of buses may have been buried in the dustbin by its present administrator — to the dismay of the motoring public. If you remember just before Len Bautista was booted up to Usec level in the DOTC last November to take care of other concerns, she made a bold promise right before the Senate to reduce before the end of 2006 the number of buses plying EDSA to a more manageable 2,000 from 5,000 units or more, many of which were "colorums" or those without legitimate franchises. Studies have shown that the runaway number of buses in EDSA, most of them half-filled whether peak or non-peak hours, is the main culprit for having an ever-clogged EDSA. Some say that the promise, which appeared that she would make good, was actually one of the reasons why she was probably "promoted" to get her out of the way and prevent the restive transport groups from further showing political instability — proof of the "tentative leadership" in that department?

Well, the buses — legitimate and "colorums" are still plying EDSA — maybe even more than they used to be. And it may even probably get worse before it gets any better — if it will ever get better.

Now, there’s also this decades old problem of fake COCs or Certificate of Cover being given to unsuspecting vehicle owners who are made to believe that they are fully covered for their CTPL or Compulsory Third Party Liability.

The parties concerned, namely the Insurance Commission, the LTO and the insurance companies, have found the solution to ensure that the public would no longer be hoodwinked by the use of modern Information Technology. But they can’t seem to agree on who should be handling the bag — especially with the entry of the GSIS into the picture. Some quarters are saying that the GSIS and not the small insurance companies, would be more capable of answering for coverage claims and the public would stand a better chance dealing with an entity as big and as professional as the GSIS. But then there seems to be still no agreement in sight. In the meantime, vehicle-owners, especially those who register their vehicles through LTO "fixers", continue being easy targets for the unscrupulous "fake COCs" issuers.

So, what lies ahead for the Pinoy motorist in 2007? Your guess is as good as mine.

Petron is also in Cambodia

Petron lubricants have found their way into the Cambodian market, proof of Philippine brands’ competitiveness in the international market.

A formal launch of the products was held recently in formal ceremonies held at the Hotel Intercontinental in Phnom Penh. They include Petron-branded lubricants: Petromar XC, a marine lubricant with industrial applications, RevX and Ultron for automotive use and Sprint 4T for motorcycle use.

Petron’s exclusive distributor in Cambodia is MKCSS Holdings, a subsidiary of conglomerate AZ Holdings. Petron was chosen to be a strategic partner because of its impressive success at gaining market leadership in the Philippines against stiff competition from multinational players.

The oil refinery’s alliance with MKCSS also includes a technical support agreement. Besides supplying the Cambodian company with Petron-branded lubricants, Petron will also set up a laboratory for testing lube quality and monitoring activities.

So Philippine lubricants are now going global. Congratulations to Petron.

Motoring Tip of the Week

Here’s something for those who don’t really make it a routine to follow the recommended schedule of maintenance procedures for their motor vehicles.

The beginning of the year is the best point of reference as to when you last had a complete check up and change oil and lubricants for your automobile. It’ll be easier for you to remember as to when the last time you did it.

On take the opportunity now to bring your trusted and hardworking chariot to the service station for some auto care. It has been serving you well, it deserves some taking care in return. (See accompanying Backseat Driver column on page B-7 for more on this. — ed.)

Happy Motoring!!!

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