A safer C-5 soon?

A couple articles ago in this column I made mention of what I observed as a lack of logic in the way the restraining walls of the C-5 are shaping up. I noticed that there were random gaps or openings on the walls, some of them appearing to favor business establishments like vulcanizing shops and the like and access roads from the fringes of the highway.

I say lack of logic because as I know it, these restraining walls are usually put up on the sides of high-speed thoroughfares to prevent stray animals and “pasaway” pedestrians from suddenly presenting themselves on the path of the usually fast vehicles that travel on these type of roads – a nightmare of a situation that usually causes horrendous accidents that can prove fatal and very damaging.

Well, most of my apprehensions were put to rest after my on-camera interview with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) general manager Robert Nacianceno on the Motoring Forum segment of the TV show Motoring Today.

First of all Robert explained that the openings were mostly caused by some of the residents in the area who, for some self-serving reason, deliberately destroyed some parts of the walls to create such openings. Now, some of the other openings are indeed for road access, which are all temporary pending the construction of service roads that will be placed on both sides of the C-5.

He also made an assurance that in due time, hopefully by the end of the first quarter of this year, the C-5 would be safely walled-in for the safety of both motorists and pedestrians. He also informed us that the C-5’s restraining walls start from the SLEX portion to the Kalayaan area in Makati.

For those who regularly pass this alternative main thoroughfare of the metro, you may have noticed the high wire fences that were put up in the center island of the C-5 by the local government of Taguig. I would say that these “lampas-tao” fences have their present use in discouraging people from dangerously attempting to cross while there are still these temporary openings in the restraining walls. However, it might be a good idea that as soon as the C-5 is fully walled-in, these flimsy wire fences be replaced by sturdier barriers to prevent wayward or “out-of-control” vehicles from crossing to the other side causing a possible horrific accident in the process.

Glad to know that traveling along the C-5 can be made a lot safer soon – for this kudos go to the MMDA.

Subaru says Thank You

Going thru the figures supplied by Motor Image Pilipinas (MIP), the exclusive distributor of Subaru in the Philippines, there’s really a lot to party for in their Thanksgiving Party held last Thursday, February 4 at Jill’s at the Fort.

Topping the list of feats is its sales output of 942 units in 2009 making a 56 percent growth – the biggest in the local auto industry based on CAMPI’s latest figures – and on a year marked by worldwide financial challenges.

Records also show that since its arrival in 2006, Subaru sales in the country have consistently increased year after year reaching a high of 100 percent growth in 2008.

No wonder my good friend Nicky Mariano has soared from managing director of Motor Image Pilipinas to Chief Operating Officer for sales and marketing of Motor Image Group (Asean) in charge of several countries in the region.

Way to go Nicky.

Auto Rally gets into full shape

There are now twelve confirmed teams participating in the STV Auto Rally Corporate Challenge, which flags off on March 6 at the Ortigas Home Depot within the Ortigas Business Center. With sixty automobiles on the grid composed of 5-vehicle teams formed by the country’s major auto manufacturers and distributors, the revival of this “on time, all the time” road rally, which had its glory days in the 60s with fierce competition among motor sports icons in the likes of the late “racing legend” Pocholo Ramirez, Dante Silverio, Gus Lagman, Mandy Eduque, Jun Espino to name just a very few, is going to be the biggest in its colorful history.

The list of gung-ho auto companies, many of whom have engaged for their driver/navigator tandems motoring media members while others road rally veterans indicating the serious level of competition that can be expected, includes Asian Carmakers (BMW), Covenant Car Company (Chevrolet), CATS Motors (Mercedes-Benz), Columbian Autocars (Kia), Ford Group Philippines (Ford/Mazda), Hyundai Asia Resources (Hyundai), Isuzu Philippines (Isuzu), Mitsubishi Motors Philippines (Mitsubishi), Motor Image Pilipinas (Subaru), PGA Cars (Audi/Porsche), Toyota Motor Philippines (Toyota/Lexus) and Universal Motors (Nissan).

Mandy Eduque, director for motor sports of the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) and a known exponent of the sport during his time shall lead the Saturday early morning start-off ceremonies. A timed “transport stage” immediately proceeds the flag-off with all the participating vehicles passing at legal speeds through the world-class North Expressway expertly run by the Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) and the scenic SCTEX of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) up to Subic where most of the stages have been laid out by Chief Steward of the rally, Georges Ramirez of the known Ramirez Racing Clan. The route has also been designed to showcase some of the remarkable tourist spots of Subic and Cubi Point.

Internationally known as the Tulip Rally, with its local version named “sampaguita” rally, this motor sport is not a road race but rather a competition of driving expertise, mastery of the route and “on the dot” time management among driver/navigator teams to keep their vehicles “on time all the time” all throughout the event.

Sunshine Television (STV) views the revival of this exciting and very challenging motor sport as another fun way of creating awareness regarding the importance of skillful driving in keeping ourselves safe on the road. The other event that STV organizes also for the same goal is the Precision Driving Challenge that’s a fixture in the STV organized yearly Auto Focus Motor Show & Auto Expo. The participation of the major automobile manufacturers and distributors in this road rally signifies the industry’s serious concern in promoting such advocacy on road safety.

Caltex Philippines, which just recently signified its support for the road rally by being the “Official Fuel” is joined by other stakeholders on road safety like the Manila North Tollways Corporation, which runs the North Expressway and the Bases Conversion Development Authority, which developed the SCTEX. The Taboo Bar & Restaurant at the Ortigas Home Depot Center and Gerry’s Grill in Subic have also expressed their full support for the project.

Any added support for the event from other stakeholders on road safety would be most welcome.

Motoring Tip of the Week

We continue with our series of information that we are lifting from the PNP-Highway Patrol Group (HPG) Primer – “You are our concern”, which contains a listing of “what to do’s” in different situations courtesy of PNP-HPG director, Police Chief Superintendent Orlando M. Mabutas and HPG PIO Police Superintendent Edwin Rey Butacan. This week’s topic is:

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF NON-RECOVERY OR (CNR).

After One (1) month from the date a motor vehicle is officially included in the VIMS, applicants for CNR must proceed to the OMVCC Secretariat and submit the following in support to his/her application:

Applicant’s identification document and latest picture (2x3) with signature and thumb mark.

If the applicant is a representative of the registered owner, he/she must submit a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) or notarized letter of authorization to include valid ID and picture (2x3)

Clear machine copies of duly accomplished complaint and alarm sheets from OMVCC or Regional Offices of TMG. Spot Report/Investigation Report and Alarm and Complaint Sheets issued by Local Police Station where the incident took place. Including blotter from Barangay and Security Guard on duty, if applicable.

Clear and authenticated machine copies of OR/CR from the LTO Agency where it was first registered. If the MV is encumbered, a CERTIFICATION from the bank or financing company.

Clear authenticated machine copies of documents which were used in the original registration such as:

1. OR/CR from LTO Agency where MV was first registered

2. Vehicle Sales Invoice

3. LTO Confirmation Certificate of the motor and chassis numbers

4. LTO Motor Vehicle Inspection Report clearly showing the stencil of the motor and chassis numbers

5. PNP Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate/Stock Reported

6. other proofs of ownership leading to the present owner

7. Keys of MV if Seized While Parked Unattended.

OMVCC shall forward the application to the HPG Motor Vehicle Clearing Committee with appropriate recommendation.

Once approved by the Director, HPG, Certificate of Non Recovery shall be released through OMVCC Secretariat.

As always we urge you to keep this info for your future possible use.

Happy Motoring!!!

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