Proper Accountability

We have written a series of articles in this column in the past weeks about some disturbing observations by some users of the SLEX, which includes myself, regarding what appears to be some laxity in the implementation of traffic rules and regulations in this major tollway south of the metro. Violations like over speeding, lane-hugging, defective lights, smoke-belching, etc., appear to have been going unabated and unnoticed by the operators.

In reaction, Mr. Ramon M. Borromeo, OIC, Office of the President of the Skyway O&M Corporation wrote us to say, “Our area of responsibility covers the 16.5 kilometer elevated section from Buendia to Alabang and the at-grade section from Magallanes to Alabang. The tollway section from Alabang Viaduct to Eton-Greenfield is currently operated and maintained by another toll road entity, Manila Toll Expressway System or MATES.”

In fairness to the Skyway O&M Corporation, the stretch in the SLEX that had been reported to have a prevalence of traffic violations, especially that of speeding buses and vehicles staying and cruising in the innermost lane even when not passing is that which starts from the Alabang Viaduct onwards to the south where it has multi-lanes, which I now understand is not within your jurisdiction.

In the case of smoke-belching vehicles, Mr. Borromeo clarified that they are not authorized by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to apprehend violators. However he wanted to highlight their serious efforts to encourage the tollway users to observe traffic rules and regulations by way of signboards and electronic Variable Message Screenboards (VMS) in strategic locations of the Skyway System that remind motorists of such rules and regulations and that violations of which are dealt with accordingly. This is aside from the display of their hotlines at the canopy of every toll plaza and VMS, which the motorists can call to report violations and ask for assistance.

To underscore their unrelenting drive to keep the tollway safe from traffic laws violators the following data have been passed on to us, “For the period January to November 2011, we have recorded a total violation of 11,303, an average of 1,028 a month. We have issued 9,258 TOPs (Temporary Operating Permit), an average of 842 a month. The 3 most violated rules are Obstruction (ave. 316/month), Disregarding Traffic Signs (ave. 148/month). About 53 vehicles with defective or broken lights were also apprehended each month.”

Well, I guess that somehow gives us a better picture of proper accountability regarding what appears to be a laxity of implementing toll way traffic rules and regulations at the SLEX as observed by its users.

Saving our heritage

The Banaue Rice Terraces, which for some time for many was considered as the 8th Wonder of the World, is presently in dire need of every Filipino’s attention, concern and help. If things go on as they presently do, our famed historic tourist spot that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site may just crumble to extinction before the century’s end. And now having to see this once panoramic wonder of nature currently dotted with shanties is not helping the cause any.

To answer this desperate call to save the rice terraces, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) invited for a 4-day odyssey fifteen motoring journalists to Batad Village, Banaue, Ifugao to form a small part of the 500 pairs of hands needed to help save one of our country’s precious cultural heritages and tourist destinations and restore it back to its grandeur.

Aside from being one of MMPC’s major CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) projects, the trip was also an opportunity offered to the motoring media to subject top-selling Mitsubishi models like the Montero Sport (GTV & GLS variants), the Strada and the ASX to long, grueling drives through constantly winding roads and experience first-hand their comfort, reliability, maneuverability, fuel-efficiency, engine performance – some of the attributes that have constantly ensured their market-wide acceptance and enviable sales.

To allow the journalists enough rest after a long drive from the trip’s starting point at the Mitsubishi Motors Dealership in Balintawak with a late lunch at the Isdaan restaurant in Tarlac (known for its fresh seafood and fish dishes but with the media gamely having a whole lechon de leche too), an overnight stay at the Baguio Country Club was arranged. The luxurious respite also prepared them the next day for an almost 8-hour drive all the way to Banaue, Ifugao with the group eventually settling down at the Banaue Hotel for the Sunday early morning trek to Batad.

Batad Village forms part of the Banaue Rice Terraces. Recently it has been severely damaged by landslides caused by typhoons.

Through the pioneering efforts of Mr. John Chua and his PWD (Photography With a Difference), a call has been made for a Bachang, reviving the Ifugao Bayanihan Spirit, with a novel tag of “volunteerism” (volunteer-tourism).

A well-known commercial photographer who has been adopted by the Ifugaos for his self-less efforts to preserve and promote their culture, John is calling out for “Batad Weekend Warriors” to Save the Batad Rice Terraces by working hand in hand with Ifugao elders to build rip-raps and keep the soil from further eroding and the land from sliding.

The group’s “bayanihan spirit” exceeded expectations as journalists with MMPC executives Froy Dytianquin, vp for marketing services and Arlan Reyes, ad and promo manager, literally worked hand-in-hand with shovel in hand guided by Ifugao elders. As many in the group were “first timers” to see the famed rice terraces, it was indeed volunteer-tourism or “volunteerism” doing wonders for a worthy cause.

“We in Mitsubishi Motors Philippines believe that there’s more to just selling cars and establishing sales records of sorts. We take seriously our responsibility as a corporate citizen that’s involved deeply in issues about the environment and the country as a whole,” declared Froy Dytianquin midway through his trek to Batad Village with the souvenir “walking stick” in hand.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines is not around just to be one of the country’s top-selling automotive companies; it is also indeed a responsible corporate citizen.

Brand-new Porsches for you to drive

Starting this week and for two straight weeks, twenty-two Porsche automobiles from hybrids to the new 2012 Porsche 911 can be seen or driven at the Clark International Speedway at the Clark Freeport in Pampanga.

Porsche Center Philippines has brought these exciting brand-new models for Porsche enthusiasts to drive through various driving exercises on the race track and on the streets of Clark, under the full supervision of five Porsche Germany certified driving instructors with professional backgrounds in karting, international rally competitions, DTM, Porsche Carrera World Cup Nurburgring and Formula 1.

It was also announced by Porsche Center Philippines that the driving exercises include slalom, braking, handling, Moose Test and road tour. In addition, the participants would also be able to drive the Cayenne off-road to appreciate that the vehicle is not only built for luxury but can also withstand rough terrain.

Some lucky invited members of the motoring media would have the rare opportunity today, but being my taping day I’ll have to let it go. But Porsche owners or those that are considering to acquire their first one should not let this rare chance to have a “hands on” experience of these brand-new Porsches pass.

Happy Motoring!!!

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