Finally, a colorum-free EDSA?

Not unless the current move, which appears to be relentless, to finally rid our roads of illegal vehicles gets derailed for some political or legal reason or another, a picture of a euphoric EDSA with free-flowing traffic may soon be a reality.

The figures recently cited by government agencies tasked to regulate land transport in the entire country, namely; the LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) and the LTO (Land Transportation Office) and for the metro, the MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) regarding the number of PUVs (Public Utility Vehicles) illegally plying their routes and trucks unlawfully transporting cargos can be mind boggling. The unbalanced ratio of vehicles as against the number and size of our roads is indeed the main reason why traffic in the metropolis is always at a snail’s pace. And having such number of vehicles that are illegally on the road is making the equation more untenable.

Those of you who are following the news are very much aware of the rift that was created between the LTFRB and the LTO on one side with the MMDA and the mayors of the metro on the other regarding the issue on what vehicles should be and not be allowed on the streets. Although it was finally settled, the situation was quite unsettling considering that all these government agencies are all similarly tasked to manage traffic in the metropolis and they can’t seem to get their act together. But what was consoling though was that they were all working together for the common aim of putting order in our streets. There may be some differences on how the objective should be reached, but at least they have the same objective and the same level of passion to achieve it.

I had the opportunity to have one-on-one, on-cam interviews with LTO head, Assec. Alfonso Tan and LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez on our TV show Motoring Today (Sundays, 12 noon, Sky Cable, Solar Sports Channel 70) and they are both of the common firm belief that the presence of illegal vehicles in the metropolis is one of the main causes of its chaotic traffic situation. For decades this number has continuously swelled and according to them, “There is no other opportune time but now under the unprecedented moral leadership of President Aquino to right the wrong and cease all illegal practices in the transport sector and give the metro denizens a break from its now routinely, daily ordeal of traffic jams and gridlocks almost everywhere.”

This could really be our best chance to make it right—let’s not blow it.

Collateral damage

The most negatively impacted by the strict implementation of the truck ban in the City of Manila are the different businesses that have something to do with the transfer of goods from the ports. And I commensurate with some of them whose margins are being eaten by the day and for many already incurring losses due to added costs as a result of the current unprecedented congestion in the port. In the same token, I cannot question Manila’s Mayor Erap’s reason for imposing it—he finds his constituents’ concerns paramount. Perhaps similar to the thinking of the LTFRB and LTO heads, this wrong has been going on for decades—that of former city administration’s turning their backs or looking the other way as hundreds if not thousands of huge, humongous buses and trucks dominate the limited road space of his city to the detriment of the bigger majority of Manila citizens and denizens.

Indeed there is an impasse and at sometime something’s got to give. But perhaps when the number of these buses and truck would be reduced to the minimum—to what’s only legal to be on the road—probably the ultimate compromise to solve the impasse may be reached.

I said probably and we’ll never know until the time when only vehicles that are legal to run in the streets of the metro, run in the metro.

The Lemon Law may get sour

Many in the auto industry are eagerly waiting for the much-anticipated release of the IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulations) of the recently signed “Lemon Law”, which aims to protect automobile buyers from having to get stuck with vehicles that are defective without any legal recourse.

According to many in the industry the release of the IRR could finally put to rest the apprehensions of some of those in the auto industry that the “Lemon Law” can be prone to abuse by consumers. Although the law is really designed to protect the rights of automobile buyers, in the process the rights of those in the industry should be similarly taken into account. Some are saying that as it is, without the IRR, the consumers can “go to town”, so to speak in claiming for a replacement of an entire vehicle due to a single faulty part. This is despite of the fact that a vehicle is made up of thousands of parts and a myriad of systems and a single faulty part does not make an entire vehicle a “lemon.”

Well, those responsible for the IRR of the “Lemon Law” would surely be appreciated much for their early release and put all these apprehensions to rest.

MINI Global City establishes a tradition

Auto Hub top honcho Willy Tee Ten gave a treat to its clients who own varied models of the MINI recently by way of the MINI BLD (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner) Fun Drive. The objective of the fun drive is to strengthen customer relationship and to give participants a chance to bond with their fellow MINI owners.

The whole day affair started with an early breakfast at the MINI Global City immediately followed by a briefing regarding the event. Joined by some invited members from the motoring media the group drove, in their MINIs of course, to Tanay for some snacks and then to a floating restaurant in Laguna for lunch where fun games were played and on to dinner in a popular dining destination in Bonifacio Global City.

Having witnessed the joy and excitement of the participants, this MINI BLD Fun Drive will definitely be a tradition for MINI Global City.

Vote to express your choice

It’s ongoing. Voting for your favorite automobile models vying for the distinguished Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards (AFPCA) that yearly determine the most preferred models in each category of sedans, SUVs, MPVs, pickups, sports cars and vans with standard models distinct from luxury brands.

For the present rankings produced by online votes you can check them out by logging on to www.autofocus.com.ph. Very soon the official unit sales report from the LTO and Stradcom shall be reflected to determine the combined online votes and unit sales equation with 40 per cent for the former and 60 percent for the latter.

Votes can be cast for your favorite models every day and so are daily prizes given to those drawn by the computer among names of voters.

Check out the AFPCA Facebook account and cast your vote and express your choice—and in the process win a prize.

Happy Motoring!!!

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