Transport strike ends; restudy of PUV modernization plan eyed

by Betheena Unite

The transport strike in the country supposed to last for a week has ended, Malacañang announced on Wednesday, March 8, when the strike was about to enter its third day.

MB File photo

Transport group leaders Mar Valbuena, chairman of Manibela Transport Group, and Mody Florada, PISTON president, announced through a video posted by the Palace on Facebook that they are halting the planned week-long strike.

This came after a meeting between Valbuena and Florada, and Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil. 

The transport groups said they were ending the transport strike as they hold on to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr’s pronouncement that the implementation of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program will be restudied.

“[U]pang masimulan ang diskurso, nagdesisyon ang aming grupo na ihinto ang transport strike kasama ng PISTON at magbalik pasada na simula bukas (In order for the discourse to begin, our group and PISTON decided to stop the transport strike and resume plying starting tomorrow),” Valbuena said.

They apologized to the commuters for the inconvenience their planned week-long transport strike caused, stressing that they are not against the government’s PUV modernization program.

“Ang grupong Manibela ay kaisa ng pamahalaan sa adhikaing makapagbigay ng maayos, kumportable, at ligtas na pampublikong transportasyon sa ating mga kababayan. Hindi namin hinahadlangan ang planong modernisasyon ng mga pampublikong sasakyan, sana lamang gawin ito sa pamamaraang walang mapag-iiwanan, makatao, at makatwiran (Manibela is one with the government in providing comfortable and safe public transportation to our fellowmen. We are not going against the PUV modernization program, we are only hoping it to be implemented in a humane and just way),” Valbuena said.

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“Panghahawakan namin ang pahayag ng ating mahal na pangulo Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. na bukas ang admnistrasyon sa pag-aaral at pagrebisa ng implementasyon ng PUV modernization program upang mapanatili ang kabuhayan ng ating mga PUV drivers at operators (We will hold on to the statement of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. that his administration is open to study and revise the PUV modernization program to ensure the continuous livelihood of our PUV drivers and operators),” Valbuena added.

The Palace, meanwhile, welcomed the decision of the transport groups to halt the strike.

Garafil said the President has ordered the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to study the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG) until Dec. 31.

Gararil said the DOTr and LTFRB will also conduct an intensive consultation to ensure a better implementation of the PUV modernization program for the benefit of drivers, operators, and commuters.

PH jeepneys’ iconic look can still be retained, LTFRB says

by Aaron Recuenco 

The old look of the iconic Philippine jeepneys may still be retained as the government pushes for the shift to modernization of public transport, particularly the world-famous jeepneys dubbed as the country’s “king of the road”. 

In a statement, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it is open to such idea, provided that the modern version of the Philippine jeepneys should be compliant to the Philippine National Standards set by the Bureau of Philippine Standards under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

“The modernized jeep that you saw is clear proof that the traditional look can be maintained so the possibility of a phase out is very, very remote. What we only wanted was to improve the roadworthiness of the vehicle,” said Guadiz.  

A local manufacturer of Philippine jeepneys has already initiated moves to come up with a design that would comply with the DTI requirements but would retain the jeepneys’ old look.

The DTI’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) specified dimensional limits for PUVs with strict limits on the seating arrangement and capacity, as well as maximum mass. 

Also included in the dimensional limits are the vehicle’s overall height, width and length, wheelbase and even front and rear overhang, cabin, seat and seat layout, step board, service door and emergency exit.

Aside from the standards set for its size, the DTI said modern jeepneys must be powered by a Euro-4 emissions compliant engine or electric motor powered by onboard batteries. 

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The use of Euro-4 engines are already 43-percent more efficient than the traditional jeepneys, based on the study. 

They should also be equipped with dash cams, speed limiters, CCTV cameras and an automatic fare collection system (so that the driver doesn’t have to manage giving change).

Designed after World War II Willys Jeeps left by the American military during their occupation of the country, the Philippine jeepneys have been operational since the 1940s and became the country’s symbol of public transportation. 

Oriental Mindoro oil spill now affecting tourist spots—DOT

by Jel Santos

Tourist destinations in Oriental Mindoro and nearby provinces are now affected by the oil spill caused by sinking of the motor tanker (MT) Princess Empress, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has disclosed.

Tourism Secretary Christina G. Frasco ordered the DOT Regional Offices in MIMAROPA and Western Visayas to closely monitor the situation and coordinate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and concerned local government units (LGUs) following the PCG report last Feb. 28 about the oil spill from MT Princess Empress which capsized the coast of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro and was reportedly carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil as cargo.

photo: DENR

Based on the information gathered by the agency, the oil spill has affected several Marine Protected Areas in the Municipality of Pola in Oriental Mindoro, such as the KingFisher Reserve, St. John the Baptist Marine Sanctuary, Song of the Sea Fish Sanctuary, Stella Mariz Fish Sanctuary, Bacawan Fish Sanctuary, St. Peter the Rock Fish Sanctuary, and the San Isidro Labrador Fish Sanctuary.  1 

Beach resorts such as Bihiya Beach, 3 Cottage, Long Beach K. I, Aguada Beach Resort, Oloroso Beach Resort, Munting Buhangin Tagumpay Beach Resort, and Buhay na Tubig White Beach Resort in Oriental Mindoro have also been affected.

To address this problem, coastal clean-up is now being done in the affected areas as an immediate solution to prevent further damage.

“The DOT notes with seriousness the oil spill incident and its grave impact on the tourism industry, including disruptions in the livelihood of the affected communities, tourism-dependent businesses, and recreational activities,” Frasco said.

“Scuba diving, beach, and cruise tourism depend on the region’s coastal resources, and are also its major tourism products. If unmitigated, the oil spill can have adverse impacts on three of the world-class dive destinations in the Philippines, specifically the Verde Island passage and Apo Reef in Mindoro, and Coron’s World War II Wrecks and Philippine Dugong,” she went on.

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The effects of the oil spill have also reached the Municipality of Caluya in the Province of Antique, particularly along the shorelines of Sitio Sabang, Barangay Tinogbo, Liwagao Island, Barangay Sibolo, and Sitio Tambak in Barangay Semirara. At present, none of the tourist attractions in these areas have been affected, but the LGUs, together with the PCG, have been conducting clean-ups, with the support from the private sector who provided personal protective equipment.

The Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan is preparing, as well, for the possibility of the effects of the oil spill reaching its area of jurisdiction. The PCG and the Malay Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office are continuously conducting roving and monitoring along the coasts of Boracay, and have prepositioned oil slick booms in strategic areas around the island in anticipation of the oil spills.

The DOT Western Visayas Office is also actively coordinating with the LGU of Malay in terms of extending possible assistance to tourists in Boracay in case the spillage reaches the island’s coastal area, and has likewise issued advisories on the areas affected by the oil spill.

Frasco added that cruise tourism  in the region could also be affected; with 34 cruise ships expected to call in Mindoro, Romblon, Marinduque, and Palawan for the year.

“The DOT, in coordination with its regional offices, commits to continuously coordinate with agencies such as the DENR, EMB, PCG, and concerned LGUs on any update concerning the oil spill, and in searching for urgent mitigating measures to address the harmful effects of the incident to marine life, world-class dive sites, and tourist attractions,” the tourism secretary assured.

Meanwhile, the DOT noted that none of the tourist attractions in the municipalities of Naujan, Victoria, and Pinamalayan in Oriental Mindoro have been affected by the oil spill, as of press time. The Naujan Lake, a major tourist attraction, has no connection with the ocean and will not be affected by the oil spill. The DOT is also in close coordination with officers of the Tubbataha Management Office who are monitoring the situation in Tubbataha Reef, which is along the Municipality of Cagayancillo in Palawan. Based on the latest update, there are no reported effects yet of the oil spill in the area.

 

Renten steigen 2023 an: So viel Geld mehr gibt es

Der Rentenzahlbetrag liegt aktuell durchschnittlich bei 1089 Euro. Mit der Steigerung um zuvor genannte Prozentsätze dürften Menschen im Westen 38 Euro mehr, Menschen im Osten sogar knapp 46 Euro mehr erwarten. Bundesarbeitsminister Hubertus Heil (SPD) sagte der Zeitung: „Nach den jetzt vorliegenden Daten können die Rentnerinnen und Rentner im Sommer erneut mit einer spürbaren Rentenerhöhung rechnen.“ 

Gekoppelt sind die Renten an die Löhne. Da die Rentenexperten mit einem Lohnzuwachst von 4,5 Prozent für 2022 sowie weiteren Zuwächsen von 5 Prozent für dieses Jahr und 4,7 Prozent für 2024 rechnen, steigt auch die Rente. „Mir ist wichtig, dass davon auch die Rente profitiert“, so Heil gegenüber der Bild am Sonntag.

Bei der Rente ab 63 gibt es neue Regeln. (Symbolfoto) © Westend61/Imago

Renten in der Übersicht: So viel mehr gibt es ab 1. Juli 2023

Rente	Plus für Menschen im Westen	Plus für Menschen im Osten
500 Euro	+ 17,50 Euro	+ 21 Euro
600 Euro	+ 21 Euro	+ 25.20 Euro
700 Euro	+ 24,50 Euro	+ 29,40 Euro
800 Euro	+ 28 Euro	+ 33,60 Euro
900 Euro	+ 31.50 Euro	+ 37,80 Euro
1000 Euro	+ 35 Euro	+ 42 Euro
1100 Euro	+ 38,50 Euro	+ 46,20 Euro
1200 Euro	+ 42 Euro	+ 50,40 Euro
1300 Euro	+ 45,50 Euro	+ 54,60 Euro
1400 Euro	+ 49 Euro	+ 58,80 Euro
1500 Euro	+ 52,50 Euro	+ 63 Euro
1600 Euro	+ 56 Euro	+ 67,20 Euro
1700 Euro	+ 59,50 Euro	+ 71,40 Euro
1800 Euro	+ 63 Euro	+ 75,60 Euro
1900 Euro	+ 66,50 Euro	+ 79,80 Euro
2000 Euro	+ 70 Euro	+ 84 Euro

„Gute Nachricht“ für Beitragszahler der gesetzlichen Rentenversicherung: Beitragssatz bleibt stabil

Laut dem neuen Rentenversicherungsbericht gehe man davon aus, dass die Renten bis zum Jahr 2036 um 43 Prozent steigen, was einer durchschnittlichen Rate von plus 2,6 Prozent pro Jahr entspräche. Das hohe erwartete Plus für das kommende Jahr sei demnach zwar überdurchschnittlich, werde von der hohen Inflation allerdings aufgefressen.

Für Beitragszahler in die gesetzliche Rentenversicherung gibt es derweil beruhigende Nachrichten. Der Beitragssatz bleibt bis zum Jahr 2026 bei stabilen 18,6 Prozent, für 2027 ist eine Steigerung auf 19,3 Prozent vorgesehen. Laut Heil sei dies „eine gute Nachricht, dass sich arbeitende Menschen darauf verlassen können, dass der Beitrag nicht steigt“.

Our reputation as a country is at stake at the airports

Published March 7, 2023, 12:05 AM

by Manila Bulletin

“Revenge travel” is real and crowds are heading to airports to start their journey to local or international destinations, eager to enjoy the tourism spots that were out of reach during the pandemic. That dream vacation, however, could instantly turn into a nightmare even before one steps inside a plane.

In recent news and on social media, Filipinos have expressed disappointment and dismay over how our main airport terminals are being operated. Travelers missed their flights not because they were late or lacked documents, but they were delayed by the long immigration lines. Some netizens even claimed that there were hundreds of people in the line, with only three immigration counters open.

This incident has reached the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), which vowed to address this predicament. In a statement by MIAA general manager Cesar Chiong, he said that the “MIAA is working with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to ease congestion of departing passengers at the immigration counters at the NAIA, particularly at Terminal 3.” 

“We are getting the commitment from the BI to increase their manpower even before the surge of passengers comes during the peak hours of the day, in order to arrest the build-up of passengers,” Chiong said. “The processing time is critical here. If we can increase the processing rate of our immigration channels for each passenger, they should not have to wait too long even if the queue grows.”

MIAA also said that it has “requested that airlines open their check-in counters earlier, as arriving passengers who are unable to check-in right away add to the queue.”

Anticipating the surge of vacationers as April soon rolls in, and as summer brings with it a throng of incoming and outgoing travelers, the MIAA has said that it is “looking for ways to alleviate the issue as much as it can.”

In the statement, Chiong said that there will be new e-gates for departing passengers. “In addition to the existing electronic gates, or e-gates, installed by BI for arriving Philippine passport holders, MIAA is also advocating for the installation of new e-gates for departing passengers in order to reduce travelers’ processing time even further.”

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Last December, MIAA noted that it had removed the initial screening checks at terminal entrances to facilitate passenger entry. By mid-year, MIAA is “preparing to roll out more improvements in immigration processing, including a physical re-laying out of Terminal 3 to make room for more immigration counters, and the reassignment of terminals, which aims to turn Terminal 2 into all-domestic.”

It is comforting to know that there are improvements to look forward to with our airports and how the MIAA recognizes the improvements that it has to implement. The MIAA and everyone involved with our airports’ operations should be aware of the consequential “optics” — it takes one long line at the immigration counter, one incident of theft by airport personnel, or an operational oversight to taint our country’s image as an “investment haven” or a “tourism paradise.” Our reputation is at stake.

At this point in time, we couldn’t risk having unreliable airports, especially as our country recovers from the pandemic and as businesses are in need of tourism revenues. Will our airports become a tourism enabler or a tourism deterrent? The lines will soon reveal.

WEATHER UPDATE TODAY MARCH 7, 2023

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Proposed VAT refund program for foreign tourists OK’d on 3rd reading

Published March 7, 2023, 11:29 AM

by Ellson Quismorio

The House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved on third and final reading the measure creating a value-added tax (VAT) refund program for foreign tourists.

(Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

Passed on the strength of 304 affirmative votes during plenary session Monday night, March 6 was House Bill (HB) No.7143, titled, “An Act creating a VAT refund mechanism for non-resident tourists, adding for the purpose a new section 109A to the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended”.

Four House members voted in the negative during the conduct of nominal voting. There were no abstentions.

Deputy Speaker and Ilocos Sur 2nd district Rep. Kristine Singson-Meehan, who presided over plenary session Monday, subsequently announced the bill’s third-reading passage.

The proposal adds a new section to the National Internal Revenue Code.

Once this is enacted, any non-resident tourist would be able to avail of a VAT refund on goods that he or she purchased from accredited retailers. The per transaction value is set at P3,000.

The main beneficiaries of the VAT refund program are non-resident foreign passport holders and/or dual citizens, who are not connected with any businesses.

As per HB No.7143, the goods must be brought out of the country within 60 days from the date of  purchase.

The transaction value of P3,000 may be adjusted depending on the administrative cost of the refund, consumer index price, and other market conditions that will be specified by the Department of Finance (DOF) upon the recommendation of the Department of Tourism (DOT) secretary and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) commissioner.

The measure also allows the VAT refund system to be administered by a service provider, as is the practice in most jurisdictions.

One of HB No.7143’s proponents, Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda, earlier pointed out during committee discussions that the Philippines, save for India and Cambodia, is the last major Asian country without an operative VAT refund system for tourists.

“That hurts our competitiveness for tourists with, say, Vietnam and Thailand, which now receive more tourists than we do,” said Salceda, an economist.

Beauty queen keeps local pageantry alive

by Annalyn S. Jusay

Gines Shainon Angeles (middle, second row) with Miss Lla Bealla 2022 winners (Photo from Facebook) 

Gines Shainon Santiago Angeles is the reigning Mrs. Universe International North Pacific Asia 2022 and recently placed in the Top 18 of the highly-competitive Mrs. Universe tilt in Bulgaria. She is only 25 years old but she has maturity beyond her years. Aside from being a loving mother to her daughter, she has also set her sights on being the “queen mother” to aspiring beauty queens by mounting the Miss Lla Bealla pageant in her native province of Nueva Ecija.

Now on its second year, Miss Lla Bella is gearing up to be the biggest and most popular pageant in Nueva Ecija with the search being opened to other aspirants from Luzon. In the next few years, Gines announced that they will accept applicants nationwide.

“Miss Lla Bealla is different from other pageants because it is named after, and produced by, my aesthetic clinic. My vision is to show to the world that our beauties are not limited to Nueva Ecija, we have also what it takes to compete in national and international pageants,” she noted. 

Winners of Darling of the Press, Miss Lla Bealla 2023

Gines was a former flight attendant before she became an entrepreneur. She revealed that she has always been in love with pageantry, that’s why she aspired to be a beauty queen. Now that she has fulfilled it, she now wants to be known as “a Beauty Queen Maker.”

“This is what I see myself as becoming after joining pageants.I find happiness and fulfillment in supporting others achieve their dreams as well,” Gines stated.

She pointed out that she will use her platform to promote her advocacy for equality. Gines expressed the belief that there should be no room for discrimination. “A beauty queen should always be a role model and must encourage others to be the best they can be.”

The first 15 candidates of Miss Lla Bealla 2023 were recently presented to the press in a short program in SM Cabanatuan City. They are: Roxanne De La Cruz, Maryan Hasna Caira Mercado, Marla Joy Policarpio, Gerrah Evea C. Domingo, Dyna Faye D. Garcia, Mary Ann C. Tualla, Rowena H. Inovero, Jemalyn T. Nueda, Rizza Mae Cruz Caning, Noreen Cunanan, Jessica Roxas Peralta, Marinel M. Slavador, Reinalyn Gatmaitan, Kate Hazel Tapang , and Kathleen Flores.

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Misses Policarpio, Domingo and Peralta were eventually picked as Darlings of the Press.

(From left) Mrs. Universe International North Pacific Asia 2022 Gines Shainon Angeles with Miss Universe 2021 2nd runner up Steffi Rose Aberasturi and Miss Diamond of the World 2016 Christine Picardal

The 15 candidates also walked the ramp and underwent pre-screening with a panel composed of Miss Universe Philippines 2021 2nd runner-up Steffi Rose Aberasturi, Miss Diamond of the World 2016 Christine Picardal, Binibining Aurora 2023 Carmela Joy Cuaresma, Director Anshari Hablo Alonto of 2xsist Events Production, and make-up artist Bebong Belleza.

The Grand Coronation Night of Miss Lla Bealla 2023 will be held in Cabanatuan City on March 30.
Five ladies will be proclaimed Miss Lla Bealla 2023 Universe (with a P100,000 cash prize), Miss Lla Beala 2023 World (P50,000), Miss Lla Bealla 2023 Earth (P40,000), Miss Lla Bealla 2023 International (P30,000), and Miss Lla Bealla 2023 Tourism (P20,000). There will also be other prizes from the sponsors.

GOSSIP GIRL: How Inday Sara celebrates birthdays of loved ones

Published March 7, 2023, 9:58 AM

by Giselle Sanchez, MB

Vice President Sara Duterte hosts simple birthday party for son Stonefish

I  am quite sure that 32.2 million voters want to know how the Vice President of the Philippines, throw parties for their loved ones–  the answer is — super simple and fun.

Last Thursday,  Vice President Sara Zimmerman Duterte invited me to the sixth birthday of her son Marko “Stonefish” Duterte. It was a simple celebration over pansit and barbeque with her mom, Tita Beth Zimmerman, VP Inday Sara’s  husband Atty. Mans Carpio, his brother and his parents. The godfathers and godmothers of Stonefish were also present.  We were around 20 adults and 10 children.

She hosted her own party gathering everyone for a prayer and blowing out birthday candles and thanking her guests. I volunteered to host the games since her middle child Stingray was requesting games. As a Gen X baby, I decided to change the “Trip to Jerusalem” chair game to “Trip to Davao”. 

Stingray was able to convince his mom and dad to join “Hep Hep Hurrah” to the delight of the guests. The game prizes were simple chocolates and gummy bears for the children. I found out from the godmothers of Stonefish that all of VP Inday Sara’s children have ocean nicknames, the eldest teenager Mikhaila Maria is nicknamed Sharky, and Mateo Lucas is nicknamed Stingray while the birthday celebrant Marko is nicknamed Stonefish. The godmother told me that VP Inday Sara is the Mother Ocean and that the Vice President loves the ocean so much she wanted to name her children her favorite things in the ocean. 

Inday Sara (left) and the author

In this Facebook and Instagram world where people like throwing flashy over-the-top parties estimating millions of pesos, it is very calming to know that  public servants like VP Inday throw simple and minimalist parties. The Dutertes have been loved because of their minimalist living. For several years now, I have been hosting the Christmas parties of this genuine woman. When she was the mayor of Davao, we would celebrate the Presidential Security Group parties outside the street in front of her house. Thank God it did not rain. I also remember hosting the Christmas party of the Office of the Vice President last year. It was just a simple party inside their office with fun party games—no hotel venues, no event organizers,no flashy celebrities or singers,  just me and the office staff. 

Going home from the party, I had so much peace in my heart. Peace, that the second highest ranking official in our country lived such a simple life with simple needs. Peace in my heart because the children of this public servant were kind and had good manners showing what kind of parents Atty. Mans and VP Inday Sara are; and lastly peace in my heart knowing that the Vice President I supported and voted for is a kind and genuine person with simple needs and kind friends. Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are. 

Before I went to bed, I offered a prayer for VP Inday Sara and her family. Aside from being a brilliant and organized leader of our country, bonding with her in her unguarded moments proved that she is indeed an amazing woman, a good mother and a fun person to be with.