LTO checks report that protocol plate '8' are being sold

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Office on Wednesday said that it was trying to verify reports that number “8" protocol plates are being sold for P200,000.

This was revealed by Transportation and Communication Assistant Secretary and LTO chief Alberto Suansing, who said he got the information from a congressman.

“I asked the lawmaker if it’s true that some congressmen are giving away protocol plates issued to them, he told me that some even sell it," Sunasing said.

Number "8" car plates are assigned to members of the House of Representatives.

On Sunday, a Nissan SUV bearing number "8" plates rammed and killed a security guard while injuring a companion.

Earlier reports said the Nissan was registered under the name of Sharon Faye Bautista of 18 Agustin St., Barangay Bungad, San Francisco del Monte Avenue, Quezon City.

Sharon Faye is the wife of Jason Bautista and reportedly the daughter of a Metro Manila congressman.

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Public Transport Placed on Alert

From SunStar, Manila -

THE Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) on Wednesday ordered all land, air, and seaports in the country to be on heightened alert against possible attacks by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) group and its sympathizers.

Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza said he has already directed all bus stations to increase their security and strictly implement the "no inspection, no entry" policy on bags and other belongings brought by passengers.

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Insurance worker files contempt case

MANILA, Philippines - Three groups of insurance workers filed contempt charges against proponents of the integrated compulsory third-party liability (CTPL) vehicle insurance for allegedly violating a court stay order.

In a five-page motion filed with the Court of Appeals, the Alliance of Non-life Insurance Workers of the Philippines, Bukluran ng mga Manggagawa sa Industriya ng Seguro, and Movement for the Upliftment of Non-life Insurance, Inc. said the Department of Transportation and Communication (DoTC) implemented a test run despite a 60-day restraining order issued on June 15.

DoTC implemented the order on Aug. 4 with information technology Stradcom Corp. and Land Transportation Office (LTO).

The department order was signed by Transportation Secretary Leandro R. Mendoza on July 5, 2007.

It transferred the CTPL business from the private sector to the Government Service Insurance System. Insurers claimed this deprived them P2.5 billion worth of existing business.

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Aklan LTO tightens rules on Motorcycle riders

Effective September 1, 2008, motorcyclists and their back riders found violating traffic laws, rules and regulations will be compelled to pay fine in cash, announced Mr. Baltimore Conanan, Chief, Land transportation Office, Aklan.

According to Conanan, a motorcycle driver must wear the standard helmet and other protective things like leader shoes or boots, thick jacket, goggles, and gloves. Failure to wear these protective materials while driving, the driver will be apprehended and compelled to pay P1,500.00 fine in cash.

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Philippines..Another rail-based transport woe faced by the public

Paranaque City, Philippines -- GMA7 News earlier reported that coaches of the Philippine National Railway (PNR) have been languishing in the PNR garage or more than two weeks now--adding public discomfort over transportation to and from Metro Manila.

The reason: rampant pilferation of rail parts, according to news reporter, Mark Salazar.

For commuters living in the fringes of the capital region, the state-run train service provides the cheapest mode of tansportation, with an average of 20php (.45cents) to cover the 50-kilometer journey from Calamba, Laguna in the south, to Manila.

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