Will Erap stop all that smoking in Manila?
I am beginning to worry that the law requiring motorcycle riders to wear the right kind of helmets will die a natural death, like many laws in this country.
After the zealous enforcement of the law early this year, more and more motorcyclists are travelling with only some flimsy helmets or even bare-headed. As is usual in this country, strict implementation was short-lived.
Just what government agency is supposed to oversee the implementation of this law?
And motorcycle riders still show a careless disregard not just for their own safety, but for their passengers’—often family members, including very young children. Parents seem to think that putting children between two adults—like a human sandwich—gives the kids enough protection.
It is true that public transport leaves much to be desired but, for families, taking the jeepney is still safer than putting everyone on a motorcyle.
Will he do it?
I hope the new Manila mayor, Erap Estrada, will enforce anti-smoking regulations in his city. I have said it many times, people seem to think Manila is the smoking area of the metropolis.
Just look at public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers. Outside Manila’s boundaries you do not see them smoking. But the moment they enter the city, they light up, although most vehicles prominently display signs that smoking is prohibited. Then, before they leave city limits, they throw away their cigarettes.
Passengers in Manila also blatantly ignore those signs and their fellow commuters’ discomfort.
Perhaps Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, who has already been anointed by Estrada as his successor, will make the strict implementation of the anti-smoking regulation his personal crusade. It will help reduce the city’s medical expenditure. As scientific studies have shown, many serious diseases can be prevented if people stop smoking. Many of these people who will suffer smoking-related ailments will rely on the city to shoulder the cost of their treatment in government-run hospitals.
By strictly and effectively implementing the anti-smoking regulation, Manila will not only help its citizens stay healthy, but also save itself a lot of money that can be used for other vital services.
Dirty drivers
And what happened to the regulation requiring drivers of PUVs to dress properly and neatly when they are on the job? Drivers are again plying their routes wearing sando that look like they can benefit from a thorough washing, perhaps even boiling, for one whole day, even a week.
Many look like they go straight to their vehicles after jumping out of bed, not even pausing for a few seconds to comb their hair, much less bathe.
Was it the Metro Manila Development Authority that issued the regulation? Who is supposed to see to it that the rule is followed? Do authorities even remember they issued it?
Mail at the mall
The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has opened branches at Robinsons Malls’ Lingkod Pinoy Center (RMLPC). Services offered at PHLPost branches include issuance of postal IDs, mail delivery of letters/parcel, mailing and delivery of boxes and envelopes using PHLPost Pak, and sending and claiming of money order via electronic postal money order. Philatelic items/postage stamps will also be available.
PHLPost branches have opened at Robinsons Place Manila, Robinsons Nova Market, Robinsons Place Dasmariñas and Robinsons Place Imus. They will open soon at Robinsons Otis, Robinsons Place Angeles, Robinsons Santa Rosa Market, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, Robinsons Place Pangasinan, Robinsons Place Palawan, Robinsons Place Iloilo and Robinsons Cagayan de Oro.
Send letters to The Consumer, Lifestyle Section, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 1098 Chino Roces Ave. cor. Mascardo and Yague Sts, 1204 Makati City; fax 8974793/94; or e-mail [email protected].
