Mikka Garcia wrote to say she also did not understand why “bus owners/operators oppose the high penalties for colorum and out-of-way” public utility vehicles (PUV).
Reacting to an earlier column on the vehement opposition to higher penalties for traffic violations, Garcia said she was surprised by the protests since the higher fines were meant to get unauthorized buses and other means of public transport off the streets to ease traffic congestion.
She asked, “Why are they (PUV operators) affected? Does this mean these bus companies also operate colorum and out-of-way buses,” aside from duly registered vehicles?
Safe LPG use campaign
Isla LPG Corp., distributor of Solane liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), has launched a very timely campaign. It is conducting information and education sessions in communities on the proper storage and handling of LPG at home, what to do during an emergency, where to buy genuine products and how to spot illegal tanks.
The Sugod Barangay campaign also allows community members to buy genuine Solane LPG.
The campaign is timely as a lot of cooking will be done in households during the coming holidays. Although LPG has become a necessity in many Filipino homes, many people still do not know how to use it properly to prevent accidental fires.
Teaching people what to do when and if a fire breaks out will help minimize damage.
Mandaluyong City has passed an ordinance prohibiting the refilling, selling or trading of tampered, dilapidated and substandard LPG cylinders. Violators face imprisonment and fines. There is also a bill pending in Congress that sets rules on the sale and distribution of LPG throughout the country.
But even with official regulations and legislation, only informed consumers can ensure that LPG is used properly and safely. Informed consumers will also discourage unscrupulous LPG sellers.
Communities interested in the LPG information-education campaign should coordinate with the nearest Solane dealer to see if the Sugod Barangay team can visit them.
Separate entity
Tish Martinez-Castillo, corporate communications and public relations manager of Gandang Kalikasan Inc. (GKI), wants to clarify that GKI is not part of the low-cost housing initiative Gawad Kalinga. GKI is the parent company of Human Nature that manufactures the organic Bug Shield insect repellent.
Castillo says they are tied to Gawad Kalinga only because their founders are daughters of Tony Meloto and they partner with the housing program on many projects.
Dark street
Taxi drivers usually wonder why Leon Guinto Street in Malate, particularly the portion between Estrada and San Andres Streets, is so dark at night. After the street lamp “war” between former mayors Alfredo Lim and Lito Atienza that kept Manila’s streets lit like Christmas trees even outside of the holiday season—they both had their own lights installed just a few feet apart from each other—many thoroughfares are now so dark.
Leon Guinto is close to several schools. There are also dormitories on that street. The dark street puts students at great risk of being victimized by criminals. In fact, from newspaper reports, several students have already fallen victim to thieves.
Speaking of taxis, I want to commend Sofitel Philippine Plaza for its unique service. Doormen of the hotel give arriving—not just departing—guests, who use taxis, cards with the vehicles’ plate numbers. The arriving guest may have as much use for the card as he/she may want to contact the taxi driver—like if something important is left in the cab.
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