#department of transportation dotr

[rhk111sblog]

Three Countries (Japan, South Korea and India) will try to replace China’s funding of three Railway Projects in the Philippines worth a total of Usd 5 billion. Meanwhile, the last Project that the United States (US) and their Filipino Doggies managed to kick China out of, the Sangley Point International Airport (SPIA) Project, is yet to make a Groundbreaking and is already at least three Years late

[carlocarrasco]

At least 4 more airports expected to be privatized in 2025

Recently the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that at least four more airports are expected to be privatized in 2025, according to a BusinessWorld news report. Clearly the recent privatization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) sparked a wave of change with regards to air travel and the need to modernize airports. To put things in perspective, posted below is an…

[kapmorlypogi]

LTFRB 24/7 HOTLINE

[pannaginip]

ABS-CBN on Twitter @ABSCBNNews:

LOOK: Highlights of the Department of Budget and Management’s proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025

via @/VivienneGulla

2024 Jul. 29

ID under the cut

BRIEFER ON THE 2025 PROPOSED NATIONAL BUDGET

AGENDA FOR PROSPERITY: Fulfilling the Needs and Aspirations of the Filipino People

To support the PBBM Administration's goal of economic and social transformation, the proposed National Budget for FY 2025 of Php 6.352 trillion was carefully and meticulously crafted to meet the objectives of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. This budget builds on the gains of the first two years of the Administration, sustaining momentum in pursuit of a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Philippines- where all Filipinos can fulfill their individual and shared aspirations.

Budget Comparison

2024 Budget: Php 5.768 T

2025 Budget: Php 6.352 T

10.1% year-on-year growth

22.1% of GDP

Budget Dimensions by Sector

Php 2.121 T: Social Services (33.4% of the Budget)

Php 1.853 T: Economic Services (29.2% of the Budget)

Php 1.083 T: General Public Services (17.1% of the Budget)

Php 419.3 B: Defense (6.6% of the Budget)

Php 876.7 B: Debt Burden (13.8% of the Budget)

Priority Sectors

Education (DepEd, SUCs, CHED, TESDA)

Php 977.6 B

2024 GAA: Php 968.9 B

Includes other education-related agencies

Social Welfare (DSWD)

Php 230.1 B

2024 GAA: Php 248.1 B

Public Works (DPWH)

Php 900.0 B

2024 GAA: Php 997.9 B

Agriculture (DA and attached corporations, DAR)

Php 211.3 B

2024 GAA: Php 221.7 B

Health (includes PhilHealth)

Php 297.6 B

2024 GAA: Php 308.3 B

Transportation (DOTr)

Php 180.9 B

2024 GAA: Php 73.9 B

Interior and Local Government (DILG)

Php 278.4 B

2024 GAA: Php 263.0 B

Excludes education-related agencies

Judiciary

Php 63.6 B

2024 GAA: Php 60.2 B

Defense (DND)

Php 256.1 B

2024 GAA: Php 240.6 B

Excludes education-related agencies

Justice (DOJ)

Php 40.6 B

2024 GAA: Php 38.2 B

[nash-reports]

Citizen Journalism: Midterms Output | BA Journalism 2A (22-23)

Malolos jeepney barker, drivers detest PUV modernization program

#NoToJeepneyPhaseOut continues to be the unyielding stand of both jeepney barkers and drivers of Malolos Central Transport Terminal after the previous nationwide transport strikes caused by the contentious Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) of the administration.

Beside Xentro Mall Malolos sits the Malolos Central Transport Terminal that holds public utility vehicles (PUVs), particularly traditional jeepneys, with both roundtrip and one-way trips to neighboring and distant places alike, such as Plaridel, Guiguinto, Marilao, and Santa Maria, among others.

Mang Renato, a jeepney barker for 21 years and a father of six, said that he won’t necessarily be affected by the jeepney modernization. But he makes clear that he sympathizes with traditional jeepney drivers, who will not be able to afford the modernized ones.

"Sana hindi na matuloy yung mga phase out na yan, kawawa yung mga operator", he expressed. "Paano kung walang pera yung mga operator… paano yung mga drayber. Syempre kung walang pera, wala silang dyip na modern", he continued.

Although his livelihood will not be directly affected by the modernization, he stressed out: "Wala naman ding pinagkukunan ‘yan [mga drayber], syempre masakit din sa kanila yan." To add to his sentiment, he said that there were kind drivers who were willing to give him extra income whenever their jeepneys would be full of passengers, thereby adding to his disapproval of the government’s plan.

Mang JR, a traditional jeepney driver for two decades, also strongly expressed his disfavor for jeepney modernization: "Syempre nakasanayan na namin itong gamitin, tsaka dito ‘di masyadong ano… kapag binyahe na namin, sa amin na kita. Eh kapag sa modern babayaran mo sa gobyerno."

He further explained that the government is basically phasing out their jeepneys and leaving them in immeasurable debt, which they cannot afford to pay. "Pabigat talaga samin talaga", he said.

"Napag-aral ko yung mga anak ko… yung pang-araw-araw namin hanggang sa bahay, kuryente [at] tubig, dito kami kumukuha", he added, emphasizing the importance of his job for his family to stay afloat.

As for his opinion about why the government is pushing PUV modernization in the country, he thinks they are trying to raise the standard of the Philippines’ public transport on par with Hong Kong’s minibuses, vehicles used to reach places standard buses cannot.

Fiercely pointing out the flaws of the jeepney modernization, "Bunso", also a traditional jeepney driver for almost three decades, said that should the jeepney phaseout be implemented, there will be a great loss to every jeepney driver’s family.

"Maraming epekto, dahil gawa nga ng yung dyip namin imbis na wala kaming utang, magkakautang kami na malaki: milyon. Yung dyip naming pansarili, magkakaroon kami ng amo ngayon", he expressed. 

Among others, what worries him most about such a policy is its effect on the education of their children: "Kahit paano nakakapagpa-aral kami. Ngayon, ‘pag dumating yang modern na yan, baka hindi na kami makapagpa-aral kahit kinder."

He also cannot help but feel bad for fellow drivers who switched to modernized jeepneys because he is certain they are in debt with millions of pesos. "Malaki hulog doon sa modern... tatlong milyon ‘yon", he said.

Asked if he would ever be in favor of the jeepney modernization program, "Kahit kailan, hindi.", he ended.

The sentiments of Mang Renato, Mang JR, and Bunso were only among the many from the transport sector who will be directly affected by the controversial PUV modernization program that most of them believe to be "anti-poor."

The PUVMP was issued way back in 2017 under DOTr Department Order No. 2017-011, also known as the Omnibus Guidelines on the Planning and Identification of Public Road Transportation Services and Franchise Issuance, during the Duterte administration. Its importance was restated by Transportation Secretary Jamie Bautista under the Marcos administration, with the same aim to provide the Filipinos with a safe and environmentally sustainable transportation system despite the expensive transition that would leave most jeepney drivers behind. | via Andrea Apit, Caryl Flores, Athena Morales, & Nash Villena, BA Journalism 2A

#NOTOJEEPNEYPHASEOUT: Short Documentary #NOTOJEEPNEYPHASEOUT: Short Documentary #NOTOJEEPNEYPHASEOUT: Short Documentary

[renesf]

MRT Wheelchair Ramp Contractor Submits New Plan

In a stunning turn of events, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has demanded that the contractor responsible for the much-criticized MRT wheelchair ramp either repair it or face reparation charges. This comes after a wave of public outrage over the ramp’s impractical design, which some have likened to an obstacle course for extreme sports enthusiasts. In a hastily convened conference, MRT…

[thxnews]

PH Infra Spending Hits P1T in 2023 Surge

In a landmark move for national development, the Philippines has earmarked an unprecedented P1.02 trillion for infrastructure and capital outlays from January to November 2023. This remarkable 18.5% increase from the previous year underscores the government's commitment to bolstering economic growth and enhancing the nation's infrastructure backbone.  

A Boost for National Growth

Unprecedented Funding Increase Under the stewardship of Budget and Management Secretary Mina Pangandaman, the significant uptick in infrastructure spending is a testament to the government's dedication to executing its annual budget efficiently. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) spearheaded this increase through the implementation of various priority projects, including road, bridge, and rail transport enhancements.   Building a Better Future The Build, Better, More program, a cornerstone of President Bongbong Marcos's administration, is set to receive a robust P1.510 trillion in the 2024 national budget. This initiative aims to further the development of crucial infrastructure projects, such as roads, rail, mass transport, and flood control systems, facilitating growth in remote municipalities and embodying the vision of a renewed Philippines.  

The Path to Sustainable Development

Prioritizing Efficient Budget Utilization The DPWH and DOTr are at the forefront of this developmental leap, with allocations amounting to P981.999 billion and P26.580 billion, respectively. This strategic distribution of funds is designed to maximize economic benefits and ensure that every peso spent contributes to the welfare of the Filipino people.   Expanding the Infrastructure Horizon The Build, Better, More program represents a pivotal shift towards more sustainable and inclusive infrastructure development. With an investment equivalent to 5.5 percent of the country's projected GDP, the program not only aims to enhance the physical landscape but also to foster economic resilience and inclusivity.  

A Legacy of Development

From Build! Build! Build! to Build, Better, More Transitioning from the Duterte administration's Build! Build! Build! initiative, the BBM program amplifies the focus on infrastructure with a keen eye on sustainability and broader societal impact. This evolution reflects the administration's vision for a future where development projects pave the way for a stronger, more connected Philippines.   Looking Ahead As the Philippines strides into 2024 with a substantial infrastructure budget, the momentum for national development is stronger than ever. The government's unwavering support for the Build, Better, More program signifies a promising horizon for the Filipino people, promising not just infrastructure growth but a holistic upliftment of the nation's quality of life.   Sources: THX News & Philippine News Agency. Read the full article

[thepaperclippings]

Week 5: Learning from the experienced

If we want to know the ins and outs of ODA-related news stories, there’s no better person to consult than an actual journalist who has experience in not only navigating the financial beats but also regularly writing reports on them.

As part of our research process on ODA-funded projects, we were able to secure an interview with Ted Cordero, a senior news producer from GMA, who reports on business and finance-related issues.

Generous is an understatement to describe how Mr. Cordero accommodated our requests. He gave us leads and contact information for media-related undersecretaries of agencies concerned with our investigative report.

This stemmed from his striking remark about the E-FOI portal, saying that it is often not useful due to its delayed responses. He says that while it is an easily accessible avenue to request documents, it is still better to directly contact the institutions and people concerned.

In fact, we already have firsthand experience of reaching a deadlock because of FOI. Specifically, our E-FOI request for the contracts of ODA-funded transport projects was denied by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), saying we should seek the document from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

However, when we requested the same document from MMDA, they also referred us back to DOTr, as if we were a basketball being passed back and forth by these agencies.

Mr. Cordero advised us to start from the mother agencies like NEDA, DOF, and COA before narrowing down our legwork to our focus agency which is the DOTr.

Essentially, he told us to follow the ODA-funded projects from conception up to fruition, which interestingly mirrors the entire process of investigative reporting as a whole. If we want to go deeper with our investigative story, Mr. Cordero also advised us to review congressional hearings on the General Appropriations Bill, specifically those that concern our focus agency.

This made me realize the importance of “zooming out” to enhance our perspective and get a full grasp of our paper trail. The documents do not magically arrive at NEDA or the DOF. They are first planned and proposed in other institutions, which we must also consider to further contextualize our story.

Much like a “trail,” the documents and information we acquire must already have a story of its own. We, as journalists, must only package it with proper contexts and interpretation.

[takeoffphilippines]

AirAsia Philippines ready to safely fly Undas travelers

Manila, 16 October 2023 - AirAsia Philippines, Asia’s leading Low-Cost Airline, increases its readiness to fly Filipinos across the nation in time for All Souls and All Saints Day.

As of 16 October, more than 65,000 guests flying AirAsia have booked over 700 flights to different domestic destinations with travels scheduled between 28 October to 2 November as the nation enters one of the busiest seasons of the year. Top booked destinations this season include Caticlan, Cebu, Tagbilaran, Tacloban, Davao, Puerto Princesa, and Iloilo.

“We know how important this annual commemoration is to most Filipinos and AirAsia is more than ready to accommodate the greater influx of travelers during these times. We have enough manpower to meet increased operational requirements and augmented Customer Happiness helpdesks at the NAIA Terminal 2. Our guests can count on our very reliable Allstars team which observes the highest standards of safety inflight and on the ground. In fact, our On-Time-Performance over the past weeks registered a high of 97%.” AirAsia Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Country Head First Officer Steve Dailisan said.

“Additionally, to ensure the continued safety and swift travel of our guests, the airline continues to coordinate and align its efforts with our regulatory partners at the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP),” Dailisan added.

To seamlessly facilitate convenience in air travel, AirAsia’s NAIA T2 home is equipped with 20 check-in counters. Guests may also opt to check-in via self-check-in kiosks or via airasia Superapp.

Planning ahead for the long weekend

Filipinos, however, are not confined to reunions and visiting relatives this Undas as AirAsia Philippines also noted an increase in international leisure travels this season, especially for Incheon, Taipei, Osaka, Hong Kong, Narita, and Bangkok.

“Apart from observing Undas, Filipinos are also taking advantage of the extended holiday slated from 31 October until 2 November and the low-fare promos AirAsia mounted during the previous months, with the 31st of October having been declared a special non-working holiday by Malcandang,” Dailisan shared.

To delight more guests to plan their future travels ahead, AirAsia Philippines is launching another round of PISO SALE from 16 to 25 October 2023 for domestic and international travel from 4 March 2024 to 19 March 2025.

AirAsia Philippines is also set to inaugurate its newest ticketing office at the NAIA Terminal 3 on Wednesday to better serve its guests.

In line with this year’s observance of All Saints and All Souls Day, and the long weekend, AirAsia reminds guests to allocate ample time before their estimated time of departure at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 and 3 to make their flight more convenient and hassle-free. 

Stay updated with the latest travel advisories, guidelines, and booking options through the airasia Superapp, its official website (www.airasia.com) and social media channels. Guests are also reminded to comply with the respective government regulations and travel requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.

–

📧 If you wish to send an invite and feature your province/company brand/event; Just ask the author of this vlog, email us at team.takeoffph@gmail.com

Follow our Social Media Accounts: Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/TakeOffPHBlog

Instagram/Twitter: @takeoff_ph

Website: https://takeoffphilippines.com

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TakeOffPhilippines

[rhk111sblog]

China’s funding of the Laguna to Bicol Railway Project is now very likely to be cancelled due probably to Tensions bought about the Issues in the South China Sea (SCS)

[carlocarrasco]

DOTr postpones news rules and imposition of fines for motorists with no RFID to October 1, 2024

This is for motorists who have been traveling along the highways without radio frequency identification (RFID) tags or with insufficient load. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) recently announced that it has officially postponed to October 1, 2024 the implementation of new tollway guidelines and fines, according to a BusinessWorld news report. The implementation was supposed to have…

[regreports]

PUVMP: A ride towards modernization or anti-poor collision

BY: Maria Ellein Abarro, Maria Regine Dayao, Alexandra De Leon, Mikhaela Santiago

King of the road - that’s how jeepneys in the Philippines are hailed as.

With it being the most popular mode of transportation in the country, Filipinos patronize it for convenience, reasonable fares, and a showcase of culture. Its distinct colors and extravagant ornaments makes it stand out from other public utility vehicles (PUVs).

What brought the prominent ride to fruition were the American colonizers who left behind four-seater green jeepneys after World War II.

And in spite of Filipino ingenuity, it was upcycled to resolve the mass transportation crisis.

It was elongated to accommodate more passengers, furnished with a roof for protection against the Philippine heat, and gave birth to terms you’d only hear in a jeepney like “bayad po” or “para po.”

These kings continue to reign the streets, but not for long.

A DETHRONEMENT OF THE KING

The traditional jeep is on the verge of being dethroned due to the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program or PUVMP.

Issued way back in 2017, the program intends to phase out jeepneys of 15 years and older that are diesel-based.

They are to be replaced by modern jeeps, which have its own ruling features that comply with safety and environmental standards.

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista elaborates that modern jeeps back up the convenient, accessible, safe and secure, and affordable program or CASA in the transport sector.

With these advantages, commuters of the terminal hub in Xentro Mall Malolos, agree that it’s time for modern jeeps to rise to rule.

THE COMMUTERS' HURRAH TO CHANGE AND ITS BARE BENEFITS TO THE ENVIRONMENT

59 year old commuter Dong is in favor of the PUVMP due to modern jeeps being better than the traditional ones. 

He said, “Naka-aircon ka na, magaan lang diperensya sa pamasahe, tapos komportable ka pa.”

A sound journey is how Bulacan State University student Trixie concur their support on the program.

They said some traditional jeeps have worn out and perform in an unstable condition. Trixie also insinuated that the temperature gets hot and humid in the jeep.

While safety and comfort are in the hands of the commuters, the environment is yet to speak up for its own well-being.

In their support to the PUVMP, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) imposed the Eco-PUV program, where modern vehicles must comply with the Euro 4 standards.

Former  Undersecretary Tim Orbos of the DoTr said it is to generate less pollution or none.

But a study from the Clean Air Asia and Blacksmith Institute otherwise says that diesel-powered jeepneys make-up 15% of the entire matter emissions in Metro Manila.

It was argued by the Center for Energy, Ecology and Development (CEED) that efforts to reduce air pollution is negligible if it only focused on jeepneys rather than private vehicles and that private car owners are much capable of financing the modernization of their vehicles. In terms of what a modern jeep would cost, it's a conflicting thought for a UV express driver and barker.

A TALE OF A PUV DRIVER AND A BARKER

Having 500 PHP of daily earnings, UV express driver Wayu was dismayed at the 2.8 million priced modern jeeps.

Since it is loaned, they said PUV drivers are to suffer and shoulder the costs.

The program requires franchise holders to consolidate and join cooperatives to afford the new jeepneys, and it would take seven years to fully pay with a monthly deposit of over thirty-thousand pesos per month.

Aside from the financial issues, Wayu asserted that the project would be a major disturbance to many and there are already plenty of traditional jeepneys that operate.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board recorded that there are currently 158 000 traditional jeepneys in the country, while only 5 300 are modern jeepneys.

Pushing through the phaseout would mean commuters to strain harder, considering the current conditions of public transport.

Expressing their thoughts on the situation, Yeng who is a barker for four months, chimed that the traditional jeeps shouldn’t be pulled out. Instead, the count should be increased.

They also asserted that the modern jeeps are to be sourced from China and other countries, which have a contrary design to the iconic Philippine jeeps.

Such as in Bulacan, where PUV service company Chatco uses Hino branded jeeps which originate from Japan.

As the financial struggles and culture crisis come into play, there are other matters that the most affected jeepney drivers have to steer through.

QUANDARY TO THE KING'S RIGHT HAND

For 35 years, Joey has been a PUJ driver who is conformed to his current livelihood.

Firmly opposing the PUVMP, they were proud to show his jeep of 15 years that still worked fine.

They felt that it would be a problem and disappointment to disable operations of a traditional jeep in the near future.

Not only that, they argue over how the program’s requirement to obtain the modern jeeps will be an issue.

In line with this, another PUJ driver was troubling over the new franchising guidelines under the PUVMP.

Senior PUJ driver Victor already has an individual franchise because they own the jeep they drive and the earnings it builds up throughout the day.

The LTFRB announced that each cooperative must have at least 15 franchises and single-unit operators will no longer be allowed on the road, but Victor still diverges on the idea of joining a cooperative.

His main concern being the costs of the modern jeeps, where he barely earns a thousand pesos per day on driving. 

As for the drivers who have the same stand and join the same association, they didn’t join the transport strike against the PUVMP held last March 6 to 11.

It was due to their franchises being revoked if they were to stop operations.

Living on minimum wage, PUV drivers cannot afford to let a day pass as they and their families need it.

As such, Manibela chairperson Mal Valbuena estimated 40 000 PUVS in Metro Manila alone participated. While the LTFRB detected 10% of the PUJ drivers in Manila and 5% jumped on the nationwide strike.

The protests however were cut short as a meeting among transport group leaders and officials from Malacañang occurred.

THE PROPOSAL OF THE PEOPLE

While the program and its guidelines have been controversial, jeepney drivers and commuters offered their own propositions.

On the former part, drivers recommend that old jeeps should be restored and have their parts changed with new ones that are up to the environmental standards.

As jeepney driver Julius had persuaded, these jeeps should be rehabilitated instead. 

The latter implies that the government’s subsidy to the drivers for the modern jeeps should be raised.

As of late, the government is set to provide 5.7% or ₱160000 of the 2.8 million priced modern jeeps. 

Consolidated groups are then left to shoulder most of the expenses, and if through a loan, it would take seven years to fully pay with an annual 6% interest rate.

THE CURRENT RULE ON THE ROAD

Everything boils down to how expensive the modern jeepneys are to PUV drivers.

Drivers, who the government had left out of the discussions, is seen to be another issue.

As mentioned previously, the Malacañang promised to involve them as the guidelines are being renewed further.

As the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG) or the Department Order No. 2017-011 which covers the PUVMP is under review, the deadline for consolidation is extended until December 31.

Expect further details to come as we go throughout the year.

[pannaginip]

ABS-CBN: MRT-3 fare hike could be deferred to end of May: DOTr

The proposed fare hike for the MRT-3 could be pushed back to the end of April or the middle of May, said Department of Transportation (DOTr) Assistant Secretary for Railways Jorjette Aquino on Thursday.

The MRT-3 management is seeking an additional P2.29 for the boarding fee and a P0.21 increase per kilometer.

If approved, the minimum fare will go up to P16 from the current P13 while an end-to-end trip from North Avenue station to Taft Avenue station would go up to P34 from the current P28.

Aquino said the increase in fares will ensure the smooth operation and regular maintenance of the MRT-3 train system. But she insisted that the adjusted fare would still be cheaper for the riding public in comparison to aircon buses.

Meanwhile, some commuters hope that the fare hike will not push through as they fear it would eat up their salary.

Other passengers however said they were okay with the fare hike as long as it meant better transport services.

2024 Feb. 8

[arun-pratap-singh]

Commuters' suggestions after Swedish-inspired EDSA Carousel Busway design reveal

Rendering of the recommended busway design by the Sweco team from Sweden (DOTrPH/Facebook) At-grade crossings and wider lanes were among the suggestions voiced online to improve the EDSA Carousel Bus system. Several commuters expressed these in a post about the recommended bus station design of Sweden to the Department of Transportation last week. The DOTr on February 13 met with consultants…