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VOL. XXXVII • NO. 23 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • MONDAY, MARCH 6, 2023 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com
Modernization crux of PUV strike today 11 groups siding with PBBM won’t protest; STRIKE POINTS. VP Sara tags action as ‘communist-inspired’
This chart released by the No to PUV Phaseout Coalition shows the major points where protesters will rally today against the goverment's public vehicle modernization program. The group said various protest centers called 'Kampuhang Bayan' will be set up across Metro Manila to hold programs, discussions, soup kitchens, film screenings, and other protest actions.
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OMMUTERS are bracing for a weeklong transport strike beginning today, involving thousands of jeepney and UV Express drivers protesting the government’s modernization program that could phase out their old vehicles.
At a media forum in Quezon City, Ariel Lim, national convener of the National Public Transport Coalition, said the program should be covered by a law that would consider the validity of the government’s push to consolidate the sector and its readiness for integrating electric vehicles in the country’s transport system. Next page
STRIKE AT A GLANCE • Protesters across country led by Manibela, PISTON • FEJODAP, LTOP among 11 UV groups not joining strike • Group says new law must cover PUV modernization • PNP units on heightened alert; Gov’t readies ferries for stranded public • Solon asks jeepney drivers, operators to reconsider despite LTFRB phaseout plan
LTFRB eases rules to secure PUV franchise By Darwin G. Amojelar, Julito G. Rada and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it dropped the certificate of conformity (COC) as a requirement in securing a vehicle franchise or certificate of public convenience (CPC). Meanwhile, government-owned Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) saidaffordable financing will continue to be accessible to transport groups to help them acquire modern jeepneys in compliance Next page
Suspect in Degamo case killed by cops in shootout MOURNING THE GOVERNOR. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr., and PNP Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. (from right) pay their respects to the late Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo in Dumaguete City on Sunday. Sen. Imee Marcos (seated right, inset) also condoled with Degamo's wife, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo (seated left). Ver Noveno
By Rio N. Araja THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources is performing disaster forensics in the areas threatened by the oil spill from the sunken MT Princess Empress as it finalizes arrangements for a cash-for-work scheme for cleanup
to present proof of full vaccination in tourism enterprises. Wearing face masks is no longer required as well, Tourism SecretaryChristina Frasco said in a statement. These new guidelines are part of the agency’s efforts to help tourism stakeholders
teams in the local communities. Environment chief Antonia Loyzaga said the University of the PhilippinesMarine Science Institute (UP-MSI) is helping assess immediate actions to protect mangroves, seagrass, and over 36,000 hectares of coral reefs in Next page
including the fraternity member who supposedly recruited Baguio, as the suspects will face cases of murder and violation of the anti-hazing law. Meanwhile, the chief of the Biñan City police has called on two participants
WANT to help get rid of the oil spill off Oriental Mindoro? Donate your spare hair. A local barbershop in the provincial capital, Calapan City, is doing just that, collecting cut hair to help clean up the oil hitting the province’s shores. “Hair, surprisingly, turns (out) to be a potent weapon against oil spills because of its remarkable ability to absorb five times its weight in oil,” Bruskos Barber Shop said in a Facebook post. “[Your] hair shall be used in cleaning
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Police tag 5 in Cebu hazing death FIVE fraternity officials who were suspects in the alleged hazing death of University of Cebu student Ronnel Baguio last December have been identified, the Cebu City police said Sunday. The police added they found two witnesses during their investigation,
friends,” he said. On Sunday, the death toll reached nine, with 13 others seriously injured, and four others injured. Abalos and top officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other agencies attended a command conference at the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NORPPO) in Sibulan town. Abalos said they see no pattern in Next page
Gov’t sets cash-for-work plan to stop oil spill further spread
DOT lifts need for face mask, vax card Barber shop call: Save our shores, donate your hair FACE masks and vaccination cards are no longer required in tourism enterprises, according to a memorandum issued by the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Sunday to further ease health and safety protocols in these establishments. Based on DOT Memorandum Circular 2023-0002, tourists are no longer required
INTERIOR Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. vowed justice for Degamo, who was shot dead in his home in Barangay San Isidro, Pamplona town on March 4. The governor was killed along with five others. Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Sunday thanked Abalos for the speedy arrest of the suspects in the Degamo killing. “We condole with the family of the governor, the mayor, and their
HAIR VS. OIL.
This poster produced by Bruskos Barber Shop in Calapan City went viral on social media for calling on the public to help Oriental Mindoro clean up the oil spill by either having a haircut with them or donating their spare hair to help mop up the mess.