DOTr Takes Over Traffic Management in Metro Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Transportation will now be working together with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) in managing traffic along national roads in Metro Manila.

Upon the marching order of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, the MMDA, HPG, and DOTr attached agencies such as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will be solidifying traffic enforcement by coming up with just one chain of command.

Metro Manila will be split into at least 10 traffic sectors. Each will have a sectoral head.

“Kapag watak-watak tayo, mahihirapan ang mga tao on the ground. But if we will be given authority under one chain of command, we can now easily issue orders,” HPG Chief Supt. Antonio Gardiola said in a press conference earlier today.

Operating as one agency, the HPG and the MMDa will be sharing assets such as manpower and motorcyles. The HPG will also hook up with the MMDA command center for better traffic monitoring.

The agencies are also working on coming up with uniform penalties for traffic violations. Traffic personnel will also undergo joint training.

The inter-agency initiative is a necessary move to ease traffic congestion pending appeal for Emergency Powers.

“We are focusing on enforcement now while waiting for Congress to grant us emergency powers. We have to do what we can do now,” said Transportation spokesperson Cherie Mercado-Santos.

“Sumbungan Board” for Violators of Anti-Hospital Deposit Law

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Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros eyes the establishment of a “Sumbungan Board” where the public can report violations of Republic Act 8344, otherwise known as the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law.

Hontiveros, Chair of the Senate Committee on the Health and Demography, filed Senate Bill No. 216 that calls for the establishment of a Health Facilities Oversight Board that will be tasked to probe the claims of patients who were denied treatment and services during emergency situations due to their inability to pay hospital deposit.

The Board will be composed of a Department of Health (DoH) representative, who will act as Chair, and representatives from the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), private health institutions and non-government organizations working on public health and advocacy.

“We want to prioritize the needs of our patients especially during emergency situations. The Sumbungan Board will provide a clear channel for redress of grievances by patients and ensuring their rights and welfare. In our quest for equitable healthcare system, we should be more sensitive to the plight of our patients, especially the indigents. Gamutin muna saka na kumita,” Hontiveros said.

The bill likewise proposed for an increase in penalties for demanding, requesting, soliciting deposit or other forms of advance payment as pre-requisite for confinement or medical treatment. It recommends that penalties for violations of the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law should be from P20,000-P100,000 to P500,000-P1 million, exclusive of damages that may be rewarded to the patient-complainant.

The proposed legislation is also pushing for the revocation of the operating license of a health facility after three repeated violations. “We will not let our citizens denied emergency medical care just because they are poor. Despite inroads being made towards advancing universal health in the past decade, health care in the Philippines largely remains inaccessible to the poor,” Hontiveros said.

The Senator is set to call for a committee hearing on the said bill on August 23 (Tuesday) to “determine the loopholes in implementation and take into consideration the best and worst practices of the law."

The bill also expands the definition of medical care to include women in active labor and at risk of miscarriage or fetal distress.

Lazada's Exclusive App Deals: Catch Them All Starting August 18!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Lazada, the country’s no. 1 shopping destination, invades mobile phones this month with exclusive deals up to 80% off. The deal hunt is sure to heat up with a wide assortment of products on sale. Here are some tips:


Up your Game

There is no cooler way to catch them all than with a new Android phone. The Flash Plus 2 for Php 6,490 is the perfect phone to download the hottest apps. With its widescreen interface, one will surely enjoy the Poké fever even more. Isolate all noise when hunting with the JBL On-Ear Headphones, now on sale for Php 899, and experience outdoor adventure non-stop with an ET-POP Power Bank for only Php 399. 

 
Prepare for battle

Walk that extra mile with new kicks! Get 60% off for a pair of Vans shoes for that extra comfort as you unearth creatures, stardust and candies along the way. Keep immune system healthy with Puritan’s Pride Vitamin C for Php 593 (200 caplets) because another day of adventure awaits. Stylishly protect your eyes from the sun with up to Php 750 off on all Ray-Ban glasses. Stay fresh and fragrant after a long day’s hunting with Victoria’s Secret Body Mist for only Php 349. Don't forget to use your time wisely with a Casio Digital Stainless Watch for Php 995.

Take it easy

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Catch the best deals, discounts and flash sales during Lazada’s Mobile App Sale. From August 18 to 21, get your game on for the best deals, up to 80% off, with cash on delivery and free shipping within Metro Manila. Download the mobile app for free for app-exclusive treats.