I-ACT, LGUs Join Forces in Multi-Agency Approach to Solve Traffic Problems

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Two months since the formation of the Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (i-ACT), the single authority in traffic management in the metropolis, Metro Manila mayors and traffic managers from various Local Government Units (LGUs) have expressed support and optimism in the direction being taken to solve traffic woes.

In a workshop in Camp Crame yesterday, LGU traffic managers joined officials and personnel from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and PNP-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) in drafting guidelines to ensure smooth implementation of a unified ticketing system. This, after local chief executives agreed to pass uniform ordinances on traffic violation fines and penalties. The move is consistent with the i-ACT’s vision to harmonize traffic laws and ordinances and integrate a single enforcement system under one chain of command.

Apart from strict enforcement along national roads, the i-ACT also intensified its campaign against illegally-parked and colorum vehicles. From July 6 to October 26, 2016, the i-ACT impounded 236 colorum vehicles, towed 5,696 illegally-parked vehicles, and cleared 2,330 sidewalk vendors. The council have also issued 25, 635 traffic violation tickets.

LGUs have also expressed their desire to align their traffic rules with the i-ACT, such as implementing the suspension of window hours in their cities and areas of jurisdiction.

This multi-agency approach is seen as a welcome change in the traditional system that tolerated uncoordinated laws and ordinances by national government agencies and LGUs. Such development required a brand of leadership that is anchored on strong political will, something that agency heads attribute to Transportation Secretary Art Tugade.

“Sec. Tugade's leadership paved the way to utilize a multi-agency approach in solving traffic and transportation issues in Metro Manila. This has never been done before,” said MMDA Chairman Tim Orbos.

PNP-HPG Chief Gen. Antonio Gardiola, the over-all Chief Traffic Enforcer of i-ACT, said he acknowledges the fact that solving traffic is indeed very difficult, but Tugade’s values and strong political have helped them face the odds.

The Highway patrol Group and the entire Philippine National Police supports the integration of all traffic management and enforcement units/offices under a single, unified entity through the i-ACT to harmonize government approaches in alleviating the transport crisis in Metro Manila, and to serve as a template for other cities in the country as envisioned by Sec. Tugade,” he said.

Tugade’s management initiatives to solve traffic and corruption were also hailed.

“Secretary Tugade, with strong management initiatives, has taken the heavy challenge of addressing traffic congestion,” said LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra.

Asec. Ed Galvante of the LTO added: “The LTO is very serious in implementing anti-corruption measures in line with the thrust of Sec. Tugade to eradicate corruption among its ranks and DOTr's attached agencies.”

DICT Statement on President Duterte's Speech in China

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During his speech of acceptance at the Philippine IT-BPM Roadmap 2022 launch hosted by the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), Secretary Rodolfo Salalima reassured BPOs on the commitment of the DICT to maintain strong collaboration between the government and the industry. This, also, is an elaboration of his previous statement regarding President Duterte’s declaration during his visit to China.

Below is the transcript of the official statement during the IBPAP event. The same statement will also be posted on the DICT website.


Official Statement of Secretary Rodolfo A. Salalima:

"ln view of the recent statement made by President Rodrigo Duterte in his visit to Beijing, China last October 19, 2016 that the country is “separating” from US, allow me to illuminate this statement:

ln Political and lnternational Law, a State is defined as a “group of people, more or less numerous, occupying a definite portion of a territory, having a government of its own and free from external control”. Freedom from external control means external sovereignty or independence, meaning the Philippines, as an independent State, is independent of or separate from all other states like the USA as our country is not part of or a colony or protectorate of the latter, hence, a SEPARATE STATE.

Thus, our President is correct when he stated that we are separating from the US the Philippines is separate and distinct from because in TRUTH, lN FACT and the US, with the sovereign right to track our own foreign policy and international alignment. This has been avowed way back when we declared our country's independence. When the President therefore also said of the troika of the Philippines,Russia and China “against the world”, he was merely being metaphorical and exuberant of our country's status as a sovereign state as borne out by his subsequent clarificatory statements.

Hence, consistent with the commitment of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to the BPO sector, the Department of Information and Communications Technology shall continue to fulfill its duties and maintain our strong collaboration with our BPOs. It is clear that the creation of the DICT will make the country a prime spot for the BPO. lndustry and we assure you that the same objective and mandate of our department will remain and be pursued.

To the BPO lndustry, the Philippine government envisions a developed nation that will be dubbed as a “world-class ICT services provider “. Together, we will work on this. The Philippine Government through the DICT shall continue what has been started with regard to the BPO lndustry. Contracts that has been enforced and still existing shall be respected and will continue until their full implementation. As the country aims to develop an lT-enabled workforce, expand the reach of lnternet

Access and services to the citizens, enhance lT service management and create an industry, your presence, your collaboration, unending support and partnership will play an important role to reach these objectives. Let us remain steadfast in reaching these goals."

Exciting Properties For Auction At The Lamudi Housing Fair

Wazzup Pilipinas!

One of the most recommended ways to acquire real estate when you do not really have a particularly large budget is to attend a property auction. Recently gaining more popularity in the Philippines, a property auction is a great way to learn more about real estate and to get your dream home -- most of the time, at hefty discounts.

The common misconception in a property auction is that you have to allocate a big sum in order to compete for a lucrative investment, but in truth you can get a decent, value-for-money property that is not readily available elsewhere. In the Philippines, these events are organized by banks, government agencies, financial institutions and real estate brokerage firms and the properties they offer are often priced below market value.

This year, Lamudi Philippines and partner banks RCBC Savings Bank and Philippine National Bank are opening up the chance for the public to participate in a property auction at the Lamudi Housing Fair.

RCBC and PNB will offer various foreclosed properties for auction at the biggest housing fair to happen in the country. The event is scheduled on November 18 to 20, 2016, at Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. Attendees of the fair can take part in the auction and some will be fortunate enough to go home with his dream investment under his name.

Some of the bank properties that are up for grabs at the Lamudi Housing Fair are townhouses and house and lots with land sizes ranging from 80 to more than 2,000 square meters. Some of the featured property locations are Cavite, Laguna, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Bacolod, and myriad others.

One property up for auction at the fair is the 183 square meter, two-storey house and lot in Sta. Rosa, Laguna by RCBC. This property is perfect for families who are looking for ample space for their growing needs and a good neighborhood near the metro but do not have a hefty amount to spare.

Apart from the auction, the Lamudi fair will also feature the widest selection of properties and offer exclusive discounts to home buyers and property investors. Investment and homebuying seminars and virtual reality application in real estate can also be learned and experienced at the event.

For more information visit www.lamudi.com.ph/housing_fair/