Duterte on PUV Modernization Program of DOTr

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) welcomes the statement of support of President Rodrigo Duterte on the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program. The President’s support is definitely a boost to the program, which aims to provide our commuters a convenient, safe and environment-friendly mode of transport.

We draw our strength and energy from the President’s constant reminder to always be guided by the public good and give the Filipino people the service they deserve.

We are one with the President in effecting badly needed reforms in the public transportation sector. Rest assured that we will not stop until these reforms are put into effect.

Further, we are happy to note that most, if not all, transport groups and cooperatives, with the exception of PISTON, are supportive of modernizing our public transport system.

Nonetheless, the DOTr remains open to fostering a more productive relationship with various transport groups, and welcomes healthy dialogues to bring the level of discourse to a more sensible discussion.

Moving forward, we would like to appeal for the support of all the stakeholders in this endeavor. The PUV Modernization Program is long overdue and Filipino commuters have suffered enough. Let us make this program happen for them.


With the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), everybody benefits - from drivers, operators and most especially the millions of commuters.

The President’s fervid support of modernization goes back to the attempts of previous administrations to whose attempts to do the same but had been thwarted due to similar ideologically based transport strikes and protests.

However, when public good is at stake, the Duterte administration will not compromise. This is the message of the President’s speech yesterday. It underscores the national leadership’s strong political will and decisive stance to initiate reform in the public transportation sector.

Government is open to more healthy dialogue, discussion and responsible engagements with transport groups that wish to learn and contribute to the development of the PUV Modernization Program.

This is a wide window of opportunity for everyone -- drivers, the operators, the riding public. The public needs to discern that some ideological influences can derail the greater good. Let us move forward towards the comfortable life that PRRD is fighting for.

A Standing Ovation for Asia’s Got Talent Season 2 Premiere

AXN takes top spot as the #1 international channel in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore collectively.

It’s a YES! from Asia.

The premiere of AXN’s highly anticipated Asia’s Got Talent Season 2 topped ratings among all regional Pay TV channels in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore collectively during the show’s debut on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 8:30pm.
Billed as the biggest talent competition in the world, Asia’s Got Talent features some of the region’s most breathtaking, jaw-dropping, and mind-blowing performing artists competing for the coveted winning title and a USD100,000 grand prize. The premiere episode was a kaleidoscope of quirky characters and stunning talents, with many acts winning the hearts of judges David Foster, Anggun, and newcomer Jay Park. In a surprise twist, Jay was the first judge to push the Golden Buzzer for the Kyrgyz dance group ADEM whose animated performance racked up 10.2 million views on AXN Asia’s Facebook page in just four days.

In the Philippines, the Asia’s Got Talent premiere improved the timeslot average by seven times and secured AXN at #1 in its timeslot, commanding a 60 per cent share among 21 English General Entertainment channels.

In Malaysia, Asia’s Got Talent took the spotlight as the #1 English program of the day on pay-TV, outperforming the season one premiere rating by 50 per cent. AXN dominated the timeslot with a 49 per cent share across 11 English General Entertainment channels.

In Singapore, Asia’s Got Talent led the ratings chart in its timeslot among all English Pay TV channels, delivering a strong 128 per cent growth versus the timeslot average.

“Asia’s Got Talent is the only show in the world that unites the region in a celebration of vibrant cultural diversity and breathtaking talent that truly shines. We’re proud to provide such an incredible platform on AXN in which to showcase a whole new generation of talent and are thrilled to have the support of our Asian viewers to help launch the next global superstars,” said Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production and Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia.
Each act competing in Asia’s Got Talent will have to receive at least two “Yeses” from the esteemed celebrity judges, comprising 16 time Grammy-winning Canadian musician David Foster, Indonesian rock icon Anggun, and Korean American singer/rapper Jay Park. The three judges must select the most dazzling performances from thousands of hopefuls hailing from 15 territories across Asia. Those who make it to the semi-finals will contend with the ‘fourth judge’, AXN viewers who will ultimately decide the winner of Asia’s Got Talent.

Asia’s Got Talent spans 10 weekly episodes, including five audition episodes, three semi-finals, a finale episode and a results gala. Connect with the judges, hosts, and your favorite contestants through videos and photos on Asia’s Got Talent Facebook, Instagram and YouTube platforms. #AsiasGotTalent

Asia’s Got Talent is the 67th adaptation of the Guinness World Record-breaking hit “Got Talent” format, which was created by Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and is co-produced by FremantleMedia. The “Got Talent” format is officially the most successful reality TV format in history and currently airs in 186 countries.

Asia’s Got Talent is supported by presenting sponsor Traveloka, the leading travel booking app for all flight and hotel needs; and sponsoring partner Great Eastern Life, the market leader in the conventional life insurance business and the largest life insurer in Malaysia by asset size.
In the Philippines, Asia’s Got Talent is brought to you by Cherifer Tangkad Sagad!, KFC Delivery, and Vivo Smart Phone.

Marina Bay Sands, Asia’s leading business, leisure and entertainment destination, is the official venue partner of Asia’s Got Talent.

Asia’s Got Talent Season 2 broadcasts every Thursday at 8:30pm on AXN.

@AsiasGotTalent / #AXNAsia / #AsiasGotTalent / #AsiasGotTalentAuditions
www.AXN-Asia.com/AsiasGotTalent

AXN is available on Cablelink Channel 38, Cignal Channel 121, Destiny Cable Channel 61, Dream Satellite TV Channel 20, G Sat Channel 51, and SKYCable Channel 49. AXN HD is available on SKYCable Channel 247.

NAIA Improves Passenger Satisfaction Ratings

Reforms in the NAIA have finally bore fruits. 

According to a survey released to "The Guide To Sleeping In Airports" travel website released on Sunday, October 15, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is no longer included in the top 20 worst airports in the world, and even in the top 5 worst airports in Asia 2017. 

It can be remembered that on the same survey conducted during the past administration and released in October 2016, NAIA used to be among the world’s worst airports, landing on the 5th place.

Such placement was attributed to the issue of  “laglag-bala”, which was among the main complaints of travelers especially by OFWs, but was addressed during the first 100 days of the Duterte administration.

Meanwhile, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade welcomed this improvement, but said that this is just the beginning. Secretary Tugade reminded that the DOTr must not be complacent as there are many things yet to be done and improved at the NAIA.

"Work, work, work lang. While it is good that we are not listed among the worst, let us work even harder to be included amongst the best," Secretary Tugade said. "We should be careful that we do not backslide. The show must go on -- and better!," he added

For his part, Manila International Airports Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal says this result is only as good as the last race. 

"The bigger challenge is to maintain or even surpass our achievement," GM Monreal said.  

It can be remembered that NAIA earned the ‘world’s worst airport’ title from 2011 to 2013. In 2014, it landed in the 4th place. It was not included in the top 10 worst airports in the world in 2015, but landed 8th worst airport in Asia. 

Meanwhile, four Philippine airports again joined the list of the top 25 best airports in Asia for this year, 2017. They are: Iloilo International Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Clark International Airport, and Davao International Airport. 

Among the reforms implemented in the NAIA during the Duterte Administration were the restriction on general aviation to prioritize commercial flights and reduce flight delays; the imposition of the five-minute rule [where pilots who declare they are ready to take off must depart within the prescribed time or they would be put back at the back of the queue] to reduce flight delays and instill discipline among airlines; the construction of Rapid Exit Taxiways to allow an aircraft to leave the runway at higher speed and increase flight movements; provision of  cleaner toilets additional seats, free Wi-Fi, and Well-Wishers’ Area. Regular taxis were also allowed to queue and pick-up passengers at designated points in NAIA terminals to address shortage of taxi units servicing passengers. 

Further, since the new administration took over, there has been no single incidence of a passenger missing a flight for possessing a bullet. Passengers no longer feel the need to wrap bags and luggages in plastic or masking tapes.