MPT South Earns Triple ISO Certification, Strengthening Commitment to Excellence and Sustainability

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Metro Pacific Tollways South (MPT South), the operator of the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) and Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), has reached another significant milestone in its pursuit of excellence. The company has been awarded three prestigious International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certifications—ISO 9001 for Quality Management, ISO 14001 for Environmental Management, and ISO 45001 for Occupational Health and Safety.

This achievement underscores MPT South’s dedication to delivering top-tier services, implementing sustainable practices, and ensuring the safety and well-being of motorists and employees alike.

A Celebration of Excellence

On January 27, 2025, the company formally received its ISO certifications during an awarding ceremony at Sequoia Hotel. The event was led by DQS Certification Philippines President Romeo Bravo, who presented the certificates to the MPT South Management Committee, headed by Officer-in-Charge Ms. Elnora D. Rumawak and Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) Chief Human Resource Officer Atty. Maria Antonette V. Allones.

“This achievement reflects MPT South’s unwavering commitment to excellence, sustainability, and the safety of every motorist we serve,” said Ms. Rumawak during the ceremony.

The triple ISO certification demonstrates MPT South’s comprehensive approach to integrating quality, environmental, and safety management into its operations.

ISO 9001 ensures the company maintains high standards in service quality and customer satisfaction.

ISO 14001 highlights MPT South’s proactive initiatives in reducing environmental impact and aligning with global sustainability goals.

ISO 45001 affirms the company’s commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace, prioritizing the well-being of its employees and motorists.

Sustainability at the Forefront

Beyond these certifications, MPT South has also been recognized for its commitment to sustainable infrastructure. The MPT South Hub in Imus, Cavite was awarded the LEED Gold Certification, a prestigious recognition for sustainable building design and operation.

This four-story facility incorporates natural daylight utilization, efficient water fixtures reducing indoor water consumption by at least 40%, and rainwater harvesting systems that cut outdoor water use by 50%—solidifying MPT South’s dedication to eco-friendly practices.

Strategic Leadership and Financial Growth

MPT South’s parent company, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), continues to implement strategic leadership changes to drive financial strength and operational excellence.

In November 2024, MPTC announced key leadership appointments, including the designation of Ms. Elnora D. Rumawak as Vice-President for Finance for Metro Pacific Tollways South. This move reflects the company’s commitment to strong financial stewardship and sustainable growth.

MPTC is also exploring significant financial initiatives, including raising up to P50 billion through a private placement of shares to clear debts in preparation for a possible merger with San Miguel Corporation’s tollway unit. Furthermore, MPTC is considering raising at least $500 million to bolster its toll road business, ensuring financial stability and supporting future expansion.

These strategic moves are expected to enhance MPTC’s capabilities in infrastructure development, allowing it to improve toll road services and expand its footprint.

The All-New 2025 MINI Cooper 5-Door: Bigger, Bolder, and Packed with Surprises!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

MINI Philippines has officially unveiled the all-new MINI Cooper 5-Door, blending the brand's signature driving excitement with enhanced space and functionality. This latest model caters to urban drivers seeking both style and practicality.

Exterior Design

The all-new MINI Cooper 5-Door maintains its iconic design with short overhangs, a compact bonnet, and a long wheelbase. Measuring 4,036 mm in length, 1,744 mm in width, and 1,464 mm in height, it offers a spacious interior without compromising its compact footprint. The vehicle comfortably seats five passengers, with a wheelbase extended by 72 mm and an overall body length increased by 172 mm compared to the 3-Door variant, enhancing passenger comfort and cargo capacity.

The front features a minimalist design with classic round LED headlights and an octagonal front grille, creating a distinctive and modern appearance. At the rear, flush-fitting tail lights and a black handle strip with model lettering emphasize the car's broad stance.

Interior Features

Inside, the all-new MINI Cooper 5-Door offers a blend of tradition and innovation. The dashboard is adorned with high-quality, eco-friendly materials, including knitted recycled polyester surfaces that extend into the door panels. A standout feature is the central OLED display, measuring 240 mm in diameter, which serves as the hub for vehicle functions, controlled via touch or voice commands through the new MINI Operating System 9.

The vehicle introduces seven MINI Experience Modes, allowing drivers to customize the interior ambiance with coordinated projections, ambient lighting, and display designs. The redesigned toggle switch strip includes controls for the parking brake, gear selector, start/stop function, Experience Modes, and volume, enhancing user convenience.

Performance and Handling

The all-new MINI Cooper 5-Door is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The base Cooper variant delivers 161 horsepower, while the Cooper S trim offers an increased output of 201 horsepower. Both models feature a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing a dynamic and responsive driving experience. 

The suspension and damping systems are tuned for spirited handling, ensuring a balance between comfort and the precise steering feel characteristic of MINI vehicles. Larger 18-inch wheels with a tire width of 215 mm contribute to improved driving dynamics and a more commanding road presence.

Advanced Technology

The MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant debuts in this model, enabling voice-controlled interaction for navigation, entertainment, and various vehicle functions. Activated by saying "Hey MINI" or pressing the push-to-talk button on the steering wheel, this feature enhances driving convenience and safety.

Pricing and Availability

The all-new MINI Cooper 5-Door is priced at PHP 3,799,000 and is available for viewing at the following MINI Showrooms:

MINI Bonifacio Global City: 38th Street corner 11th Avenue, Triangle Drive, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Phone: (+63 02) 8539-0299

MINI Alabang Town Center Pop-Up: Corte de las Palmas, Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City. Phone: 0945 157 0949

MINI Pampanga: Levy P. Laus Corporate Centre, Event Centre Blvd., Laus Group Complex, JASA, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. Phone: (+63 45) 497-6464

MINI Cebu: Cebu Veterans Drive, Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City. Phone: (+63) 917-306-6464

For more information, visit the official MINI Philippines website at www.mini.com.ph.

The all-new MINI Cooper 5-Door represents a harmonious blend of classic MINI design and modern enhancements, offering an engaging driving experience tailored to the needs of today's urban motorists.

Political Firestorm! Paolo Duterte Warns Marcos: ‘This Reckless Abuse of Power Will Not End in Their Favor!

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

In a dramatic escalation of political tensions in the Philippines, the House of Representatives has endorsed an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte. On February 5, 2025, over 215 lawmakers signed the petition, surpassing the required threshold to initiate the impeachment process. The complaint now advances to the Senate, where 23 senators will conduct a trial to determine Vice President Duterte's fate. If convicted, she faces removal from office and a lifetime ban from holding any government position. 

Allegations Leading to Impeachment

The impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte encompasses a range of serious allegations, including:

Issuing a Death Threat Against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.: In November 2024, Duterte claimed she had contracted an assassin to kill President Marcos, his wife, and the House Speaker if she were to be assassinated. This statement was perceived as a serious threat and led to increased security for the president and an investigation by the justice department. 

Misuse of Confidential Funds: Duterte has been accused of misappropriating over 612.5 million pesos (approximately $14.3 million) of confidential funds during her tenure as education secretary. This allegation has been a focal point in the impeachment proceedings. 

Failure to Oppose Chinese Aggression in the South China Sea: Critics allege that Duterte neglected her duty by not confronting China's assertive actions in the disputed South China Sea, thereby betraying public trust. 

Rep. Paolo Duterte's Fierce Rebuttal

In response to the impeachment move, Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte, the vice president's brother, issued a vehement statement condemning the actions of his fellow lawmakers. He described the impeachment efforts as "desperate and politically motivated," labeling them a "clear act of political persecution." Rep. Duterte specifically accused Iloilo Representative Janette Garin of orchestrating the impeachment campaign, asserting that such "sinister maneuvering" threatens the nation's democratic foundations. 

He further warned the Marcos administration of potential repercussions, stating, "If they were unfazed by the over one million rallying supporters of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, then they are blindly marching toward an even greater storm—one that could shake the very foundation of their rule." This reference harks back to the massive "National Rally for Peace" organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo in January 2025, where over 1.5 million members gathered to oppose the impeachment efforts against Vice President Duterte. 

Political Underpinnings and Implications

The impeachment proceedings underscore a deepening rift between Vice President Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Initially elected as running mates under the UniTeam alliance in 2022, their relationship has soured over time. By mid-2024, Duterte resigned from her position as education secretary, and by September 2024, she publicly stated that she and President Marcos were "not friends" but merely political allies. The discord intensified with Duterte's criticisms of Marcos's leadership, accusing him of incompetence and corruption. 

Despite the friction, President Marcos has publicly dismissed the impeachment efforts as inconsequential, referring to them as "a storm in a teacup" and emphasizing that such political maneuvers do not impact the daily lives of Filipinos. He has also urged lawmakers to refrain from pursuing the impeachment, suggesting that it would be a waste of time. 

Public Mobilization and Support

The impeachment saga has galvanized significant public response. The Iglesia Ni Cristo, a religious organization with considerable political influence, organized the "National Rally for Peace" in January 2025 to demonstrate support for Vice President Duterte and oppose the impeachment proceedings. The rally attracted over 1.5 million participants at Manila's Quirino Grandstand, with simultaneous gatherings across 12 other locations nationwide. 

Looking Ahead

As the impeachment process moves to the Senate, the nation braces for a political showdown that could reshape its leadership landscape. The outcome holds profound implications not only for Vice President Sara Duterte's political future but also for the balance of power and the trajectory of governance in the Philippines. Observers and citizens alike await the Senate trial, recognizing that its proceedings will be pivotal in determining the nation's adherence to democratic principles and the rule of law.