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Right now, these are the top 2 places where you can get infected with the coronavirus, says gov't

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Metro Manila had been the most badly hit in the Covid-19 outbreak.

So, heeding a call from an overwhelmed medical workforce, the government had placed NCR and its neighboring provinces under a stricter modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until August 18, with transportation and non-essential businesses closed, and people urged to stay at home.

Right now, these are the top 2 places where you can get infected with the coronavirus, says gov't


Before the disease even had a name, the country had stringent quarantine measures put in place in NCR and the whole of Luzon to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

But in recent weeks, the number of confirmed cases has rocketed. Tuesday, August 4, brought the highest one-day spike so far of new infections to date at 6,352. Yesterday, NCR logged in 1,737 out of the country's 4,226 fresh cases, bringing a total PH tally of 126,885 – the highest in Southeast Asia.

Mostly, NCR's coronavirus infections are coming from densely-packed workplace common areas and family celebrations, according to the country's coronavirus action plan Chief Implementer Carlito Galvez Jr.




1. WORKPLACES

In two recent press briefings, Galvez said this was among the findings of coronavirus task force officials as they went around Metro Manila.

"We saw that the most critical care areas right now are the workplace, the ones we call economic hubs, at the same time the industries," he said on Thursday, August 6, during the launch of the One Hospital Command Center in Makati City.

He said that “grave violations” have been observed by officials in terms of “minimum health standards” at canteens and in smoking areas.

Private companies should conduct "orientation" seminars for their workers to ensure better compliance with rules like mandatory mask wearing, disinfection, social distancing, and the ban on non-essential mass gatherings, he added.

So far, officials have reported 512 workplace-related COVID-19 infections from among more than 30 call centers in Quezon City which are being monitored by the city government due to the high number of employees testing positive for COVID-19.

To prevent further transmission, the city government said it will temporarily close companies who will violate health protocols.




2. FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

St Luke's and Philippine General Hospital have reported to government officials that infections are no longer occurring by individual but by family.

"The trend has changed. Now, the patients are not just one family but multiple families. This means the transmissions are happening in the workplace and what we call family celebrations," Galvez said.

Even in Nueva Ecija where there are zero infections, health authorities announced 60 new coronavirus cases. 

"Because someone invited family from Manila, there was a family reunion, 60 got contaminated," he explained.



On top of that is the prevalence of families who live in tiny houses, especially in poor communities. Family dwellings in these areas usually house 5 to 10 family members per abode, with shared sleeping rooms, bathroom, and social facilities.

It seems almost inevitable that these houses would become clusters, and indeed they did. Thousands of cases have now been confirmed in several community clusters.

To address this problem, the government recently began more aggressively imposing the requirement that COVID-19 cases without their own room and bathroom have to be brought to accredited isolation facilities.


Any thoughts?
Share your ideas by commenting.


If you have read this blog post here, I like to inform you that the original post is at https://emongsjournals.blogspot.com


READ: Complete list of LTO-accredited driving schools for first-time driver's license applicants

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Reasons you need a driver's license; you’re an eager 16 year old (if not older) wanting to independently drive yourself, or you want to start driving for e-hailing car and motorbike companies like Grab, Angkas or Food Panda.

Before you signup with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), this article will help you find the agency's accredited driving schools authorized to conduct driving seminars.

READ: Complete list of LTO-accredited driving schools for first-time driver's license applicants


Starting August 3, 2020, the LTO requires applicants of new student permits, new driver’s licenses, and those who wish to change or add a restriction code to their existing license to undergo driving seminar courses, prior to application. The driving schools must be one of those accredited by the LTO because these seminar certificates will not be physical copies, instead, are digital data electronically transmitted by the accredited driving school to the LTO-Information Technology system.

This is in line with Republic Act 10930 or the “Act Rationalizing and strengthening the policy regarding driver's license by extending the validity period of driver's licenses, and penalizing acts in violation of its issuance and application, amending for those purposes Section 23 of Republic Act 4136, as amended by Batas Pambansa Blg. 398 and Executive Order No. 1011, otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.”



A student permit is the very first licence you will receive once you register with a driving school. Student permit holders are only permitted to drive a car when accompanied by a driving instructor or someone who holds a professional driver's license.

Student permit applicants must have attended a minimum of 15 hours of theoretical driving classroom seminars from LTO-accredited driving schools or the LTO itself.



Meanwhile, a non-professional driver's license is the full-fledged driving licence that you can obtain after your student permit period is over.

For driver's license applicants, he/she must have completed 8 hours of hands-on driving lessons from an LTO-accredited instructor from an LTO-accredited driving school or the LTO itself. Written and practical exams must be a part of this curriculum.

Once completed, these accredited schools will electronically transmit results and certificates of completion to the LTO. These records will then by accessed by the agency when the applicant applies for a student permit, license, or renewal.

Below is a list of LTO-accredited driving schools:



NCR EAST





NCR WEST






REGION 1



REGION 2




REGION 3




REGION 4A





REGION 4B



REGION 5



REGION 6



REGION 7



REGION 8



REGION 9




REGION 10




REGION 11



REGION 12




CORDILLERA REGION



CARAGA REGION



ARMM 




Any comments?
Share your ideas by commenting.


If you have read this blog post here, I like to inform you that the original post is at https://emongsjournals.blogspot.com

Your 5-Step Guide to the new LTO Motor Vehicle Inspection System

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Renewing our motor vehicle registration is an annual affair and we usually want to get it done with as quickly and smoothly as possible. We have but one choice when it comes to getting these renewals done, and this option is taking the long road to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and emission centers.

But, fret no more. The new private Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) are opening very soon – have a look below to get to know more about it.

Your 5-Step Guide to the new LTO Motor Vehicle Inspection System


What to expect from the MVIS facilities

The MVIS centers have big parking spaces as they seek to accommodate as many vehicles as they can. The whole testing process is expected to run for 15 minutes for lightweight vehicles and 10 minutes for motorcycles to avoid long lines of vehicles in the waiting area.

Motorcycles are processed at their own lanes separate from the cars. This is because motorbikes are way smaller and every component can easily be checked by the technicians.

The MVIS facilities will have their own power generator, as per LTO guideline – so no more delays in case of unexpected power interruptions in their particular areas.  CCTVs will cover the entire process of the testing with one camera capturing the number plate of the vehicle in testing.

A total of 32 MVIS centers located in the different parts of the country are expected to open in the next few weeks. Additional locations will be available in the coming months.



The MVIS 5-Step Guide

1. Receiving Area

This is your first stop when you get to your local MVIS center. You are to give your keys to a 'car jockey' who will do the initial inspection while you sit and wait inside a comfortable, air-conditioned lounge. The initial inspection consists of checking any issues that will cause your car or motorcycle to fail the test; like busted lights, faulty electricals, cracks on windshield, bald tires and other automotive hitches. If the car jockey sees any of these, he will advise you not to proceed with the process so as not to waste the testing fee amounting to Php1,800.

For motorcycles and tricycles, riders/operators will be charged Php 600.

2. Presentation of OR/CR

You will provide photocopies of your car’s official receipt and certificate of registration (OR/CR). Their computer system is linked to the LTO’s data hub – so if your vehicle information doesn’t match those on the LTO files, again, the unit will not be allowed to proceed to the testing area.



3. Ocular Inspection

Having passed Steps 1 and 2 (which by the way is called Station 1), the in-house technicians at the MVIS facility will conduct a visual inspection to determine the car's roadworthiness. This includes the engine, underchassis, exhaust and electrical wirings, among others.

4. Vehicle Inspection

This is Station 2, or what they call the 'computerized testing' bay. In here, the car shall undergo a series of test to measure exhaust and horn loudness levels, steering mechanism, speedometer, light illuminations, brake system, wheel camber and alignment. Emission testing shall also be done at this bay so there's no more need to go to a separate Emission Center.



5. Electronic transmittal of vehicle tests to the LTO in real time

Upon completion of Steps 1 to 4, all test results will be automatically relayed online to the LTO main data hub in real time. A printed hard copy will be given to you as a personal copy.

In the event that your vehicle fail any of the series of tests, you still have a chance to come back and do a re-testing – provided you have already dealt with your car's issues and made the necessary repairs. Re-testing will cost only half of the original fee (Php 900 for cars, Php 300 for motorcycles).


Any thoughts?
Share your ideas by commenting.


If you have read this blog post here, I like to inform you that the original post is at https://emongsjournals.blogspot.com

COMPLETE GUIDE: Where to install and reload your RFID toll stickers for NLEX, TPLEX, SLEX, NAIAX, STAR, other expressways

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Beginning November 2, 2020, the country's major expressways (which includes NLEX, TPLEX, SLEX, NAIAX, STAR, etc. ) will be utilizing the RFID sticker technology to implement cashless transactions in their toll booths in compliance with a directive from the Department of Transportation's (DOTr) Order No. 2020 – 012 on the use of a cashless system along expressways.

COMPLETE GUIDE: How to GET/RELOAD your free RFID toll stickers for NLEX, TPLEX, SLEX, NAIAX, STAR, other expressways


–––––––––––––––––––––––

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS GUIDE

1. What is RFID?
2. EasyTrip and AutoSweep RFIDs
3. Where to subscribe an AutoSweep account
4. How to Register your Autosweep RFID to Easytrip System?
5. Where to subscribe an Easytrip account?
6. Where to subscribe an AutoSweep account?
7. EASYTRIP – Where to reload?
8. AUTOSWEEP – Where to reload?

–––––––––––––––––––––––


An RFID sticker is free-of-charge, but you have to cash out at least PHP500 for the initial load.

If you frequently travel along these expressways, I recommend you get your RFID sticker for a seamless, worry-free journey. Here's a complete guide:



What is RFID?

The RFID stickers or tags, usually attached onto a vehicle’s windshield or headlights, connect via radio waves to an electronic device from the toll plaza that reads the data stored on the stickers. When a vehicle with a sticker passes within the vicinity of an electronic reader, the reader picks up the sticker data and relays it to a software system that tracks the activity of vehicles. RFIDs are designed to ensure a smooth ride and seamless experience for drivers as it lessens the time a vehicle waits in a toll booth.


Easytrip and Autosweep RFIDs

Currently, we have two providers of RFIDs on our expressways: Easytrip and Autosweep RFIDs. NLEX only accepts Easytrip, though you may also enroll your Autosweep by registering it for a separate profile. Once registered, your RFID sticker can now carry two wallets – one for Autosweep and another for Easytrip.


Easytrip RFIDs are usable at the following expressways:

North Luzon Expressway (NLEx)
Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx)
Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex)
C5-SouthLink Expressway
Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAx)


... while Autosweep can be used at:

Skyway System
South Luzon Expressway (SLEx)
NAIA Expressway (NAIAx)
STAR Tollway
Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx)



Where to subscribe an Autosweep account

1. Skyway and NAIAX

Open 24/7
C5 CSC Southbound
Old NAIAX-Drive-Thru Westbound

Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Petron Commerce
Petron C5
Petron Dasmarinas
Petron NAIAX
Petron Valle Verde
C5 Toll Plaza Northbound
NAIAX Main Toll Plaza A
NAIAX Main Toll Plaza B

Open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Shell Magallanes

Open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Bicutan Toll Plaza Northbound
Nichols Toll Plaza Southbound
Runway Toll Plaza Northbound
Sucat Southbound After Exit


2. SLEX

Open 24/7
After Calamba Entry Toll Gate
Southwoods Toll Plaza Northbound
Eton Toll Plaza Northbound

Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Southwoods CSC Northbound
Southwoods CSC Southbound
Ayala Greenfield CSC
Sta Rosa CSC Northbound
Sta. Rosa Southbound
MaTES Office Silangan Northbound
Petron Evia
Shell Mamplasan
Petron San Pedro
Shell Putatan
Filinvest Toll Plaza
Mamplasan Toll Plaza Northbound
Mamplasan Toll Plaza Southbound
Susana Heights Toll Plaza Southbound
Cabuyao Toll Plaza Southbound



3. STAR

Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Star Toll Lipa CSC (Tambo Exit)
Petron Lipa
Petron Malvar

Open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Batangas Drive-Thru Southbound
Sto Tomas Drive-Thru Northbound
Lipa Drive-Thru Southbound


4. TPLEX

Open 24/7
TPLEX Tarlac Main Office Northbound

Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Petron Pura Northbound
Petron Pura Southbound

Open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Carmen Toll Plaza
Pura Toll Plaza
Rosario Toll Plaza
Tarlac Toll Plaza
Urdaneta Toll Plaza
Victoria Toll Plaza


How to Register your Autosweep RFID to Easytrip System?



Below are the following guide to register your Autosweep RFID to the Easytrip System:

1. Go to the following designated registration sites:

Easytrip Services Corp. (ESC) 7th Floor, Citystate, Shaw Boulevard, Pasig City
Total Gasoline Station, KAWIT CAVITE
Paranaque Southbound POS in CAVITEX
Balintawak Customer Service Center in NLEX
Mindanao Ave. Customer Service Center in NLEX
Shell Balagtas in NLEX
Petron Marilao in NLEX
Shell Balintawak in EDSA
Caltex Valenzuela in NLEX
Shell Mexico in NLEX
Total Fuel Station Merville
CALTEX C5 Extension
Shell Fuel Station Nuvali


2. Present your Autosweep Card to the Easytrip System Corp. (ESC) Point-Of-Sales (POS).


3. Let the ESC POS representative check the following:

if there is an existing Easytrip/Easydrive tag on the customer's vehicle
if the Autosweep tag is working
EPC & TIN numbers of the tag


4. Fill-out and sign the subscription form, terms and conditions.


5. Pay PHP500.00 for the initial reload of your Easytrip account.


6. ESC will contact the customer when his/her Easytrip card is available for pickup. In the meantime, the customer may refer to the any kit provided by the ESC POS representative for his Easytrip account number.


7. Finally, the customer can use the tag at Autosweep tollways in 3 working days after registration.



Where to subscribe an Easytrip account?


1. NLEX

EASYTRIP POS stations in NLEX

Shell Balintawak (Northbound)
Petron Marilao (PM)Northbound
Shell Balagtas (SB) Northbound
Petron Balagtas (PB) Southbound
Shell Mexico Southbound
NLEX Drive & Dine


LANE SELLING

Clark South (Subic Bound)
Lane Selling in Angeles Toll Plaza (Entry)
Lane Selling in Balagtas Toll Plaza (Entry)


NLEX Customer Service Centers

Balintawak CSC
San Fernando CSC


2. CAVITEX

Longos Bacoor NB, Manila Bound Longos Entry
CIC NB Ambulant, Manila Bound CIC Customer Service
CIC SB Ambulant, Cavite Bound CIC Customer Service
Kawit Northbound, Manila Bound Kawit Toll Plaza


CAVITEX Customer Service Centers
CAVITEX CSC Northbound
CAVITEX CSC Southbound


3. C5 SOUTHLINK

Shell Logcom Eastbound to Pasig
Shell C5 Heritage Westbound to Merville
Caltex Merville Eastbound to Taguig
Caltex C5 Extension Eastbound to Taguig
C5 Extension Road Junction Taguig City
C5 Link Customer Service Center
C5 Link Customer Service West Service Road


4. CALAX

Shell Station Nuvali, Across S&R Nuvali, Tagaytay-Sta. Rosa Road


How much is the subscription cost and initial load?

Easytrip RFID sticker is FREE. You only have to pay the initial load of PHP500.00 for NLEX-SCTEX and PHP200.00 for CAVITEX and C5 Link.



EASYTRIP – Where to reload?

NLEX Toll Plaza (Mixed lanes, Lane Top-up)
Easytrip Mobile POS.
For the list of Easytrip Reloading stations along NLEX-SCTEX, CAVITEX, CALAX and C5 Link. PLEASE CLICK HERE.
NLEX Customer Service Centers
Cavitex Customer Service Centers
(along coastal road) Before Paranaque Toll Plaza (Southbound and Northbound)
Easytrip Head Office : Unit 701 City State Centre Brgy. Kapitolyo Shaw Blvd., Pasig City
Petron Gasoline Stations
Shell Gasoline Stations
SM Business Centers
Touchpay/ MEPS
Smart Money
Bancnet
LBC (excluding branches inside SM Malls)
Credit Card Payments (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX and JCB)
Over-the-counter/ Direct Deposit
Account Name: Easytrip Services Corp.
Account Numbers:
- Metrobank 066-3-71810785-8
- BDO 1530117826
- UCPB 00196-1132210
Robinsons Business Centers
Bayad Center (excluding branches inside SM Malls)


AUTOSWEEP – Where to reload?

Online:
G-cash
Coins ph
www JustPay To
Bank of Commerce
Union Bank
Maybank
Chinabank
BPI
EON by Union Bank.


Over-the-counter:
Petron Treats
Savemore
SM Bills Pay
SM Business Services
SM Hypermarket
WalterMart
7 Eleven
Robinsons Department Store
Robinsons Supermarket
Family Mart
Rustans
Shopwise
Western Union
LBC
ExpressPay
Truemoney
Tambunting
RD Pawnshop
Self-service kiosks (TouchPay, ECPay, and E.Tap)


Any thoughts?
Share your ideas by commenting.
Image from NLEX website

If you have read this blog post here, I like to inform you that the original post is at https://emongsjournals.blogspot.com

Metro Manila Subway First Look: Could this be the premium transport we've all been waiting for?

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Will the Metro Manila Subway live up to expectations? We may not have got Hong Kong's and Singapore's very efficient train system, but this one could bring a premium feel to one's daily commute.

Metro Manila Subway First Look: Could this be the premium transport we've all been waiting for?


WHAT IS THE METRO MANILA SUBWAY SYSTEM?

The Metro Manila Subway was given a thorough update when its tunnel boring machine (TBM) arrived recently. But what exactly is the Metro Manila Subway?

Currently under construction, the Metro Manila Subway is an underground rapid transit line spanning a 36-kilometer line, which will run north to south between Quezon City, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, and Pasay. It will consist of 17 stations between the Quirino Highway and FTI stations and is expected to link to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The Metro Manila Subway is designed to connect with other urban rail transit services in the region. Riders may transfer to LRT (Light Rail Transit) Line 1, MRT (Metro Rail Transit) Line 3, and MRT Line 7 at the North Avenue Common station, which is also currently under construction. Other connections include the existing LRT Line 2 and PNR (Philippine National Railroad) Metro Commuter Line, as well as the planned Makati Intra-city Subway and MRT Line 8.



METRO MANILA'S GEOGRAPHY

Metro Manila, or the National Capital Region (NCR), is divided into 16 cities: the city of Manila, Quezon City, Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, San Juan, Taguig, and Valenzuela, as well as the municipality of Pateros.

The Metro Manila Subway Line will operate 17 stations traversing six cities in NCR, namely Valenzuela (for the depot), Quezon City, Pasig, Makati, Taguig and a small portion of Paranaque City. The Depot for trains, located in Bgy. Ugong, Valenzuela, covers about 28.8 hectares of land area above ground.


METRO MANILA SUBWAY MAP

Although the Metro Manila Subway until now is something motorists and commuters alike are still looking forward to, many maps are already available online, like this one from Rappler com (which I edited a bit to include the Valenzuela and Shaw stations). The subway map should look something like this.

METRO MANILA SUBWAY MAP

Just want to point out that this subway map is not yet final as the Transportation department decided to expand the original plan to include two more stations; Lawton and Senate stations, which are to replace the Cayetano Boulevard station, located in Taguig, in the initial plan. The new Senate complex, located in Fort Bonifacio, is expected to be completed by July 2021.

As of this writing, we have yet to see a copy of the official subway map from the Department of Transportation (DOTr).


THE SUBWAY LINE AND INTER-CONNECTING SERVICES



The Metro Manila Subway line is linked with the following train lines. Stations and train systems in italics are either under construction or proposed.

THE METRO MANILA SUBWAY LINE AND INTER-CONNECTING SERVICES


PAYMENT SYSTEM

In order to use the subway, you need to pay a fare. The use of contact-less card tickets is proposed to better facilitate passenger access, like the current Beep cards which are inter-operable between LRT/MRT trains and some city buses. Some groups have also proposed to use a contact-less credit card or smart device like a mobile phone.


ENTERING THE SUBWAY STATION

Subway station entrances may come in all kinds of forms. Many entrances are sure to have their own staircases that are easily recognizable from the street, just like this image renders released by the DOTr which looks kinda similar to Hong Kong's MTR stations.

INSIDE THE METRO MANILA SUBWAY STATION (... a preview of what’s to come)

INSIDE THE METRO MANILA SUBWAY STATION (... a preview of what’s to come)



INSIDE THE SUBWAY STATION (... a preview of what’s to come)

The subway stations have a different layout from those of the LRT and MRT stations. They're classier and they differ in their size, floor plans, cleanliness and style. We don't know yet how many stations will be above the street with elevated platforms, but most of the time they should be below ground. At most stations, we are sure to find the Beep Card vending machines.

Remember that the image renders below are some of the common layouts, and that each station could have different floor plans and design.


INSIDE THE METRO MANILA SUBWAY STATION (... a preview of what’s to come)

INSIDE THE METRO MANILA SUBWAY STATION (... a preview of what’s to come)

INSIDE THE METRO MANILA SUBWAY STATION (... a preview of what’s to come)

INSIDE THE METRO MANILA SUBWAY STATION (... a preview of what’s to come)

INSIDE THE METRO MANILA SUBWAY STATION (... a preview of what’s to come)




MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

1. The Metro Manila Subway will span 36km in length across 17 stations set up over seven local governments. It will also pass through three business districts.

2. It is planned to begin partial operations by 2022, with three stations, Qurino Highway corner of Mindanao Avenue, Tandang Sora, and North Avenue, open – and all 17 stations to be fully operational by the year 2025. Construction begun its clearing phase in Valenzuela on December 21, 2019.

3. It is designed to run trains at 80 kilometers per hour and is expected to carry 1.5 million passengers per day. The DOTr estimates that taking the subway will cut travel time from Quezon City to Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA 3) to just 30 minutes.

4. Since there are estimates of an expected magnitude-7.2 earthquake (which can be as powerful as magnitude 7.6) in the Marikina Valley Fault System, the Metro Manila Subway is designed to withstand a magnitude-8.0 earthquake. In addition, it may not be entirely underground.

5. The stations would have design features such as water-stop panels, a high-level entrance for flood prevention, earthquake detection, and a train stop system, akin to the Tokyo subway.

6. The major stations of the line are planned to have 2 platform levels, one for a local train service and another for express routes. These stations are planned to have 6 floors designed for 2 platform floors, commercial shops, ticketing facilities and other amenities.

7. The spur line towards NAIA Terminal 3 is also being considered to be expanded to cover all the other terminals of the airport.


Any thoughts?
Share your ideas by commenting.
Images from DOTr FB Page
Line Table from Wikipedia

If you have read this blog post here, I like to inform you that the original post is at https://emongsjournals.blogspot.com

Staycations Now Allowed in GCQ Areas: A Traveler's Guide on How to Do it Safely

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Hotels in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) will now accept "staycation" guests starting October 1, 2020 – or at least that's according to Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) approved the recommendation of the Department of Tourism (DOT) to explore various ways in restarting tourism activities during quarantine.

Puyat defined staycation as a "minimum overnight stay for leisure purposes" in a DOT-accredited accommodation establishment located near one’s residence. For instance, residents of Metro Manila can check-in at a hotel within the National Capital Region subject to the requirements of the local government unit.

This just leaves many to wonder: how could a person travel in a way that reduces the risk of spreading and getting infected with COVID-19 right now?

Staycations Now Allowed in GCQ Areas: A Traveler's Guide on How to Do it Safely


WHAT ARE THE OFFICIAL RULES ON TRAVELING?

It depends on who you ask. Previously, the Department of Health (DOH) is unequivocal: There is no nonessential travel allowed. Stay in your homes unless it’s for work or if there is an emergency. In other words, avoid traveling long distances for vacations or pleasure as much as possible to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Of course, there's this ultimate guideline that you do not travel if you are sick, or if someone in your household has had the coronavirus in the last two weeks. Do not travel with someone who is sick.



But there's also this specific guidance to consider from the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) agency, before traveling away from your community:

1. Is COVID-19 spreading at your destination?
The more cases at your destination, the more likely you are to get infected during travel and spread the virus to others when you return.

2. Do you live with someone who might be at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19?
If you get infected while traveling, you can spread the virus to loved ones when you return, even if you don’t have symptoms.

3. Are you or those you are traveling with more likely to get very sick from coronavirus?
Anyone can get very ill from the virus that causes COVID-19, but older adults and people of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.


WHAT ARE THE SAFETY BASICS FOR DOMESTIC TRAVEL?




The basic rules for any travel right now is just the same as what you're doing when on your grocery runs:

1. Wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when in public settings.
2. Avoid close contact by staying at least 6 feet apart (about 2 arms’ length) from anyone who is not from your household.
3. Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).
4. Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.


HOW TO TRAVEL SAFELY

Making stops along the way for gas, food, or bathroom breaks can put you and your traveling companions in close contact with other people and frequently-touched surfaces. Here are some tips to avoid getting and spreading COVID-19 in common travel conditions:

1. In public:
Wear a mask in public settings.
Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from anyone who is not from your household.

2. Bathrooms and rest stops:
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom and after you have been in a public place.
If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

3. Food stops:
The safest option is to bring your own food. If you don’t bring your own food, use drive-through, delivery, take-out, and curb-side pick-up options (sidewalk/road vendors).

4. Anticipate your travel needs:
Bring a mask to wear in public places.
Pack hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Keep this within reach.
Bring enough of your medicine to last you for the entire trip.
Pack food and water in case restaurants and stores are closed, or if drive-through, take-out, and outdoor-dining options aren’t available.


AFTER YOU TRAVEL





Regardless of where you traveled or what you did during your trip, take these actions to protect others from getting sick after you return:

1. When around others, stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people who are not from your household. It is important to do this everywhere, both indoors and outdoors.
2. Wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when you are outside of your home.
3. Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).
4. Watch your health and look for symptoms of COVID-19. Take your temperature if you feel sick.


HIGHER RISK ACTIVITIES

Some types of travel and activities can put you at higher risk for exposure to COVID-19 (see list below).  If you participated in higher risk activities or think that you may have been exposed before or during your trip, take extra precautions (in addition the ones listed above) to protect others for 14 days after you arrive:

1. Stay home as much as possible.
2. Avoid being around people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
3. Consider getting tested for COVID-19.

What activities are considered higher risk?
1. Going to a large social gathering like a wedding, funeral, or party.
2. Attending a mass gathering like a sporting event, concert, or parade.
3. Being in crowds — for example, in restaurants, bars, airports, bus and train stations, or movie theaters.
4. Traveling on a cruise ship or river boat.




For more information about staycation guidelines, the DOT said it would soon issue a memorandum circular on staycations under GCQ based on comments and suggestions of the IATF-EID.

The memorandum circular would have specific regulations on all aspects involved in this activity, ranging from the maximum allowable number of persons in a guestroom to the use of ancillary services, such as restaurants and recreational areas.


Any thoughts?
Share your ideas by commenting.
Excerpts from the CDC website


If you have read this blog post here, I like to inform you that the original post is at https://emongsjournals.blogspot.com

CHECKLIST: What the new LTO MVIS will look for during vehicle inspections (it's more than 40 parts)

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Among the important things to think of about owning a car or a motorcycle is having to renew its registration each and every year. But with the introduction of the new LTO-MVIS (Land Transportation Office - Motor Vehicle Inspection System), a big part of that now is taking your car in for a mandatory full vehicle inspection. It’s intended to be a way for the government to ensure that your car is safe to be on the road – to be roadworthy.

And by the looks of it, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is well on the way to implementing the new LTO-MVIS very, very soon!

If you’re interested in saving a few bucks, here’s an idea: do a quick safety inspection of your vehicle yourself and make any necessary repairs before you take it in to an LTO MVIS facility for the official car inspection. Remember, the Php1,800 MVIS fee is non-refundable and I'm sure you would not want to end up wasting your hard-earned money.

CHECKLIST: What the new LTO MVIS will look for during vehicle inspections (it's more than 40 parts, actually)


Here’s what the LTO-MVIS inspectors are required to look at – and make sure there aren’t problems with – during a car or motorcycle inspection:

*** TAKE NOTE that you should remove all BANNED after-market modifications like LED lighting systems, blinkers, sirens, noisy mufflers, etc. from your vehicle prior to inspection.)

LIGHTS:
Head Lights
Tail Lights
Turn Signal Lights
Brake Lights
Hazard Lights
Number Plate Lights



BRAKES, STEERING, SPEED, SAFETY:
Brake Inspection
Parking Brakes Inspection
Steering Mechanism
Speedometer
Other Panel Gauges
Horn (for excessive noise)
Bumpers

WINDOWS, MIRRORS:
Windshield (no cracks, chips, loose seals)
Rear Window and other glass parts (e.g. passenger side windows)
Windshield Wipers
Interior Rear View Mirrors
Side Mirrors
Other External Mirrors (when applicable)



SYSTEMS & STRUCTURES
Chassis (for holes, cracks, rust)
Axles and Wheels (camber/alignment)
Clutch Systems
Drivetrain, including Transmission and Universal (suspension, linkages, bushings) Joints for Leaks
Muffler and Exhaust Systems for Leaks, Excessive Noise
Emission Testing
Floor Boards

ENGINE:
Engine bracket/mounting
Radiator
Hoses and Pipes (fuel, brake fluid, oil, AC, etc.)

INTERIOR & DOORS:
All Doors (open, close, lock)
Seat Adjustments
Seat Belts (driver and passengers)
Air Conditioning
Fuel/Tank Cap



TIRES:
Right Front (tread, psi)
Right Back (tread, psi)
Left Front (tread, psi)
Left Back (tread, psi)
Tire Pressure

APPEARANCE:
Body Color (should match with what is written in the certificate of registration)
Body Damages (for major faults and rust which are deemed hazardous)


For more information, read Your 5-Step Guide to the new LTO Motor Vehicle Inspection System


Any thoughts?
Share your ideas by commenting.


If you have read this blog post here, I like to inform you that the original post is at https://emongsjournals.blogspot.com

3 Reasons why your car loan approval is taking longer than usual

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Due to COVID-19 and record levels of unemployment, many consumers as well as businesses are tightening their belts because of the slow economy. In the Philippine automotive industry, the declining car sales are proof of this. 

If you're in the market for a new car, you can still get to buy your dream ride, but the auto loan process now can be a lot more challenging than you might think.

3 Reasons why your car loan approval is taking longer than usual


Banks are slowing down on car loan processing. Though they still actively lend, taking out loans can take longer than usual. 

Wondering why car loans are harder to get? 

The straight answer is all about the new requirements. Banks have tightened standards, becoming more choosy about their borrowers and now asking a lot of questions. Car loan applications now come under deeper scrutiny and buyers have to bring more. Because of this, loan processing is taking three weeks from what used to be only a few days pre-pandemic.

The consumer side:

1. Is the applicant currently employed? Can he hold his job long enough until his loan ends? Banks have to make sure if the applicant is permanently employed. Recently because of the pandemic, the lender has to understand what the consumer’s true state of employment is and his ability to pay back a loan. 

2. Is the industry he is in stable enough to withstand the impact of COVID-19? Banks are doing additional background checks if the borrower works in an industry that is not heavily impacted by the financial crisis due to the pandemic. For their part, the dealer has to pre-screen applicants so prospects can stand better chances for approval.

The business side:

3. Banks have a portfolio to protect. A bank portfolio is as good as its profile – a collection of financial investments like stocks, bonds, commodities, cash, and cash equivalents. A good bank profile should be impervious to downturns and must do well in bad times as well as good times. In other words, it won't do a bank's image any good if it can't collect loans.



In Spite of This, Now May Be a Good Time to Buy

Car dealerships are presently doing business as usual, but there are likely fewer people in the market to buy a car, especially considering that workers have become unemployed since the COVID-19 crisis began.

This lower demand means that you'll not only be more likely to find the model you want, but you may also find salespeople more motivated to negotiate on your terms to meet sales goals.

Also, due to interest rate cuts, you may be able to get a lower interest rate on your auto loan. The economic crisis caused by the pandemic has driven interest rates to rock-bottom levels and lower downpayment financing scheme, meaning there has hardly been a better time to borrow. 

Note, too, that as car loan approvals are taking longer, car companies are also encouraging car purchases on cash payments by offering heavy discounts. If you have cash, today is the best time to buy. Auto delears such as Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Kia, among others, are offering huge discounts for its vehicle models of as much as P70,000.



ANY THOUGHTS? Share your ideas by commenting.

If you have read this blog post here, I like to inform you that the original post is at https://emongsjournals.blogspot.com


Why the EasyTrip RFIDs are not working on these vehicle models

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RFID is the abbreviation for Radio Frequency Identification. As you might have heard, major Luzon expressways – like the NLEX, SCTEX, TPLEX, CALAX, among others – will start implementing a no-cash policy for toll fees by November. Because of this, motorists have since been flocking to installation tents (AutoSweep and EasyTrip) at the expressways to get the RFID stickers installed, and some have even ordered online so they can DIY-install the kits themselves. 

Though RFID systems are extremely reliable and can achieve a 99.9% system reliability on their RFID network, some motorists have reported that their RFIDs are performing poorly, and worse, their identification tags are not read. 

And these issues seem to concentrate on the EasyTrip RFID and some vehicle models their tags are attached to. 

Why the EasyTrip RFIDs are not working on these vehicle models


What are the vehicle models?

So far, the EasyTrip folks have identified a total of 9 vehicles with specific year models that have problems with headlamp installation. Note that this is an initial list and are just based on EasyTrip's experiences.

  1. Toyota Fortuner 2017 -2019
  2. Toyota Hilux 2017 -2019 with bull bar
  3. Toyota FJ Cruiser 2019
  4. Toyota Rush 2019
  5. Mitsubishi Xpander 2018
  6. Mitsubishi L300
  7. Mitsubishi Montero 2015 - 2018
  8. Mitsubishi Strada 2019
  9. Mazda 2017 - 2018

I am not quite sure about which Mazda model are they talking about – but staring at the list, I could only assume that they meant all the brand's models which came out from 2017 to 2018. Let's hope they can furnish us a specific list in the coming days. 



Why the headlamp installation?

There are two locations where the stickers are applied: it will be either the vehicle’s headlamp on the outside, or on the front windscreen on the inside. It is stated that the RFID is not able to work near metal, hence the reason why it must be fitted on the exterior. As most of our vehicles would have solar tint installed, there could also be interference between the scanner and the sticker as some tints are metallized. Thus, the reason why most tags are attached to headlamps.


Why these particular vehicle models?

Some like the Toyota Fortuner and Rush, the Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Xpander, and Strada, have slim headlights, the 'singkit' type so to speak. RFID readers require hardware and stuff that differs from a standard reading environment, and if these requirements are not met, the reading speeds are substantially compromised. Performance results dramatically change according to the application and the environment. 

Also, some headlamps are just too close to the vehicle's metal grilles and bolts. RFIDs don't work in close proximity to metal, rendering them totally ineffective. It is important to keep the tags away from them as much as possible.

So, if your vehicle is one of those listed above, you may have to install on your windshield. Just make sure yours is not heavily tinted or else it would be another issue altogether.



Is the DIY Kit properly installed?

RFID has antenna patterns. The antenna produces a directional field that has an angled beam with specific gain, and polarization that is prone to picking up stray reflections and developing possible reading holes at the farther distances. As DIY kits are installed by the vehicle owners themselves, it is critical for them to follow the instructions carefully for the positioning of the stickers when attaching them to the headlamps.

Various components work together to comprise the RFID system functionality and are necessary for the technology to work including RFID tags, antennas, readers, cables, and the mounting itself.  Together they form an effective RFID system. 

Clearly, the reader and tag are codependent.  One cannot function without the other.

CLICK HERE to find out more about RFID installations.



ANY THOUGHTS? Share your ideas by commenting below.

If you have read this blog post here, I like to inform you that the original post is at https://emongsjournals.blogspot.com

LTO: Your cars (and motorbikes) won't be getting windshield/plate year tag stickers anymore, and here's why

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The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will be introducing the Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) stickers to replace the old motor vehicle validation stickers and plate number year tags.

The move to change to the new RFID stickers will be carried out immediately as soon as the existing stocks of the year tag stickers are consumed.

LTO: Your car (and motorbikes) won't be getting windshield year tag stickers anymore, and here's why


The LTO said that this is in preparation for the full implementation of the Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (PMVIC) and Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) stickers, which are expected to roll out in the coming weeks.




The PMVIC will be in charge of the motor vehicle inspection system (MVIS) and shall be a requirement prior to a vehicle's registration/renewal. The MVIS will contain the details of the owner and their vehicle, its roadworthiness, its emission test, and its state of maintenance and operability. Results of the MVIS will then be automatically sent to the LTO’s IT system for processing. 




In lieu of the discontinuance of the motor vehicle windshield and plate year tags, inspection stickers will be issued at PMVIC during inspection. The existing cost of stickers, however, will still be collected at LTO offices. The agency's partner-supplier, STRADCOM, will be responsible for the upload deactivation of validation of sticker serial numbers to prevent incomplete transactions due to the non-issuance of validation stickers and plate year tags.


ANY THOUGHTS?
Share your ideas in the comments box below.


If you have read this blog post here, I like to inform you that the original post is at https://emongsjournals.blogspot.com

5 Instances when an employer is not required to grant 13th month pay

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The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is looking at allowing some organizations, specially the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) severely hit by the COVID-19 crisis, to apply for non-payment or the deferment of the 13th month pay to their workers.

5 Instances when an employer is not required to grant you a 13th month pay


To help you understand what the law says about the granting of 13th month pay, I have put together this quick guide.

What is 13th month pay?
Simply, the 13th month pay is an additional amount of compensation, usually calculated from a single month salary. The 13th month pay is set by a statute called Presidential Decree 851, that's why every employee is entitled to receive it. Typically, it is paid at year end to be used for the Christmas holidays.

PD 851 makes 13th month pay mandatory
The 13th month pay is mandatory under the labor code and by Presidential Decree 851. It is a very popular employee benefit as it allows workers to pay for the expenses of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. It has to be paid out by December 24 or the end of the contract, whichever is sooner.



How does the 13th month pay work?
13th month pay is calculated based on either a single month salary, or four weeks salary, depending on how compensation and payroll are structured. Every level of employee is entitled to 13th month pay as long as they have worked at least one month during the calendar year. It is calculated as 1/12 of the total basic salary earned during the year.

What happens if an employer doesn’t pay the 13th month pay?
Because the 13th month pay is mandated by statute, then every employer is obligated to comply just as with any employment-related law. Failure to make these payments can result in penalties for employers, as well as create ill will among employees who have come to expect a 13th month pay.

Exemptions
Under the law, there are 5 instances when an employer is not required to grant a 13th month pay:
(a) Distressed employers, such as (1) those which are currently incurring substantial losses or (2) in the case of non-profit institutions and organizations, where their income, whether from donations, contributions, grants and other earnings from any source, has consistently declined by more than forty (40%) percent of their normal income for the last two (2) years, subject to the provision of Section 7 of this issuance;
(b) The Government and any of its political subdivisions, including government-owned and controlled corporations, except those corporations operating essentially as private subsidiaries of the Government;
(c) Employers already paying their employees 13-month pay or more in a calendar year of its equivalent at the time of this issuance;
(d) Employers of household helpers and persons in the personal service of another in relation to such workers; and
(e) Employers of those who are paid on purely commission, boundary, or task basis, and those who are paid a fixed amount for performing a specific work, irrespective of the time consumed in the performance thereof, except where the workers are paid on piece-rate basis in which case the employer shall be covered by this issuance insofar as such workers are concerned.




In a virtual press briefing, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the issue on the grant of 13th-month pay needs to be discussed by the management and employees.

“Since the businesses are not doing well and the management cannot afford to give such pay, they may defer it. That might be the more acceptable formula to address the issue of the payment of the 13th-month pay. They cannot pay it right now, maybe they can settle it next year or next month. That’s an option. The other option is, if the company is distressed, (you) are excused. But you have to prove that you are distressed," Bello added.


ANY THOUGHTS? 
Share your ideas in the comments box below.


If you have read this blog post here, I like to inform you that the original post is at https://emongsjournals.blogspot.com

QUICK GUIDE: NLex-SLex Link (Skyway 3), Balintawak to Makati now in just under 20 minutes

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The Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, an elevated toll road linking the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx), has been completed and is expected to cut travel time from Balintawak, Quezon City to Makati to only 15 to 20 minutes.

QUICK GUIDE: NLex-SLex Link (Skyway 3), Balintawak to Makati now in just under 20 minutes



WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
1. What is Skyway Stage 3
2. Access Points (Exits)
3. Metro Manila Skyway Route Description
4. Future UV Express Routes


What is Skyway Stage 3?

The Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 Project (MMSS3), also referred to as the NLex-SLex Link, is an elevated expressway from Buendia, Makati City to the North Luzon Expressway in Balintawak, Quezon City with a length of about 17.93 to 18.83 kilometers. 2x3 lanes from Buendia to Sgt. Rivera corner A. Bonifacio, Quezon City, 2x2 lanes from Sgt. Rivera corner A. Bonifacio to NLEX Balintawak, Quezon City and 2x3 lanes elevated roadway structure that connects to the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road in the vicinity of PUP.

Skyway Stage 3

The Skyway Stage 3 connects the southern end of NLEx in Balintawak in Quezon City to the entry point of the SLEx Luzon in Makati City.

It is expected to decongest EDSA and other major roads (Quezon Ave., Araneta Ave., Nagtahan, Quirino Ave., etc.) by as much as 55,000 vehicles daily, and will also reduce travel time from Balintawak to Buendia from 2 hours to just 15 to 20 minutes. Maximum speed limit at the Skyway 3 is 100 kilometers per hour (kph).

With its completion, motorists can now travel from Central Luzon to South Luzon and vice versa without passing through the streets of Metro Manila. 



Access Points (Exits)

1. Balintawak Exit - for motorists to and from NLex, Caloocan, Valenzuela, Project 7 and 8.
2. Sgt. Rivera Exit - for motorists to and from the Manila ports, Rizal Avenue and A. Bonifacio.
3. Quezon Avenue Exit - for motorists to and from España, Lourdes, Sta. Mesa Heights, Frisco, West and North Triangles.
4. E. Rodriguez Exit - for motorists to and from New Manila, Kamuning, South and East Triangles.
5. Aurora Boulevard Exit - for motorists from Sta Mesa, Cubao, San Juan and Mandaluyong (southbound motorists shall enter at Araneta Avenue near SM Centerpoint while northbound motorists shall exit at V. Mapa)
6. Nagtahan Exit - for motorists to and from Pandacan, Legarda and España. (At Plaza Dilao, there is a separate entry for those coming from UN Avenue Ext.)
7. Quirino Exit - northbound entry for motorists coming from Taft Avenue and Roxas Boulevard.
8. Buendia Osmeña Exit - for motorists to and from Makati and San Andres.

Skyway Stage 3 Access Points/Exits



Metro Manila Skyway
Route Description

Skyway 3 connects to Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Metro Manila Skyway System. From the north, the Skyway originally begins in Makati, just south of Gil Puyat Avenue (Buendia Avenue). It rises above the Magallanes Interchange and returns to its original level after crossing EDSA. Past its interchange with the NAIA Expressway, it descends into ground level because of height restrictions on structures near Ninoy Aquino International Airport, paralleling SLex and the PNR Metro South Commuter Line along the Pasay–Taguig boundary. The Skyway elevates again past the C-5 Exit and Arca South. From Bicutan, at the start of the Stage 2 segment, it continuously runs above SLex. At the Sucat Exit, the Skyway rises above the eastern end of Dr. Santos Avenue and descends before approaching the Alabang toll plaza in Cupang, Muntinlupa. An exit leads down to the South Luzon Expressway and an entrance ramp carries traffic vice versa. Past the toll plaza and the exit to SLex, the Skyway narrows into one lane per direction, and curves westward before joining Alabang–Zapote Road near South Station in Alabang.



Future UV Express Routes 

The Skyway 3 will open new public transportation routes for easy access of commuters:
1. Sta. Mesa - Monumento
2. Sta. Mesa - Makati
3. Quezon Avenue - Monumento
4. Quezon Avenue - Makati
5. Kalentong - Makati
6. Kamuning - Makati


Skyway 3 will be opened to the public as soon as finishing works are done. Toll fees are not yet available as of this writing.


ANY THOUGHTS?
Share your ideas in the comments box below.
Images: Screen grab from YouTube_ Bruce King

If you have read this blog post here, I like to inform you that the original post is at https://emongsjournals.blogspot.com

Don't fall for these online sellers peddling EasyTrip RFID stickers for ₱900 each

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And there it is above, folks: the EasyTrip RFIDs that originally sell for only Php200 each are now being sold online for as much as Php900! 

The November 2 implementation of the 100% cashless toll collection system on all Luzon expressways (NLEX, SLEX, TPLEX, etc.) has become a high profile event, causing a shortage of EasyTrip RFID stickers at designated service stations. But the scarcity may have been artificially created by online entrepreneurs.

Don't fall for these online sellers peddling EasyTrip RFID stickers for ₱900 each

Whenever a high profile event sells out, you can be sure that retail arbitrageurs are at work, endeavoring to make profits at the expense of those who missed out. Much like ticket scalping – when tickets for popular events sell out fast, people take advantage of the shortage by selling tickets for a mark-up in the secondary market. This is what is happening now on the RFID online market places.

You see, in a situation where an online entrepreneur is certain that the demand for products will be greater than supply at the face value price, he is able to purchase them now and be assured of a profit on resale, once the supply in the primary market is exhausted. 

So by the time you'll be ready to make the purchase, everything's sold out and your RFID sticker is going for thrice the asking price on online websites. Just like the alcohol and face masks all over again.

You wonder, why is this happening, and what is the EasyTrip management doing to stop this?




According to automotive guru, Top Gear, EasyTrip operator Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) conducted their own investigation and found out that "these resellers apparently availed of the express and stick-it-yourself Easytrip RFIDs that were made available a while back."

Hence, the company encourages all RFID customers to buy their RFID tags only via the authorized Easytrip customer service stations. The initial cost of each RFID tag is still priced at Php200 each and customers should not pay more than this amount.

Legit companies like the MPTC hate to see their RFID stickers fall into the hands of enterprising resellers. They don't profit from the artificially increased prices and hate to hear from disappointed customers. When this happens. it only means that they sold an RFID sticker to a business, not to a consumer.




Resellers or wholesalers: Whatever you call them, they're the bane of both consumers and suppliers. They are online storefronts that instead of producing their own merchandise, they instead find and source products from other suppliers to sell from their store. They purchase popular products, then sell them for huge markups. In some ways, they're not all that different from a guy hanging out near a concert venue, trying to sell last-minute tickets to anyone who happens to be passing by. 




To know more abut installation and reloading of EasyTrip, as well as Autosweep RFID stickers, read COMPLETE GUIDE: Where to install and reload your RFID stickers for NLEX, TPLEX, SLEX, NAIAX, STAR, other expressways


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Share your ideas in the comments box below.


If you have read this post here, I'd like to inform you that the original post is at https://emongsjournals.blogspot.com

9-STEP GUIDE: How to inquire or buy a motorcycle online at Motorcentral

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Even though motorcycle showrooms are allowed to stay open under a less restrictive quarantine status, you may not be willing to walk in and buy because of fear of exposure to Covid-19. 

The most natural solution is online.

9-STEP GUIDE: How to inquire or buy a motorcycle online at Motorcentral

The Motor Central Sales Corporation (Motorcentral) website has detailed and helpful information on purchasing a motorcycle online, making virtual inquiries, and much more. I have not actually tried it yet, but the instructions on the website say you can. The information provided below is a summary of important steps.

Visit the Motorcentral website at www.motorcentralgroup.com

1. Visit the Motorcentral website at www.motorcentralgroup.com
If you decide to buy a motorcycle, you can often save money if you do research beforehand. A good place to start is the online inquiry transaction. You can easily find it at the "Inquiry/Application" section in their menu. 

You can easily find it at the "Inquiry/Application" section in their menu.



2. Click the inquiry form image to access the purchase inquiry form.

Click the inquiry form image to access the purchase inquiry form.

3. Fill up the the purchase inquiry form. Make sure you fill up the form completely and accurately. Select the branch where you want to transact and select your mode of payment, if cash or installment.

Fill up the the purchase inquiry form.

Select the branch where you want to transact and select your mode of payment, if cash or installment.

4. Select the motorcycle you want to avail.

Select the motorcycle you want to avail.



5. Read the privacy statement and click "I Accept and Agree".

Read the privacy statement and click "I Accept and Agree".

6. Click and submit your inquiry. A confirmation message will appear along with the phone number of your selected branch. You can make use of the phone number if ever you need to contact the branch.

A confirmation message will appear along with the phone number of your selected branch.

7. After submission is complete, wait for the company's staff to call you to process your application, and when you're ready to buy, prepare you for the online submission of your requirements.

8. Wait for the results of the credit investigation.

9. Once approved, you can now go to your selected branch and pick up your motorcycle.



Aside from motorcycle purchases, Motorcentral also offers genuine spare parts and accessories. 

An exclusive VIP Card is available to all clients of Motorcentral, Star Honda and Bikeworld branches. Holders of the VIP Card are entitled to special discounts and Php40,000 worth of service and repair assistance for 1 year.

Established in 2002 as Star Honda Inc., Motorcentral is one of the major players in the motorcycle dealership industry, carrying internationally acclaimed brands such as Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha.


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Share your ideas in the comments box below.

If you've read this post here, I'd like to inform you that the original post is at https://emongsjournals.blogspot.com

Still think of cyclists as mere 'obstacles' on the road? Here's 7 things to keep in mind

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Commuters around most parts of the country have turned to bicycles to get around during the COVID-19 pandemic. In cities better known for car-clogged streets, bike lanes have been introduced to accommodate the surging interest in cycling. In Metro Manila, police authorities went further and apprehended motorists who were using bike lanes. 

Still think of cyclists as mere 'obstacles' on the road? Here's 7 things to keep in mind

Love them or hate them, cyclists are on the rise and are here to stay.

And as a motorist, part of our responsibility is to create a safe environment for all the users of the roadways to limit unnecessary car-bicycle accidents. 

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) head Ramon Ang, during the launching of a bicycle program for SMC employees, has called for car owners in the Philippines to respect cyclists on the road.

“For motorists, let us all observe the proper distance from cyclists. Do not treat them as obstacles on the road. We share the road with them, they are people like you, just trying to get to their destination,” Ang said.

“Give way to them, because anyway you are inside a vehicle. Their safety comes first,” he added.

Here are 7 things to put into mind about bicycles, cyclists and road safety:



1. Cyclists are equals. 
Motorists are likely to think of cyclists as ''in their way". Legally, they are just as entitled to the roadway as car drivers are. Bicycle riders on public roads have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists, and are subject to the same rules and regulations.

2. Cyclists have a legal right to the road.
The Philippines was among the nations that signed the "Vienna Convention on Road Traffic" in 1968. Its provisions were made part of the laws of the land by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 207 in 1973, and it came into force in 1977. Under Article 3 of the Vienna road traffic treaty, contracting parties are required to accommodate bicycles on the road.



3. Cyclists are vulnerable. 
An average car weighs a thousand kilos or so, while the average bike is a mere 10 kilos. In any collision, any physical interaction between car and bike, the bike always loses. There is never a collision where the bike rider came out less injured.

4. Cyclists are human beings.
Think about the human being on the bike – that cyclist can be a family member, a friend or a neighbor. Seeing bicyclists that way can make a motorist a little more patient. Motorists who don't humanize cyclists this way often perceive riders as mere obstacles that block their way.

5. Cyclists don't pollute the road.
One cyclist is one less car on the road.  They lessen traffic congestion and they don't contribute to air and noise pollution.



6. Cyclists need 3 feet of clearance.
Whether passing or overtaking, motorists need to give the cyclists at least 3 to 5 feet breathing space. Cyclists really appreciate it when drivers pass them slowly and smoothly. It gets really scary when you are on a bike and a car so near you suddenly accelerates. You can also spare cyclists' nerves by not honking too much.

7. Cyclists are everywhere, so look around.
After a traffic incident, motorists usually explain, "I didn't even saw him when I hit him!" Drivers shouldn't just expect other cars on the road, they have to start looking out for everybody – including cyclists and pedestrians.



So, there you go. To help you put things into perspective, know that the road isn’t exclusively for cars. Use extra caution when passing, overtaking or turning. Bear in mind that when you're in a car, you are somewhat protected from your surroundings, but on a bike the slightest bump or miscalculation could put the cyclist into a potentially dangerous situation.


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Share your ideas in the comments box below.

If you have read this here, I'd like to inform you that the original post is at https://emongsjournals.blogspot.com


WATCH: Riders squeeze through EDSA barriers to get to a U-turn slot

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The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) had encountered all sorts of motorcycle driving and riding behavior along EDSA.  

WATCH: Riders squeeze through EDSA barriers to get to a U-turn slot

Take for example a video shared by MMDA's Bong Nebrija via a post on his Facebook page showing motorcycle riders cramming through the narrow space between the EDSA barriers to get to a U-turn slot already closed by the agency.

Well, thing is, the motorcyclists were precariously crossing the EDSA Busway, endangering both themselves and the bus passengers. It seems that the riders were simply unaware of the accountability of their actions, resulting in this mess. One rider almost got run over by a bus, the video showed.



Nebrija pointed out that discipline should always come first if one has to drive on the roads, and that riders and car drivers both have to take responsibility to preserve safety inside the EDSA Busway.

"Kung meron lang sanang DISIPLINA karamihan sa atin. I’m not saying riders lang meron ding mga [car] drivers na pumapasok sa busway," Nebrija's post said.

The MMDA imposed a fine of Php 1,000 for drivers or  private vehicles who are caught using the EDSA bus-only lane, plus an additional Php 150 for disregarding traffic signs. 



The EDSA Busway system runs on a dedicated bus lane in EDSA which is separated by concrete barriers and steel fences. Traffic in the EDSA Busway's lane is restricted to authorized buses as well as emergency vehicles such as ambulances.

The closure of 13 U-turn slots along EDSA is currently underway. This is to supposedly allow the undisturbed flow of city buses plying the Carousel route. 

The closures are done gradually to give motorists ample time to figure out where to reroute themselves. As of this writing, the closures of the U-turn slot situated near the MRT North Avenue Station and the one near Panorama Building and Walmart in Munoz, Quezon City has already taken effect.


WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:



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HOW TO KEEP SAFE: Commuters feel the 'rush hour squeeze' again

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Ridership in public transportation is beginning to rebound. Since the start of October during the easing of the general community quarantine (GCQ) the number of those taking public transportation, like trains, buses, jeepneys and UV Express vans, has slowly but steadily increased. And as ridership increases, so is the rush hour squeeze.

Inevitably, people have become worried about the risks of contagion and being trapped in an enclosed space for the duration of a trip. 

But for many, like essential workers, stopping commuting wasn't a choice. There's no alternative to mass transit. Not everyone owns or can even afford a car.

Nonetheless, public health specialists urge that commuting be approached with caution.

HOW TO KEEP SAFE DURING RUSH HOUR: Commuters feeling the 'squeeze' once again inside jeepneys, UV Express vans

With all public transportation, there is always some risk of infection. After all, you are entering a public space. But it's possible to reduce that risk significantly by following these simple rules from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).


When using any type of transportation, follow these general principles:

Practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
  • Before you leave, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Once you reach your destination, wash your hands again or use hand sanitizer as soon as possible.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash and wash your hands immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Social distance
  • During travel, try to keep at least 6 feet (2 meters, approximately 2 arms’ length) from people who are not in your household — for example, when you are waiting at a bus station or selecting seats on a train.

Wear a mask
  • Wear a mask in public settings, like on public and mass transportation, at events and gatherings, and anywhere you will be around other people.
  • Masks should not be placed on:
  • Babies and children younger than 2 years old
  • Anyone who has trouble breathing
  • Anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance
  • Masks are meant to protect other people in case you are unknowingly infected and do not have symptoms.
  • (NOTE: In the Philippines, a full face shield on top of a face mask is required. Removing masks and shields, as well as speaking or calls via smartphones are not allowed.)


When in Public Transport

Follow the general principles listed above, plus the following:

Stay up-to-date
  • Check with local transit authorities for the latest information on changes to services and procedures, especially if you might need additional assistance.

Avoid touching surfaces
  • As much as possible, limit touching frequently touched surfaces such as kiosks, digital interfaces such as touchscreens and fingerprint scanners, ticket machines, turnstiles, handrails, restroom surfaces, elevator buttons, and benches as much as possible.
  • If you must touch these surfaces, as soon as you can, wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water or rub your hands with sanitizer containing 60% alcohol.
  • Use touchless payment and no-touch trash cans and doors when available. Exchange cash or credit cards by placing them in a receipt tray or on the counter rather than by hand, if possible.

Social distance
  • When possible, consider traveling during non-peak hours when there are likely to be fewer people.
  • Follow social distancing guidelines by staying at least 6 feet (2 meters) from people who are not from your household. For example:
  • Avoid gathering in groups, and stay out of crowded spaces when possible, especially at transit stations and stops.
  • Consider skipping a row of seats between yourself and other riders if possible.
  • Enter and exit buses through rear entry doors if possible.
  • Look for social distancing instructions or physical guides offered by transit authorities (for example, floor decals or signs indicating where to stand or sit to remain at least 6 feet apart from others).

Practice hand hygiene
  • After you leave the transit station or stop, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
  • When you arrive at your destination, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.


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Image from PhilSTAR

This post originally appeared in https://emongsjournals.blogspot.com

Here's how to book an Easytrip RFID reservation on your smartphone

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To manage the volume of motorists wanting to secure RFID tags for their vehicles, the Easytrip management has introduced its online booking and reservation system for RFID installations.

Heres how to book an Easytrip RFID reservation on your smartphone

Tagged as 'Scan, Reserve, Install', the  Online RFID Reservation and Appointment System (ORRAS) provide users with an alternative way to book their Easytrip RFID sticker installation. Customers can register in advance and book an appointment date at available installation sites. They may access the online system by scanning a QR code found on social media pages and websites of NLEX, CAVITEX, CALAX, and Easytrip starting November 8.



Here are the steps on how to book an Easytrip RFID appointment and reservation:

1.  Scan the Easytrip QR code through your smartphone or CLICK HERE to open the link on your web or mobile browser.
2.  Accomplish the registration form.
3. When registration is successful, choose your preferred date, time, and location. Motorists are advised to ensure completeness and accuracy of data.
4. Once successful, an e-mail with a confirmation QR code will be sent.



At the installation site:

1. Motorist must present the email confirmation and QR code on the selected appointment date.
2. Easytrip Assistant will scan the QR code.
3. After validation, motorist will pay the initial load (PHP 200 for CAVITEX and CALAX, PHP 500 for NLEX)
4. Easytrip RFID sticker will be installed by the personnel.

Sample Form - Easytrip RFID application form



Easytrip (which by the way is owned and operated by the Metro Pacific Tollways) also announced that the following sites would only accept RFID sticker installations by scheduled appointment:

• Cavitex Paranaque Plaza Northbound
• Cavitex Paranaque Plaza Southbound
• C5 South Link Westbound
• CALAX Greenfield (Mamplasan)
• Shell Pamplona, Alabang-Zapote Rd., Las Pinas City
• Shell Panapaan, Bacoor, Cavite (in front of Puregold Bacoor)
• Shell Real 2, Aguinaldo Highway, Imus, Cavite (near Maynilad – Welcome to Imus Arch)
• NLEX Drive and Dine, Canumay West, Valenzuela City

The start of the cashless toll collection will start on December 1, as mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).


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This post originally appeared at https://emongsjournals.blogspot.com

DOTr: RFID 'Sticker Lanes' will still be available to motorists at tollgates even beyond Dec 1

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Motorists without radio-frequency identification (RFID) stickers will still be able to enter and have RFID stickers installed at toll expressways beyond December 1, an official of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Tuesday.

DOTr: RFID 'Sticker Lanes' will still be available to motorists at the tollgates even beyond Dec 1

In a message to reporters, DOTr Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran said a “stickering lane” will still be available to motorists at the tollgates.

Libiran said only motorists who will enter RFID lanes without an RFID sticker will be penalized.



“Beyond December 1, may RFID stickering lane pa rin na padadaanan sa mga motorista na wala pang sticker. Doon sila dapat na dumaan. Meron ding installation site bago mag-toll road na pwede nyang pag-installan (Beyond December 1, there will still be RFID stickering lanes that motorists without stickers can enter. They’re supposed to pass through there. There will also be installation sites before toll roads that they can visit to have an RFID sticker installed),” Libiran said.



In her newspaper column, Libiran said the Toll Regulatory Board’s (TRB) Implementing Rules and Regulations on mandatory cashless transactions at tollways requires RFID installation/registration booths and account reloading/balance check stations in “various strategic areas and locations” in all toll expressways.



“This can be accessed at all entries to expressways, other sites such as convenience stores, malls, online stores, banks, and even electronic wallets,” Libiran said.

Last Friday, the TRB said the interoperability of the country’s two expressway operators will likely happen in the middle of 2021, noting that motorists hoping to ply all toll expressways beyond December 1 will need two different RFID tags. (Philippine News Agency)


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Traveling for Christmas? LTFRB opens 7 Manila to Western Visayas bus routes

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The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) opens seven (7) routes to Region VI (Western Visayas) and back to Metro Manila for the travel of 221 provincial buses starting Wednesday, 18 November 2020.

Traveling for Christmas? LTFRB opens 7 Manila to Western Visayas bus routes



This is in accordance with Memorandum Circular No. 2020-051-C released by the agency on 16 November 2020.



These are the Manila to Western Visayas bus routes effective November 18, 2020:

  • KALIBO, AKLAN - STA. ROSA INTEGRATED TERMINAL, LAGUNA
  • MALAY, AKLAN - STA. ROSA INTEGRATED TERMINAL, LAGUNA
  • SAN JOSE, ANTIQUE - STA. ROSA INTEGRATED TERMINAL, LAGUNA
  • ROXAS CITY, CAPIZ - STA. ROSA INTEGRATED TERMINAL, LAGUNA
  • ESTANCIA, ILOILO - STA. ROSA INTEGRATED TERMINAL, LAGUNA
  • ILOILO CITY, ILOILO - STA. ROSA INTEGRATED TERMINAL, LAGUNA
  • MIAG-AO, ILOILO - STA. ROSA INTEGRATED TERMINAL, LAGUNA

The agency reiterates that there will be no fare hike on such provincial buses, unless ordered by the LTFRB.



Roadworthy PUVs can travel with a valid and existing Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) or Application for Extension of Validity, and each unit must be registered in the Personal Passenger Insurance Policy on the routes contained in the MC.

In lieu of the Special Permit (SP), a QR Code will be issued to each operator which must be placed on short bond paper and posted on PUV.

To get the QR code, simply send a request to LTFRB FACEBOOK PAGE for the QR code, along with the following information: name, mode (e.g. PUJ, UVE, etc), case, license plate or chassis number.



In addition, the following “7 Commandments” will be strictly enforced on all public transportation, as recommended by health experts:

1) Always wear a face mask and face shield;
2) It is forbidden to speak and talk on the phone;
3) It is forbidden to eat;
4) Always maintain proper and adequate ventilation in PUVs;
5) Always perform disinfection;
6) Passengers with COVID-19 symptoms are prohibited from boarding public transportation; at
7) Always follow the physical distancing rule (“one-seat apart” rule).



The LTFRB also reminds Provincial Buses operators and drivers to follow the agency's policies. Anyone caught violating the MC's provisions will be subject to the appropriate penalties, such as fines and removal of their CPC or PA.


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This post originally appeared at https://emongsjournals.blogspot.com

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