News Roundup 16 September 2022
Sep 16, 2022 • 4 min Read
As OFWs’ SOS calls mount, 24/7 help line activated, promise of better PH jobs awaited | INQUIRER.NET – Most overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) seek repatriation because of contract violations, maltreatment, and medical reasons, the Philippine Overseas and Employment Administration (POEA) had said. Repatriation, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said, is the process of returning a distressed OFW—or his or her remains—to his or her country of residence. POEA Administrator Bernard Olalia said his office receives an average of 6,000 repatriation requests every year, the reason that the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) launched a 24/7 hotline to act on requests for immediate repatriation. Olalia said there was a need to have a “One Repat Center” to assist distressed migrant workers, pointing out that in 2019 and 2020, 9,000 and 6,000 OFWs, respectively, asked POEA to bring them home. “Topmost reason for repatriation in 2019 was maltreatment and abuses, and in 2020, it became medical and border closure that they can’t go home due to the pandemic,” he said. But from 2021 to date, Olalia said thousands of OFWs are requesting repatriation, with “end of contract” as the main reason, stressing that some have nowhere to go, especially because of travel restrictions in the past two years. Based on POEA data, there were 4,958 repatriation cases from Saudi Arabia alone in 2021, with most of requests coming from Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar. Saudi Arabia also topped the list of repatriation cases received by the OWWA. Based on POEA data, there were 4,958 repatriation cases from Saudi Arabia alone in 2021, with most of requests coming from Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar. Saudi Arabia also topped the list of repatriation cases received by the OWWA.
LTFRB approves fare hikes across public transportation | PHILSTAR.COM – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board approved Friday a battery of fare increases in jeepneys, buses, taxis, and Transport Network Vehicle Services following petitions by transport groups after the agency “recognized the need for a fare increase following the continuing rise of oil prices.” For jeepneys: In the decision released by the Board, a P1 provisional increase was approved for traditional and modern public utility jeepneys for the first four kilometers. The minimum base fare for traditional public utility jeepneys (TPUJ) will be P12, while modern public utility jeepneys (MPUJ) will be at P14. With the increase, fares for the succeeding kilometer run for TPUJ will be P1.80 from the current P1.50, while for MPUJ will be P2.20 from P1.80. For public utility buses: Operators petitioned for P4 to P7 base fare hikes and per succeeding kilometer rate ranging from P0.45 to P1.20. The LTFRB approved a P2 uniformed base fare increase for city and provincial buses for the first five kilometers and the succeeding kilometer fare increase of P0.35 to P0.50 depending on the type of bus. For taxis and Transport Network Vehicle Services: The LTFRB also increased the flagdown rate of taxis and TNVS by P5. Upon effectivity of the decision, the minimum fare for taxis and sedan-type TNVS will be P45, while AUV/SUV-type TNVS will be at P55. For hatchback-type TNVS, the flagdown rate will be P35 with no increase in the succeeding kilometers The 20% discount for senior citizens, persons with disability, and students will still be effective.
MMDA: Twelve major roads closed for weekend repairs in Metro Manila | PHILSTAR.COM – The Department of Public Works and Highways is closing sections of twelve major and minor roads to give way to reblocking and repairs starting 11 p.m. Friday, September 16 until September 19. In an advisory sent to reporters Friday morning, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said that the following roads will be affected this weekend:
- EDSA NB Quezon City (EDSA Carousel bus lane) Santolan MRT Station, Cubao Bus Station (2nd lane from sidewalk), after Aurora Blvd. to Kamuning (3rd lane from sidewalk, intermittent section)
- C-5 Road SB (2nd lane) Makati City
- Fairview Avenue SB near Mindanao Ave. Ext. (1st lane from center island)
- Fairview Avenue NB after corner Yakal St., (1st lane from center island)
- Cloverleaf EDSA NB to segment of NLEX NB (outer lane)
- Roosevelt Avenue near M.H Del Pilar (outer lane)
- EDSA SB Quezon City U-turn Slot Service Road (in front of GMA Bldg.), Service Road (1st block of Kamuning Road intersection)
- C-5 Road, Pasig City truck lane (KM 15 + 171 to KM 15 + 665)
- C-5 Service Road in front of Global Oil Gasoline Station
- Brgy. Balon Bato along Quirino Highway before Manila North Diversion Road (M.N.D.R) flyover (2nd inner lane)
- EDSA SB Quezon City (Balingasa Creek to Oliveros Footbridge)
- Southbound outer lane of Mel Lopez Blvd. fronting North Harbour Center Gate 2 to Vitas Bridge
According to the MMDA, the affected roads will be fully passable by 5 a.m. on Monday, September 19.
