News Roundup 18 January 2024
Jan 18, 2024 • 4 min Read
Workers slam ‘anti-people’ impounding of unconsolidated jeepneys starting February 1 | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) condemned the latest development in the controversial public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) as the government gears up to stop the operation of unconsolidated jeepneys starting February 1.
The statement came after the Land Transportation Office (LTO) earlier announced the expansion of impounding areas for colorum jeepneys in preparation for the crackdown on unconsolidated PUVs.
“LTO’s announcement and preparation against jeeps starting February 1 is anti-people and will only burden both drivers and commuters,” said KMU in Filipino on Thursday.
“A transport crisis will be the end result of this delusion for commuters… With the planned impounding, the number of trips will be severely cut which will cause a shortage of available vehicles.”
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) earlier set the consolidatioin deadline for PUVs on Dec. 31, 2023 in line with the PUVMP.
Those who fail to consolidate into cooperatives and corporations only have until January 31 to operate in routes with less than 60% consolidation rate.
After the consolidation deadline, PUV cooperatives and corporations only have 27 months to transition into modern e-jeeps and minibuses. However, these units could reach up to P2.8 million each.
Full Story at: Workers slam ‘anti-people’ impounding of unconsolidated jeepneys starting February 1 | Philstar.com
PCSO admits editing clothes of lotto winner due to privacy concerns | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has confirmed that the viral photo it posted of a lone bettor who won the jackpot prize of the Lotto 6/42 draw was edited to conceal the person’s identity.
Speaking at a hearing by the Senate ways and means panel on Thursday, the PCSO clarified that the image was altered to hide the clothes worn by the winner when she claimed her prize. The photo, which was posted on PCSO’s official social media channels, has since gone viral, with social media users poking fun at the seemingly unrealistic image of the person.
PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles said that one previous Lotto winner had complained that they were identified in the PCSO’s photos because of their clothing.
“One time, we covered the face, but they were identified through their clothes. The winner then complained to us,” Robles said.
“I agree it’s very poor editing, but the objective is to conceal the clothing that will identify them,” Robles added.
Sen. Raffy Tulfo then asked why it was not enough to simply cover the person’s face.
“For example, what if on that day, their neighbor would notice their clothes? One winner previously complained that they wore their favorite clothes. It’s for the purpose of concealing identity,” Robles said.
Full Story at: PCSO admits editing clothes of lotto winner due to privacy concerns | Philstar.com
PH winning narrative war in West Philippine Sea – Coast Guard | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — The country is winning the narrative war in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard’s WPS spokesperson, Commodore Jay Tarriela said during an INQSide Look interview on Thursday.
“I think in terms of the battle as to who really holds the truth and narrative, I think we have been very effective in doing that,” Tarriela said.
“So if our fight for sovereignty is [done by] telling the right story, dominating the narrative, I think we are winning…” he added.
Tarriela said the PCG’s initiative to allow the media to cover the regular resupply mission in the WPS means that the government has the “factual narrative.”
“The Philippines is a democratic country; we do not dictate to our journalists or the media whatever stories they are going to write,” Tarriela said.
“This is the reason why it is easier for us to say that we hold the truth and those stories the Chinese have been releasing are just made up or half-baked truth.”
Full Story at: PH winning narrative war in West Philippine Sea – Coast Guard | Inquirer News
Starbucks sorry for signage limiting seniors’ discount | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Popular coffee chain Starbucks on Wednesday apologized for a sign in one of its branches imposing a limit on the 20-percent discount for senior citizens.
During a House committee on ways and means hearing, Starbucks operations director Angela Cole said the company took full accountability for the error and that it had ordered the immediate removal of the signage, which limited the senior citizens’ discount to only one drink and one food.
She explained that the signage was “in response to our employees asking for a suggested approach” on how to apply the discounts.
Under Republic Act No. 9994 (Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010) and Republic Act No. 10754 (Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of PWDs), seniors and PWDs are given a 20-percent discount on top of their exemption from the 12-percent value-added tax (VAT) on certain goods and services.
Full Story at: Starbucks sorry for signage limiting seniors’ discount | Inquirer News
