News Roundup 02 April 2023
Apr 02, 2023 • 4 min Read
UP paper: Jeepney ‘modernization’ risks corporate takeover of transport sector | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Jeepney drivers and operators should have a bigger role in steering discussions on a campaign to shift to modern public utility vehicles, according to a policy brief prepared in collaboration with transportation and commuter advocacy groups that also says their welfare should be considered in the program.
According to a policy brief by the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies, the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program presents “a window of opportunity for the corporate takeover of small-capacity public transportation in the Philippines.”
That development would marginalize jeepney drivers and operators further since “only large corporations possess the financial capacity and resources to complete the requirements of the program without significant financial strain.”
Instead, the policy brief argues, government should set a policy that will make public transportation reliable, safe and affordable and that would acknowledge that public transport is a public good “that should not be handed over to huge corporations and their profit interests.”
Full Story at: UP paper: Jeepney ‘modernization’ risks corporate takeover of transport sector | Philstar.com
BRP Antonio Luna kicks off month-long patrol around the country | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy started its month-long patrol “Operation Bantay-Layag” around the country with BRP Antonio Luna (FF151).
The mission formally began on March 31 and the first ceremony was held on April 1 in Batanes. The nationwide patrol across the country’s waters started at Mavulis Island, the country’s “first line of defense” in the north.
While on the island, the navy gave the troops posted there a new set of supplies and helped out with fixing a power generator.
The navy also said it held the first flag ceremony on Mavulis Island since the COVID-19 pandemic. The event gave officials a chance to replace a Philippine flag that had endured various storms in the past years.
“The hoisted flag also symbolizes and asserts sovereignty over the island,” the navy said.
Mavulis Island is almost 100 kilometers away from the nearest Taiwanese Island. Over the past year, the threat of a Chinese invasion has clouded self-governed Taiwan, following a string of diplomatic visits of officials from the United States.
Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi paid a surprise visit to Taiwan in August last year, which China warned that it posed “serious harm” over China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as it violates the One China principle, which the Philippines also adheres to.
Palace dismisses Newsnet appeal to operate, deliver services | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the President dismissed the appeal of the News and Entertainment Network (Newsnet) to overturn the decision of the Anti-Red Tape Authority, which nullified it from installing, operating, and maintaining a local multipoint distribution system (LMDS) to deliver interactive pay television and multimedia services in South Luzon, North Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
In a decision dated March 31, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the Office of the President determined that the appeal has been rendered “moot,” citing the expiration of Newsnet’s franchise.
“After a careful study and thorough evaluation of the records, this Office dismisses the appeal,” the decision read.
Newsnet is owned by businessman Mel Velarde.
Full Story at: Palace dismisses Newsnet appeal to operate, deliver services | Inquirer News
Pope Francis to preside over Palm Sunday after hospital stay | INQUIRER.NET – VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis will preside over mass in St Peter’s Square Sunday as he kicks off events leading to Easter, just a day after leaving hospital following a bout of bronchitis.
The 86-year-old’s admittance to hospital on Wednesday with breathing difficulties sparked concerns he may not be well enough to attend a series of rites in what is the most important week in the Christian calendar.
But as a smiling Francis left Rome’s Gemelli hospital Saturday after a three-night stay, he told well-wishers he would be presiding over a Palm Sunday ceremony, which will be followed by the Angelus prayer.
Though his voice was weak at times, when asked how he was feeling the pope quipped twice “I am still alive!”
Palm Sunday marks the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem before his crucifixion. Easter Sunday on April 12 celebrates his resurrection from the dead.
Full Story at: Pope Francis to preside over Palm Sunday after hospital stay | Inquirer News
