Motoring Today Column

Oct 31, 2018

We have always made it a point to get updated by government agencies that are involved in running the country's motoring scene.

Whenever there's a change in administration we try to move mountains to seek interviews, or at least an audience with the new guys who would run the show just to get an idea on how they would go about solving the problems that they are inheriting from the past managers.

And whenever there's a chance, we seek them periodically for updates on what's the status of the old problems as well as the new including their stands on new issues and controversies for the purpose of informing the general motoring public about what they are doing or if they are not doing anything at all.

We didn't have much problem with the new administrators of the LTFRB ( Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board), with Chairman Martin Delgra III and also that of the LTO (Land Transportation Office) with Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante at the helm. But we were not as lucky with their boss, DOTr Secretary Art Tugade, who we haven't had the pleasure to have a one-on-one interview.

But I guess we don't need to, as Atty. Delgra and Ret. Gen. Galvante can hold their own as proven in all the interviews we have had with them. They have always been warm, welcoming and very hospitable with the media, as if with a large sign saying "Bring it on. Knowing what we're doing we can answer whatever questions you may have, without fear."

And that's exactly what I experienced a few weeks back when I had my most recent one-on-one with Asec. Galvante when I called for an update on the goings-on at the LTO.

One of the hottest issues then was the reported strict campaign that the LTO together with the MMDA and the HPG would be waging against bikers who would be caught riding with slippers, flip flops and the like or even barefooted. The report raised a discrimination issue from our motor bikers. It elicited a reaction that the bikers were again being discriminated against, just like being tagged as criminal elements when they ride in tandem.

Well, the soft-spoken gentleman-chief of the LTO calmly said that the report was both correct and wrong. Correct because they were indeed waging a campaign against those not wearing the prescribed safe gear while operating a motor vehicle but wrong because the campaign involved not only motor bikers but drivers of all motor vehicles as well. He further explained, "Any experienced driver or biker would know that wearing slippers, flip flops or barefooted when riding or driving can never be safe compared to wearing the proper shoes when operating the vehicle's pedals. So we are not discriminating against bikers. This applies to all those who operate motor vehicles." I hope with that coming straight from the no nonsense LTO head, the issue is finally put to rest.

I also asked about the report, which originated from the DOTr itself regarding the disappointingly low rate of apprehensions for drunk driving. This time the gentleman was quick to "me aculpa" by admitting that not only did the LTO have enough personnel to implement the law against drunk driving, the depleted ranks were out during the wrong time, which was during the day instead of nighttime when most drunk driving occur. The very kind LTO chief was also quick to make an assurance that something was being done to correct the situation. So guys who drink one too many and drive, better watch out.

When our on cam conversation shifted one of LTO's major mandate, which is the registration of motor vehicles he excitedly mentioned that those who purchased their vehicles from July 2016 to December 2017 may already start inquiring for their vehicle plates from the LTO office where they registered.

I think it's worthy to note that the problem of car plate shortage was just inherited by Asec. Galvante and was mainly due to a Court Order to stop the manufacture of plates by the winning bidder. And that caused the epic problem of not having car plates despite being duly registered.

At that point the graciously kindhearted retired General took the opportunity to declare that those who are requesting for specific plate number endings, a hedge against the number-coding rule, should know that if ever the LTO would be able to grant the request, no payment is needed or being demanded-the service, if ever possibly afforded if for free.

Asec. Galvante also mentioned that sooner or later the LTO might have to dispense of the time-consuming stenciling of new vehicles for registration depending on how fast they can adopt the use of RFID in their process. The technology may also further extend to used vehicles that change ownership. With the new technology applied the time spent for the process of registration would be reduced to a mere few days with a car plate to boot.

Indeed, the LTO works with Asec. Edgar Galvante at the helm.

Watch out for the opening soon of the website exclusively dedicated to the motorbike, its industry and its owners and users.

MotoMagPhilippines.com would be the bike buyers' "go to" site to help them get to know the latest bike models of all sizes, brands, makes and models that are currently available in the local market. Furthermore it'll also have a "3-modelcomparo", literally a "head-to-head-to-head" feature-to-feature comparison of 3 models at the same time to help bike buyers decide easier on which to buy from the present wide array of bikes.

Phoenix Petroleum has confirmed its support for the niche website together with the participation and endorsement of MDPPA or the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association.

Happy Motoring!!!

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