Motoring Today Column

Mar 24, 2021

Motorists have been enjoying the benefits of the Skyway 3 toll free for almost three months now. Not only the faster travel times getting from Makati to Manila and Quezon City, but also noticeably less traffic congestion on EDSA and other major thoroughfares.

However, this has come at a cost to proponents of the Skyway 3, San Miguel Corporation, which naturally is getting frustrated at not being allowed to begin charging motorists for its use.

The situation came to a head with the threat of Skyway 3 being closed to motorists with both operator and Toll Regulatory Board blaming each other for causing the controversy.

After a few back and forth accusations and explanations, the Skyway 3 remains open.

SMC president Ramon Ang himself explained with good reason that Skyway needs to begin charging toll and end the free ride for motorists after meeting with Department of Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade.

"Secretary Tugade understands our predicament. Skyway 3 was built at no cost to government. SMC fully-funded the over P80 billion cost to build it. After years of hard work, we opened it last December 29 so we can start serving the public for free, for a reasonable amount of time," said Ang.

After pointing out the concessions that Skyway 3 has made to be able to charge lower toll rates than in the original agreement with government, Ang added: "Basically, we have done everything to make sure we can viably operate Skyway 3 right away, so we can serve motorists and fulfill our goal, which is to lessen traffic in Metro Manila and hopefully, through better connectivity, create more jobs and economic opportunities for more Filipinos. This is really a team effort, and we need to to work together for our country succeed."

However, last word on the matter will still come from the TRB which has the final say on the issuance of the authority to collect or Toll Operating Permit (TOP).

The latest word from the DOTr indicated that a TOP may come sooner than later.

According to the DOTr, two vital requirements for the issuance of the TOP under TRB's Supplemental Tollway Operation Agreement with Skyway 3 are now being evaluated-that the project is 95 percent complete and that toll road facilities have been installed.

In a statement, the DOTr said the TRB is now evaluating an assessment submitted by an independent consultant that the facility is already at 97 percent complete.

The statement added that during a meeting with the TRB, Skyway technical representatives disclosed that they are already in the process of installing, testing and commissioning the toll collection equipment.

"As a matter of protocol, these systems and equipment will undergo testing by the TRB to ensure that there are no system glitches or flaws to avoid a repeat of the RFID problems we had in the past," the DOTr said.

New Navara

Nissan Philippines, Inc. has publicly launched the New Navara pickup.

The launch of the Navara, described as the most advanced Nissan pickup ever, manifests the brand's belief in bringing advanced technologies to as many customers as possible.

It also represents something else.

"The Philippines is a key market for Nissan. Today, we're showing our commitment to transform our product lineup in the Philippines with the launch of Nissan's iconic pickup nameplate, the new Navara," said Isao Sekiguchi, regional vice president for Nissan in ASEAN .

Sekiguchi San's words reassures buyers that Nissan is here is stay.

Adds Nissan Philippines president and managing director, Atsushi Najima : "The new Nissan Navara gives our customers in the Philippines confidence, practicality, driving pleasure, safety, excitement, and pride of owning the latest in our line of innovative products. It's a pickup that is part of the Nissan DNA, embodying our passion and desire to help people overcome challenges and explore places only a few can reach. It is truly driven by the brave."

The new Navara lineup comprises six variants from the top-of-lineNavara Pro-4X 4x4 down to the base model Navara EL 4x2.

With the PRO-4X grade joins the bandwagon for offering style packages aimed at adventure lovers and travelers craving an escape from their daily routine.

Nissan said the PRO-4X grade comes with its own athletic look, a black emblem, orange-accented front bumper, black grille, door handles, roof racks and running boards accented by 17-inch black wheels and all-terrain tires.

Hybrid Mythbusting

More passenger sedans and crossover/SUVs are now offered locally with hybrid powertrains. But there may be some reticence from buyers because of myths or misconceptions about hybrid vehicles.

Among the first local automaker and distributor to offer hybrid vehicles in the country, Toyota Motor Phiippines, seeks to bust those myths and misconceptions.

One is that hybrids and electric vehicles are basically the same. They're not, says Toyota. Hybrids run on a combination of a petrol engine and an eletric, while electric vehicles, or as they are now technically called, Battery Electric Vehicle (BEVs) are powered by one source: electric motors powered by batteries.

Another myth or misconception is that hybrids need charging to run. This is true, says Toyota, explaining that they are self-charging through the motion and braking of the car. No need for charging stations for hybrid engines, Toyota emphasized.

The third misconception is that hybrids are difficult to maintain. Not true, says Toyota. Just like regular cars, all owners need to do is follow the preventive maintenance schedule. No special maintenance needed for batteries either. Toyota offers five-year warranties for hybrid batteries but they have been designed to last the lifetime of the car with proper car and maintenance.

Toyota said that driving a hybrid in flooded streets won't cause electrocution. Hybrid engines are designed to shut down in contact with water. Hybrid and conventional engines are placed at similar heights.

That hybrid cars are expensive is no longer true these days as they are a lot more affordable and are price competitively against conventional car in various segments, said Toyota. Owners save a lot more in terms of fuel costs and should be more cost-efficient in the long run.

Hybrids are as easy to drive as regular vehicles. If one already knows how to drive a regular vehicles, shifting to hybrids shouldn't be a problem.

Toyota said it has three hybrid models or variants in its local lineup-the Prius, Corolla Altis and the Corolla Cross.

Honest Award

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Benhur Abalos has awarded eight traffic constables for honesty and diligence in the performance of their duties.

Awarded certificates of commendation are Traffic Enforcers Ernesto Bungay Jr; Junathan Salmingo; Charmaine C-Zeil Balmores, Mark Anthony Aguilar, and Romero Owen. Also given commendations wereMobile Patrol Unit members Roel Bayaua, Marlon Natada and Eddie Rosal.

Traffic Enforcers Bungay, Salmingo and Balmores turned over a lost wallet with ATM cards to a television public service program so it can be returned to its owner in Quezon City last January 4. Aguilar and Owen were also recognized for they returning a lost wallet to its owner in Makati City last January 24.

Bayaua, Natada and Rosal received certificates of commendation for extending assistance to a family whose car suffered a flat tire at the EDSA-Munoz area on February 9.

"Their noble act and willingness to extend assistance to anyone in time of need are manifestations of their high sense of dedication to duty as agents of person in authority and portrayal of model public servants," said Abalos.

Happy Motoring!!!

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