Motoring Today Column

Nov 03, 2021

Motorists will have to resign themselves to spending at least five hours of their life to taking a seminar to relearn all they have supposed to have learned to pass, first, the student's permit test, and later, their driver's license exams.

The bright boys at the Land Transportation Office have spoken. And motorists have to obey.

Motorists, especially those who qualify for the 10-year license, i.e. those with no record of traffic violations, may grumble and moan at the unfairness of it all.

But they have to pay-with five hours of what's left of their precious lives, or the seminar fees at private driving schools-for the sins of the many who daily violate traffic regulations. Or who cause accidents or mayhem on the road out of ignorance of even the most basic of traffic signs, like what red on signal lights means.

Because that is what is at the heart of this newfangled Comprehensive Driver's Education (CDE) for those seeking to renew licenses.

The LTO doesn't trust that all who have passed previous tests in the process of getting a driver's license really have the knowledge and skills to safely drive a motor vehicles which can be a deadly weapon in the hands of the undisciplined or the ignorant. It's time to weed out these malefactors.

Just read what LTO chief Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante says in explaining the new CDE policy: "The law wants to make sure that only qualified motorists who possess both driving skills and knowledge of road safety and road courtesy, are given the privilege to drive motor vehicles."

But some are asking: Is the CDE for renewing driver's licenses the only way to go?

Why not just let those renewing licenses take a test. If they pass the test, they are presumed to have good knowledge of traffic regulations.

Still, taking the seminar may be a good idea, especially for those who no longer trust their memory.

They have a choice of taking the seminar atLTO's driver education centers for free or at private driving schools for a fee.

They can also register for free at theLTO Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) via portal.lto.gov.ph, to be able to access the portal's extensive driver's education library.

After studying the CDE materials, motorists can take the required CDE exam online and upon passing it will be issued a CDE certificate to be used for renewing driver's licenses.

Many believe the CDE is needed, pointing out that other professions require some form of continuing education program and certifications to maintain licenses.

But many also believe that the best way to remove bad and undisciplined drivers is to just strictly enforce current laws or impose more stringent measures like suspending or cancelling licenses of recalcitrant violators.

But one question that begs to be answered is: Does having both driving skills and knowledge of road safety and courtesy preclude one from being an undisciplined and rude driver?

Safe Passage

The Department of Transportation is allowing public utility vehicles and light rail transit systems in Metro Manila to accommodate more passenger up to 70 percent of capacity beginning November 4.

Many are asking if it now safe to do so.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has approved the recommendation from the DOTr.

The DOTr indicated that there is a need to allow PUVs and trains to take on more passengers after Metro Manila has been placed on Alert Level 3 which means more people are going out and more businessses are open.

The DOTr also pointed out that 81.4 percent of Metro Manila's population is now fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

The livelihoods of public transport drivers and operators were also considered in recommending the easing of capacity restrictions.

Says DOTr Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor : "This is a welcome development considering the burden on our PUV drivers and operators of implementing the limited passenger capacity rule, which was aggravated by recent fuel price hikes."

The IATF and the DOTr should closely monitor the number of new Covid-19 cases in Metro Manila and other areas where passenger capacity has been allowed to increase.

Suzuki BGC Opens

The Autohub Group is on a roll. After opening two new Mitsubishi dealerships recently, Autohub opens another one, this time for Suzuki at the Bonifacio Global City.

The Suzuki Auto BGC Satellite is now open to serve owners and would-be owners of Suzuki brand vehicles.

In announcing the opening of the new Suzuki dealership, Zoomhub Inc. (Suzuki Auto BGC) president Willy Tee Ten said: "It is with great pride and honor to finally have the Suzuki Brand in the Autohub Group's roster of automotive dealerships. The Autohub Group shares Suzuki Philippines' vision to be the preferred brand and the automotive group of choice."

Also at the formal opening of Suzuki Auto BGC conducted on-line, Suzuki Vice President and General Manager Automobile Division Keiichi Suzuki said: "Let me be the first to extend Suzuki's appreciation to Zoomhub Inc. for your continued support in our efforts in making Suzuki products and services more widely accessible to our Filipino brothers and sisters."

The new Suzuki Auto BGC Satellite Showroom stands on a 629-square meter floor area with a two-car display, a Suzuki Philippines CI for sales and service reception, and two dedicated service workbays, and parts warehouse.

Kia Brand Relaunch

Kia Philippines has announced it will be conducting a brand relaunch on November 8.

The relaunch follows the introduction earlier this year of the Kia Corporation's new corporate logo and global brand slogan "Movement that Inspires."

The relaunch is a local adaptation of the new and bold Kia movement, said Kia Philippines.

"The company understands that for Filipinos, the idea of movement towards a goal or purpose should always start from oneself. Therefore, validation of the Filipino culture and identity should be the starting point for the brand so it can resonate with local consumers," said Kia Philippines.

The formal relaunch will be streamed on the official Kia Philippines Facebook page and YouTube channel at 6:30 p.m. of November 8.

Happy Motoring!!!

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