Lamudi Affordable Housing Fair Highlights

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The quest for the most easy-on-the-pocket real estate investment ended last Saturday (July 15, 2017) when Lamudi officially opened the Lamudi Affordable Housing Fair at the Glorietta 3 Activity Center in Makati today. On behalf of Vice President Leni Robredo, her Chief of Staff, Undersecretary Philip Francisco Dy delivered her speech tackling housing affordability, one of the most sensitive shelter issues in the country at present.

The event was graced by representatives from key government agencies and property developers. The ribbon cutting and housing affordability panel discussion were headed by Undersecretary Philip Francisco Dy; Pag-IBIG Vice President Elmer Tugade; Managing Partner and Head of the Urban Planning Team of Palafox Associates, Karmi Palafox; and Lamudi Managing Director Bhavna Suresh Chathambeth.

CNN Philippines anchor Ruth Cabal hosted and moderated the opening program and discussion that dissected housing affordability issues, including discussion on existing laws, strategies to overcome the housing challenge, and its impact to the country.

“To be part of the solution of making real estate affordable and accessible to all is maybe one of the biggest contributions that we have made for the industry in particular and to the country in general. This is only a first and we will continue to move and shake Philippine real estate,” said Ms. Suresh.

Awed at the Spectacle of the Dancing Fountain of Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Dancing Fountain located at Vigan Plaza of Vigan, Ilocos Sur as added to the influx of tourists in Vigan which was formerly just a city passed by on the way to other destinations. Now tourists opt to stay overnight so they could see this spectacle during weekends.

The Dancing Fountain is of Korean Technology. The very first setup of its kind in the Philippines. Now, others are following this, like the most recent is the one at Okada Manila. I'm just not sure if it's the same Korean technology because I keep failing to attend the invitation of Okada when they showcase the fountain at events. I guess it's about time I initiate a visit and interview the people.

Regardless of who first made this kind of attraction, it is truly a sight to behold. The mixture of music, lights, and images moving in synchronicity is an amazing display worthy of viewing.

We were there when the project was still ongoing construction, and we're toured personally by the former governor Luis "Chavit" Singson. He took the time to explain about his project to add another attraction to Vigan city.

Uber, Grab Broke The Rules by Tolerating Colorums --- LTFRB

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If Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) want to engage in the business of public transportation, they need to follow the rules just like any other type of public utility vehicles (PUVs).

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) made this stand amid an online petition to “lift the suspension” against TNCs such as Uber and Grab. The LTFRB clarified that ride-hailing services have not been suspended. However, only those with Provisional Authority (PA) or Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) may be allowed to operate.

“The TNCs agreed to fully comply with the rules at the time they were granted accreditation. With their open and candid admission, it is clear that they have broken those rules grossly, putting at risk the tens of thousands of TNVs without PA or franchise to commit colorum activities,” said LTFRB Chairman Martin B. Delgra III.

At the accreditation hearing last July 11, the LTFRB slapped a PHP5-Million fine each for Uber and Grab for its violations and ordered them to deactivate the more than 50,000 colorum Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers. This is on top of the ongoing moratorium imposed on accepting new applications.

Apart from operating without franchises, some drivers are also accused of trading franchises among themselves. TNCs have also failed to comply with other requirements such as IDs for drivers and a company signage on the vehicles. There have also been numerous complaints on rude and abusive TNVS drivers.

“We cannot have one rule regarding colorum for them and another rule for the rest of the modes of public transport, i.e. bus, UV express, taxi and PUJ,” Chairman Delgra said. “Where service is imbued with public interest, no less than the safety and welfare of the riding public is concerned, regulations become priority,” he added.

Delgra likewise said that TNCs have to show good faith by complying first while LTFRB creates a Technical Working Group (TWG) to discuss issues such as accreditation and pending applications, and the core issues of accountabikity and dynamic pricing scheme as a way to move things forward.

“They have to show good faith first. Right now, they are not cooperating,” Delgra said. “The Board has welcomed the creation of a TWG to help address the demand of such mode of public transport in a rational, comprehensive and systematic manner. We expect the TNCs to be candid, accurate, complete and transparent in submitting all the data and information the Board will need in addressing the issues,” he added.

More than 20 TNVs have so far been apprehended for operating without a franchise.