Interim Result of the Independent Audit and Assessment on the 48 Dalian Trains

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The audit and assessment of TUV Rheinland on the Dalian trains is substantially completed, but not yet concluded.

TUV Rheinland is the independent certified certifier contracted to audit and assess the entire MRT-3 system in general, and the Dalian trains in particular.

According to TUV Rheinland’s Interim Report, additional information and documentation on design and validation evidence are still being obtained, and further type and routine tests are still to be conducted.

Among the tests that TUV Rheinland recommended to be conducted is a weighing test of the Dalian trains in Manila, because the previous project team for the project failed to attend and witness the weight testing done in Dalian, China in November 2015. 

According to TUV Rheinland, the weighing test should be done to eliminate any doubts, and so DOTr MRT-3 can witness and formally sign off on the trains’ weight.

Assessing the Dalian trains’ safety, compatibility with MRT-3, and compliance with their Terms of Reference, through a highly qualified, independent, and ISO certified certifier, with extensive experience in the certification of trains, has always been the DOTr’s approach in resolving the Dalian trains issue, which is consistent with prudent international industry practice.

Knowing that the Dalian trains will affect the safety of hundreds of thousands of MRT-3 passengers daily, the DOTr and MRT-3 management will ensure that the necessary processes are observed in their assessment.

We will not leave stones unturned, especially on the issue of safety. WE WILL DO IT RIGHT THIS TIME.

Regardless of the independent assessment’s outcome, this administration remains committed in running after the officials that caused the current degraded state of MRT-3.

The Billy Crawford and Coleen Garcia Prenup Shoot Controversy

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Do we really know what "discrimination" means. As someone said, the word gets thrown around so often that sometimes we're not even sure if we still understand what it means.

"Two beautiful people expressing love in a place where even the toughest condition prevails, wild animals still roam free and people still live a simple and beautiful life"

The statement above makes more sense to prominently emerge as the overall thought after seeing the supposedly Ethiopian prenup photos of celebrity couple Billy Crawford and Coleen Garcia, however many criticized them of "cultural misappropriation."

"....creatively speaking, a prenup shoot doesn’t have to look prenup-y, which in this case is refreshing. On the whole, it’s editorial, artsy and doesn’t seem at all disrespectful of the culture."

Were those included in the photos actually got offended? Was there too much of a disparity between the subject and the kids that the photos seem exploitive ?What's the significance of having the children there  aside from "aesthetic texture?"

Until then, it seems unfair to jump to the gun and accuse them of being offensive or exploitive to the natives. Today, being offended has become so hip that people are now claiming offense on behalf of other people.

Will there be an actual Ethiopian to come forward and say they felt abused?

If I was in the shoes (or sandals) of the natives, I will feel proud to be photographed along with these personalities, or foreigners regardless if I know them or not. When I go travel out to other places, I love taking photos or videos with the people. Being involved or engaged with the locals is a lot more rewarding than just seeing the sights or tasting the delicacies.

"The couple has released a statement that it's not for their prenup shoot. It was apparently for an Ethiopian tourism campaign. Did the photos do justice to showcase the culture and its people?"

Bashers were enraged because they thought it was a prenup shoot as advertised by some. But I think there may be some PR work already going on here for "damage control." If it was truly not a prenup then being a journalism or travel shoot makes the search for context no longer necessary.

"If those were white children with red hair, it wouldn't be a big of a deal now, would it? If those photos were taken in Tibet with monks in the background, it's not a problem? Is it due to their dark skin colour that you suddenly feel the need to swoop in and protect them just because you had a 'hunch' that they were being attacked? What does that make you?""

"Some people need to invest their feelings some place else. You know, where it really counts. Instead of being so ignorantly butthurt behind a keyboard."

Life is just too good to be caged by other people's opinion. Our artistic preference or creative taste may not be as acceptably pleasing to others. We cannot move forward positively if we keep minding the point of views of others. Everyone has a say to everything but keep in mind that we all frew up differently thus our opinions are as varied and uniquely defined based on our experiences.

"Photography is a form of art, or have we all forgotten that? What you see is not always what you get. Don't be daft."

DOTr to Effect Stricter Sanctions to Erring Contractors of Government Projects

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In an effort to ensure on-time completion of government projects, as well as to uphold the safety of the public during construction, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will be firm in implementing sanctions against erring private contractors.

This is in compliance with the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte, who observed that the delay in government projects is brought about by the lack of personnel working on the project. The President raised this concern during the 22nd Cabinet meeting held on 5 February 2018.

Upon the instruction of the President, the DOTr, through Undersecretary for Legal Affairs and Procurement Reinier Paul Yebra, immediately issued a memorandum to stipulate in government contracts that a work slippage of more than thirty (30) days would result in non-payment, cancellation of contract, blacklisting of the erring contractor, and the engagement of another contractor to finish the project. This is in addition to the grounds provided in RA 9184 (the Government Procurement Act).

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the Department will not allow irresponsible contractors to take part in government projects, as it will not only result to delays but inflict further suffering of the people who are anxiously waiting for improvements.

“Kung hindi niyo kayang gawin ng maayos at hindi kayo sumusunod sa timeline, ‘wag na kayong kumontrata sa gobyerno! Iyong mga tinatamaan diyan ayus-ayusin niyo na ang pagtatrabaho, dahil hindi kami magda-dalawang isip na tanggalin kayo dyan. Hindi namin sasayangin ang pera ng taumbayan sa mga gaya ninyo”, said Tugade.

The order shall immediately take effect and will be cascaded to contractors who are presently engaged with government projects.