High passing mark for e-Pass

The promo lowering the price of the e-Pass to P999 from P1,700 is so popular with motorists plying the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). The e-Pass is the electronic toll collection service utilizing a transponder attached to the windshield of a vehicle, allowing motorists to pass hassle-free since a sensor automatically debits the toll fee from the stored load in the e-Pass.

Aside from being convenient, the e-Pass does a lot in reducing traffic congestion along the expressway since the electronic transaction takes only 1.5 seconds – compared to the average 15 to 20 seconds that it takes for those paying cash, which can take even longer with the motorist hastily fumbling for money in his bag or wallet. The few seconds saved may seem insignificant but the fact is, they make a lot of difference considering the almost 200,000 vehicles plying the two sides of SLEX every single day in terms of time saved, not to mention fuel consumption.

We’re told the e-Pass P999 promo now has a wider distribution network via gas stations along SLEX, select SM malls as well as free delivery on the official e-Pass website. Those who have been using the e-Pass from the time it was first introduced observed that the drop in prices seems to reflect the reduction in the size of the transponder – starting from P2,700 in 2000 down to P1,700 and now to P999.

Definitely, more vehicles will utilize the e-Pass considering the heavier traffic being anticipated with the road repair projects having already started. We are surprised that some impatient wet blankets in the company that runs the Skyway want to limit, if not discontinue, the e-Pass promo. That sounds like a “bad trip” to most motorists should that ever happen. The e-Pass discount promo is a motorist-friendly campaign that could actually increase the number of road users in the long run.

‘Yaman ng Bayan’ airs on TV5

TV5 is out to redefine Filipino viewing habits with the launch of new programs such as “Yaman ng Bayan,” a documentary series that features the Philippines’ vast resources, and how these can be sustainably and responsibly harnessed. The show, aired every last Saturday of the month at 10:15 p.m., features productions along the lines of National Geographic or Discovery Channel – which proves we have the talent and the capability to come up with world-class TV programs.

As noted by both TV5 news chief Luchi Cruz-Valdez and Philex Mining SVP for corporate communications Mike Toledo during the launch at the Shangri-La Makati last Friday, TV5 dares to be different and aims to educate viewers with knowledge and information that could open their eyes to the country’s potential.

The documentary program will also tackle sensitive issues that are of public concern, among them responsible mining. The fact is, it’s really such a waste to squander our country’s huge mineral potential estimated at $1 trillion – with the country having one of the world’s largest deposits of gold, nickel, copper and chromite which could bring billions in revenues for the country.

Mining, if conducted responsibly, can improve and transform the lives of Filipinos primarily those in the mining communities – but extraction can be harmful to the environment and dangerous to the people if done illegally and irresponsibly. TV5 chairman Manny Pangilinan told us he also wants the anti-mining concerns to be heard, saying the other side should also be featured in the documentary series – which goes to show that MVP walks the talk as far as fairness is concerned.

In Canada, the mining industry is a ‘powerhouse’ of the economy, generating revenues and stimulating growth across the country. The same goes for Australia where mining has become a significant primary industry and major contributor to the economy. The same could be true for the Philippines which is ranked fifth in the world in terms of overall mineral reserves, second in the world for gold and third in copper resources. Definitely, the country is sitting on a lot of wealth, and   “Yaman ng Bayan” should be properly used and not go to waste.

Polo Club clamor for Ambassador Tambunting

Spy Bits received a lot of feedback regarding our Feb. 20 article (“Polo Club president’s statements refuted”) wherein we disclosed the existence of an open letter from Manila Polo Club members who disagree with club president Violeta Gallego’s assertion that management should be blamed for the club’s financial difficulty. According to sources, the club was given tax assessments by the Bureau of Internal Revenue amounting to P260 million, to which the MPC submitted an adjusted assessment of P219 million which the BIR reportedly disapproved. Aside from that, the club is reportedly facing outstanding obligations amounting to more than P50 million from the bank loans it incurred for club renovations.

Members are also decrying the hikes in club dues, the fee increases for the use of the club’s facilities and the prices for food and beverage. The financial woes faced by the club has started a clamor for the well respected former Ambassador to the UK Jesus ‘Chuching’ Tambunting to come back as club president. Those who know Chuching told us the former ambassador is well liked and respected and can definitely put the finances of the club back in order.

Chuching Tambunting is the chairman and CEO of Planters Bank which has international organizations that include the Asian Development Bank and the Dutch Government’s Netherlands Development Finance Company among its shareholders, and is widely recognized as the country’s leading bank for small and medium enterprises. Many club members believe his experience in the financial world, coupled with his ‘diplomatic’ management savvy – will bring back order to the most prestigious club in the country.

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