Does the new LTFRB head have the political will?

In less than two weeks time it will be December, the promised deadline of former LTFRB head Elena Bautista to reduce the present number of buses plying EDSA to a more manageable 1,800 to 2,000 from the present 5,000 units or more.

Studies conducted by organizations concerned with the present near-chaotic traffic situation in Metro Manila have shown that it’s this runaway increase of the number of buses, a good many of them "colorums" or without franchises, which is the main cause for having a "clogged" EDSA even at non-peak hours.

Well, many political observers say that Len has been taken out of the way through a promotion, and having to see a "dream EDSA" with buses plying greatly reduced may just turn out to be just that — a dream.

Not unless the man who’s presently at the helm of LTFRB would have the same "balls" that his predecessor had shown to have many times, if only to get things done despite the lobby of very powerful groups.

Present LTFRB Chairman Tom Lantion is being perceived by some to be a little too diplomatic in dealing with the various transport groups that the agency would always find fencing and parrying with in conceiving and implementing policies that would govern public transport in the country. Some even go a bit further by saying that he may not even be gutsy enough to ensure the strict implementation of many of the tough policies that the LTFRB would have to consistently execute in the course of it business and its mandate.

I suggest let’s just set aside all these speculations regarding what the present LTFRB can and cannot do and give him a chance to prove his worth. And the coming month can well be his first test of political will — "can he" or "will he" reduce the number of buses in EDSA, which is seen by many as the first big step to produce a smoother flow of traffic in the country’s main thoroughfare?

A chance to prove your worthiness, Mr. Chairman?

Is this the much ballyhooed excellent customer service?

A newly married couple, both siblings of popular showbiz personalities, decided just three months ago to put a big chunk of their cash wedding gifts on a compact SUV, which has always been bannered as one of the best money can buy from the land of milk and honey and the ideal vehicle when you want "to get away from it all."

During a sudden downpour, the kind that would make you think that a huge cauldron in the sky filled to the brim with water was suddenly tilted to empty its contents, the kind that usually causes flash floods in the metropolis, the husband found himself bemused and bewildered with a "ceased engine" in knee high water inside a posh village in Makati. But not before seeing two other vehicles — one a sedan and the other a model exactly like he was driving, going through without any problem. And even seeing right after, another two vehicles similarly negotiating the flood waters with ease after his has gone "kaput."

To cut a long story short, the vehicle was brought to one of the dealerships of the auto company to get it all started and running again. But to the further puzzlement of the couple — after having bought it barely three months ago and seeing other vehicles like a much lower sedan and worse a sibling model going through flood waters with ease while their almost brand new SUV stalling like old beaten car — the mechanics found out that "the engine oil and transmission fluid have been contaminated with water" and, listen to this, "the engine blocked damaged with two visible holes on both sides of the engine block."

But the story of woe of this newly married couple who invested their cash wedding gifts on a much advertised SUV that stalled on knee deep water after other lower and smaller vehicles and even a model exactly like it went through the same flood waters in the same area and breezed through without any trouble did not end there — the auto company refused to honor the SUV’s warranty and they would have to spend more than two hundred thousand pesos for repairs. Oh, I forgot, the auto company is offering though a 10% discount — how noble!

One of the guys who was present when I was apprised of this dumbfounding situation complete with documents to back the story up can only say, "I’ll probably just buy a motorcycle, even if I didn’t know how to ride a motorbike, rather buy anything from such a company that turns its back on its customers, especially those in need."

For an award to a company that would lead in customer "dissatisfaction", this company takes the cake — hands down.

But really, I suggest you guys give this case some serious second thoughts before dismissing it as plainly as "your concern is beyond natural calamity". Forget about the manuals — just think of the goodwill to your customers who believed in your advertising and had confidence in the global name that you bear.

Your move!

The bandwagon is on the move!

Suzuki Philippines is the latest addition to the list of automobile companies that shall show their remarkable 2007 models in the most extensive motor show slated next year — the Grand Display and Test drive of the 2007 Auto Focus Automobile / Motorcycle of the Year — People’s Choice Awards at the World Trade Center.

Mr. Kiyoshi Kawahara, president, Mr. Hisashi Sunaga, GM for sales and marketing and Mr. Pepito "Ping" Castro, ad & promo manager confirmed their participation joining the other "early birds" like Motor Image Pilipinas, exclusive distributors of Subaru automobiles, Honda Cars Philippines, Isuzu Philippines Corporation and Toyota Motor Philippines.

Meanwhile, HCPI president Mr. Takashi Sekiguchi and marketing head Mr. Arnel Doria inked the contract for them to get the "front-middle" slot of the exhibition hall, in simple signing rites with this writer that was done the other week at their Sta. Rosa plant.

Petron Corporation is again being tapped to be the sole presenting sponsor of the yearly popularity polls for all current automobile models. Ms. Charmaine Canillas, advertising and promotions top honcho of the country’s largest oil company has expressed interest in participating in what has now been designed as the most extensive nationwide voting in the awards’ two-year history in determining the Automobile of the Year and the most preferred in the 12 different automobile categories to include the Most Popular Motorcycle Model that’s running in Philippine roads.

Part of the four-month polling is a "Mall AVP Tour", which is designed to create more awareness about the polls and give extensive information about the vehicles that are being voted upon and to what categories they belong. This will be achieved by way of audio-visuals of all these models during scheduled weekends in heavy-traffic malls.

Official contract-signing rites involving Toyota Motor Philippines, Isuzu Philippines Corporation and Motor Image Pilipinas and their participation in the 2007 Auto Focus Automobile / Motorcycle of the Year — People’s Choice Awards are scheduled this week.

Greg and Felix give it back to the Manila Pen

To friends and business partners, Greg Yu and Felix Ang, chairman and president respectively of Cats Motors, the exclusive Philippine General Distributor for Mercedes-Benz, after years of spending business and leisure moments in its lobby, the Manila Pen has been regarded as their second home.

And giving the hotel the best deal that they could possibly offer to make the Mercedes-Benz S-Class the new hotel limousine was the tandem’s small way of giving it back.

The official turnover of eight brand-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class was done in simple but fitting ceremonies held at the Peninsula Manila’s The Conservatory, last November 13, Monday over cocktails with the motoring media and friends of Cats Motors in attendance.

"…I’m convinced that the new S-Class fleet continues to add value to the excellent reputation of the hotel," said Greg.

Felix added, "…We believe that the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and The Peninsula Manila complement each other in providing the ultimate luxury hotel experience."

The hotel’s general manager, David Batchelor, in response had this to say, "…We are delighted to continue our relationship with Mercedes-Benz, the new S-Class is a fabulous car and we look forward to transporting your local and foreign guests in them."

Two more schools benefit from SPMJ road safety seminar

The Lyceum University in Calamba and the Ann Arbor Montessori are the recent schools where the SPMJ (Society of Philippine Motoring Journalists) "Early Warning" seminars and workshops on road safety were conducted.

SPMJ project director Quito da Roza together with Cresencio Montalbo and Joyce Dumlao conducted the four-hour road safety workshops to 23 members of the faculty and administration of Luceum Calamba. According to Ms. Lerma Calingasan, the exercise came aptly at a time after a student met a road accident while crossing the national highway with a pedestrian bridge located just a few feet away. Forty eight college students attended the afternoon session.

Parañaque City councilor Gus Tambunting helped coordinate the seminar and workshop at the Ann Arbor Montessori at BF Homes where 130 students from 3rd and 4th year levels attended.

These SPMJ "Early Warning" road safety seminars and workshops are being conducted free in chosen schools with logistical costs being underwritten by corporate benefactors like Toyota Motor Philippines and Ford Group Philippines.

SPMJ is a group composed of editors, writers, TV producers and hosts — motoring journalists all, who have banded together with the common goal and advocacy of educating the youth to become future safe and responsible road users.

Happy Motoring!!!

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