Erap lifts truck ban

Mayor Joseph Estrada announced the indefinite lifting of the daytime truck ban beginning 12 noon on Saturday.

Mayor Estrada gave way to Malacañang’s newly-created Task Force Pantalan under General Allan Bartolo of Highway Patrol Group (HPG) to avoid conflict.

Erap said the President never personally talked to him on the truck ban issue, and that he only communicated with Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson and Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, head of the Cabinet Cluster on Port Congestion, on the matter.

Mayor Erap said that after 2-3 months, he can reinstate the truck ban if there are no visible improvements or positive impact.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino commended Erap for his statesmanship.

Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya welcomed the decision, and said he would “immediately convene the Metro Manila Mayors Special Traffic Committee to craft a responsive scheme that will incorporate the City of Manila’s efforts with that of the national government.”

Business groups led by Henry J. Schumacher, vice president for the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines hailed Mayor Estrada’s decision.

Alberto Suansing, director of the Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines (CTAP), said that it would help remove the additional costs shouldered by shippers due to the policy, which had driven up prices.

Alfred Yao, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry called it an early Christmas gift.

‘I hope it’s not me’

In his meeting with allies at Malacañang Friday, President Aquino again dropped hints that he may not be retiring after his term by saying he hoped he would not be the Liberal Party’s (LP) presidential candidate in 2016.

His statement implied that he is open to the possibility that he may be the administration’s candidate.

“There are even those who say that the surest way to secure the straight and righteous path is if I myself continue leading the country. I cannot disregard the suggestions of open-minded people, of people who have sincerest intentions to help their fellow man,” Aquino added in his speech.

Two weeks ago, President Aquino appeared to have ended talk about whether he would seek a term extension when he mentioned what he planned to do on July 1, 2016. He said he would have a good meal with his executive assistant, Assistant Secretary Jun Delantar, and good friend, Communications Undersecretary Rey Marfil. Written on their backs, the President said, would be “kalayaan” (freedom).

We shall see if in the next three months, LP congressmen will file a resolution seeking to amend the political provisions of the Constitution, including lifting of term limits.

A clear implication of the president’s statement is that Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas is not his sure bet to be the LP’s candidate.

Malacañang Oks lifestyle checks

Malacanang has expressed support for Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas’ plan to implement a fast-track lifestyle check on rogue policemen.   

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), headed by Commissioner Kim Henares, knows its job when it comes to this.

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas said he plans to coordinate with the BIR on the planned lifestyle checks.

It was revealed that the police officers charged with the Edsa brigandage and kidnapping reported assets of as much as P7 million despite their low ranks and salaries.

Police Director General Alan Purisima ordered an investigation into a reported “quota” system when lower ranking police officers are ordered to raise a weekly required amount to their superiors.

This has been reported for years in connection with protection for drug and gambling lords, which reportedly goes into millions.

2 more rogue policemen

PO1 Videri Omar Ali-Gani of the Siay police station and PO1 Jul Kaiser Hayudini Sali of the Malangas police station were arrested for drugging and raping an 18-year-old college student in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

This brings to 35 the number of policemen involved in crime in the last 3 weeks.

Thus, the usual excuse that it is isolated is not valid, considering that they come from 9 police stations, including Quezon City, Caloocan, Las Piñas, Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Batangas, Pangasinan, and Zamboanga del Norte.

Lousy managers

Senator Serge Osmeña III, chairman of the Senate Committee, expressed serious reservations about President Aquino’s request for emergency powers to address a supposed power supply crisis next year saying “lousy managers don’t deserve extra powers.”

Osmeña said the expansion of the President’s authority will not be an assurance in addressing the energy supply problems, which he said were the “result of Aquino’s poor management skills.”

“It's an accepted fact that they are lousy managers and it is almost criminal,” Osmeña declared.

Tidbits

The Malolos Regional Trial Court granted the motion of retired Major General Jovito Palparan to be transferred from the Bulacan provincial jail to the Custodial Center of the Philippine Army in Fort Bonifacio.

Vice President Binay flew to Cagayan and Isabela to visit the towns hit by Typhoon Luis.