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

Wazzup Pilipinas!

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.

#WeWantUberGrab: LTFRB Defies Logic By Saying Uber and Grab Are Unsafe

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"I used to ride regular taxis alone every single day to get around, and on most days, they did NOT make me feel safe. Über and Grab have made commuting so much safer, easier, and more convenient. Anyone who actually uses them would know." - Coleen Garcia

Many voices are now banding together to actively promote the hashtag #WeWantUberGrab because of a recent statement from LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada: "Kailangang higpitan ang Uber at Grab para maging kasing-safe sila ng ibang sasakyang may prangkisa tulad ng mga taxi, bus at jeepney."

"I hope that conclusion was something that she culled from a daily commuter's experience. Otherwise, her definition of what is safe sounds truy unsafe and seriously alarming." Prim Paypon

Taxi, jeep and bus are SAFER? I dare every personnel from LTFRB to commute everyday in one week. Then, decide.

I really don't get it why our country wants to keep moving backward. When we finally found convenience in this hassle-full world, a government agency starts coming up with a comical statement. As usual, the government wants to "fix" what is not broken in the first place. Or were they really the actual cause of what they perceive as broken?

Tolerating "colorums" with Uber and Grab not having necessary permits? The issue those permits! They deserve to be legalized more than the ordinary taxi cabs. When a solution is there already rolling, here comes these people ready to sabotage it.

In reality, Uber and Grab gives the service we need. LTFRB doesn't. So who's supposed to adjust?

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) should be serving the riding public, not the grossly outdated, greedy sector. The service provided by Uber and Grab is hassle free, more convenient and safer. We deserve better LTFRB. Don't deprive us of our needs.

Stop bureaucracy inside your agency and work for the better interest of the riding public and not for your wallets.