Municipal Council to hold public hearing on motorela fare hike

Councilor Rey Lawrence K. Tan

A public hearing will be held by the Committee on Transportation of the Sangguniang Bayan of Mahinog on a proposed motorela fare increase filed by the Mahinog Motorela Operators and Drivers Association (MMODA).

The committee is chaired by Councilor Rey Lawrence K. Tan.

In their petition, the petitioner MMODA alleged:

The price of petroleum products continue to increase.

The existing fare rate/matrix was approved in 2008 when the premium gasoline was still P45.00 per liter.

Today the price of premium gasoline is P61.00 per liter more or less.

The continuing increase of oil price greatly affects the income of drivers and can no longer suffice their family's needs.

This public hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 which will begin at 9:00 am at the Sangguniang Bayan session hall.

According to Tan, all interested persons are invited to attend this hearing and provide written and/or oral comments and ask questions concerning the fare increase.

New bridge to open, to be named after JICA

MAHINOG, Camiguin - IN a few days, motorists can already pass over the new Hubangon-Bugwak bridge.

After a year of reconstruction, this bridge which was badly damaged by typhoon Nanang in 2001, is about to open.

This project is part of the P495 M Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) assistance to the Philippines for the reconstruction of damaged Hubangon bridge and construction of two Sabo dams in barangay Puntod.

In grateful recognition of Japan's aid, the Municipal Council recently passed a resolution to request Congressman Pedro P. Romualdo to file a bill in Congress to name the new Hubangon-Bugwak bridge as “JICA Bridge.” The resolution was authored by councilor Rey Lawrence K. Tan.

Municipal officials said JICA's financial grant is the single biggest assistance given by the Japanese government to the Philippines to assist the province of Camiguin cope with disaster after the 2001 typhoon Nanang that killed more than two hundred people in this island province.

Naming this bridge for JICA, according to the same official, symbolizes how much the people in Camiguin recognize the long standing friendship between the Philippines and Japan and the greatest financial contribution Japan gave to the province of Camiguin in addressing disaster risk reduction and environmental issues.

Committee to hear plea for moratorium on issuance of "motorela" franchise

UNIQUE DESIGN: This type of motorela with two-forward facing seats is found in Mahinog , Camiguin. Motorela, which came from the word “motorcycle” and “caretella,” is a motorcycle fitted with a two wheel cab operated to render transport services to the general public for fee. It can accommodate up to eight passengers.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that on October 18, 2010, the Mahinog Motorela Operators and Drivers Association (MMODA), filed with the Sangguniang Bayan of Mahinog resolution no. 1 entitled:

“A resolution requesting the Honorable Members of the Sangguniang Bayan of Mahinog, Camiguin to suspend the issuance of franchise to new motorela applicant for the period of three (3) years effective January 2011”

In the said resolution, MMODA alleged, among others, the following:

1. The members of the association firmly believed that the number of motorela units currently operating are sufficient enough to serve the riding public;

2. Aside from motorela operation there are other type of public vehicle that operate within the franchise area like jeepneys, multicabs and habal-habal.

The Committee on Transportation chaired by Hon. Rey Lawrence K. Tan has set the above resolution for public hearing on the following schedule:

December 1, 2010 Wednesday at 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at SB Session Hall.

Any person who may be adversely affected by the above proposed measure may file a written petition at least three (3) days prior to the hearing stating (1) the petitioner’s name and address; (2) the nature of the petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding, and the way and the manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceedings; and (3) statement of the relief desired.

All other persons who may want their views known to the Committee with respect to the subject matter are invited to attend the public hearing on the above scheduled date and comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding pursuant to the rules of the Sangguniang Bayan.

Done this 23rd day of November, 2010.

(Signed)

ROGERIO C. ACLE

Municipal Vice Mayor

Presiding Officer

Mahinog SaPul nabs 23 violators in August

THE Mahinog Sanitary Pulis (SaPul) has apprehended a total of 23 persons for violation of Lex's Clean Mahinog related ordinance in August, this year.

Romulo Saligumba, SaPul Chief Operating Officer, disclosed in his monthly accomplishment report to Municipal Mayor Alex R. Jajalla that SaPul apprehended a total of 23 violators for various violations of municipal ordinance as follows: 5 illegal parking; 1 unloading at non designated area; 1 overnight parking; 6 smoking in public places; 2 selling copra without permit; 5 peddling at non designated area; 3 peddling fish without sanitary permit.

Under Municipal Ordinance No. 2007-094, law enforcers shall, on apprehending violator, issue a citation ticket in duplicate, the original copy of which to the offender, the duplicate to the municipal treasurer.

The offender shall settle the fine within 72 hours from receipt of the citation ticket to the municipal treasurer, otherwise the case shall be forwarded to the Provincial Prosecutor for filing of the necessary charges in court.

Fines for the said violations are as follows: P100.00 for the first offense; P150.00 for the second offense; 200.00 for the third and succeeding offenses; or revocation of license to operate in case a violator is a business establishment, or imprisonment of not less than ten (10) days nor more than thirty (30) days, or both such fine, revocation, and imprisonment at the discretion of the court.

If a violator is a corporation, firm or other entity, the penalty shall be imposed upon the president, manager, director or person responsible for its operations. If in case the violator is unable to pay his pecuniary liability, he/she shall be made to render community service for the period of one (1) day for each offense committed.

Quezon Street is no entry for vehicles coming from Benoni

NO ENTRY. Vehicle coming from Benoni like this motorela as shown in this picture is prohibited from going straight towards Quezon Street across a blind curve

THE Municipal Council of Mahinog presided by Vice Mayor Rogerio C. Acle on Monday approved an ordinance to declare Pres. Manuel Quezon Street as no entry street for vehicles coming from Benoni and to install a no-entry sign in the area.

Councilor Erlindo G. Bequilla, who is the principal author of Municipal Ordinance No. 2010-028, said this road section along St. Michael's Church is considered accident-prone area because it is located right across the intersection and blind curves.

"We will pass this measure now rather than waiting for accidents to happen," Bequilla said in sponsoring the measure at the plenary session.

Under the ordinance, no vehicle coming from Benoni side shall enter Quezon Street except emergency vehicles like the police, ambulance and fire in emergency situation.

Also exempt from the ordinance are vehicles coming from Mambajao side and from upper section.

The ordinance was endorsed by the transport groups and several other local organizations who said the decision is a welcome move towards promoting road safety in the municipality.

During the committee meeting conducted by the Committee on Transportation chaired by Councilor Rey Lawrence K. Tan, the committee also recommended to prohibit loading and unloading at the road section immediately before and after the curve.

The committee observed that loading and unloading at the blind curve next or across to the entrance of Columbia St. Michael's Parish High School (CSMPHS) is dangerous, considering the distance between the curve and the school gate is too close.

Motorela and public utility vehicles from Benoni may unload at the right shoulder in front of Mahinog Central School immediately before the school gate. Students and pedestrians are advised to practice safe crossing habits before entering/crossing the street.

Present during the said committee hearing were Lybbie R. Balasabas, President, Habal-habal Riders Association; Efren R. Absuelo, Camiguin Van Operators; Narciso L. Abian, President, Sr. Citizens Association; Gene R. Ranalan, Mahinog Motorela Operators and Drivers Association; Rosario M. Vinan, Principal, Mahinog Central School; Romulo Y. Saliguma, Sanitary Pulis (SaPul) Chief Operating Officer; Arlino C. Arca, President, Market Vendors Association; Anita C. Estrobo, President, Mahinog Central School PTA; Engr. Rico L. Ranara, Municipal Engineer; Sr. Maria Corazon S. Basadre, Principal, CSMPHS.

The Ordinance was co-authored by Councilors Rey Lawrence K. Tan, Merlito G. Abao and Valentin F. Babanto.

Task force formed to tackle traffic violators

by Homer R. Jajalla

THE MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT today has formed a task force to help enforce traffic laws and local ordinances in this municipality which is the gateway to the province of Camiguin.

Mayor Alex R. Jajalla signed Executive Order No. 9 creating the Special Traffic Action Force (STAF)which shall be under the direct supervision and control of the office of the Mayor.

Mayor Jajalla designated SB Committee on Transportation Chairman Hon. Rey Lawrence K. Tan to chair the task force. PO1 Jerry A. Jalagat was named chief executive officer while Mr. Arlino C. Arca, a deputized LTO agent was also designated as team leader.

There are 7 other members of the task force who have been deputized by the LTO, namely, Engr. Adonis Julius V. Pacuribot, Lyndon G. Pacuribot, Rey D. Maderal, Brian C. Brina, SPO4 Silverio P. Galacio, PO1 Patrick U. Tabamo and Felixberto A. Feniza.

Mayor Jajalla said the task force was created to maintain law and order on the streets and to conduct a crackdown against colorum operators, driving without helmet, including single motorcycle for hire (habal-habal) and motorela who ply the streets without franchise and permits from the municipality and other crimes committed in the streets with the use of a motor vehicle.

Under the said EO, the members of the Special Traffic Action Force are authorized to issue LTO Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) upon confiscation of driver’s license and the LTO impounding receipt if there is a need to impound the vehicle.

Traffic enforcers could also issue the traffic citation ticket against violators of Municipal Traffic and Transportation Code.

The mayor said that the creation of the traffic task force is in support of the massive traffic enforcement action program undertaken by the Camiguin provincial government under the leadership of Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo to enhance public safety awareness and road discipline among road users and pedestrians in response to the rapid development in the province of Camiguin.

Jajalla believed that this measure could minimize if not prevent the occurrence of vehicular accident in this municipality. (Mahinog Municipal Information Office)

Info drive for “habal-habal” operators held

July 21, 2007 –The Committee on Transportation under the chairmanship of Councilor Rey Lawrence K. Tan conducted a seminar and information drive for “habal-habal drivers operating within the municipal bounds, with the topics on municipal traffic ordinance, regulatory fees, law enforcement action and good manners, grooming and etiquette on serving passengers. The seminar was held at the SB session hall and was attended by about 80 habal-habal drivers.

Councilor Valentin F. Babanto in behalf of the committee, welcomed the participants and stressed the importance of the seminar which is to educate the drivers on basic road courtesy and their compliance of regulatory permits from LGU.

On the other hand, Mayor Jajalla stressed the safety of both motorists and riding public is the primary intention of this seminar. He also recognized the important role of habal habal sectors in the town’s tourism drive as they are in the frontline that give right information and best services to tourist and visitors.

Other speakers with their topics were MPDC Ben Paderanga -A.L.E.X. Development Agenda; SB Secretary Homer R. Jajalla -Municipal Traffic Code; Treasurer Judith Baita -Collection of Regulatory Fees and Penalties for Violators; PINSP Richard Catipay -Law Enforcement Action, and; Coun. Manolo Tabamo -Quality Service, Good Grooming and Etiquettes.

The commitee is set to conduct a second batch of the same seminar for motorela drivers. (Homer R. Jajalla)

Info drive for “habal-habal” operators held

July 21, 2007 –The Committee on Transportation under the chairmanship of Councilor Rey Lawrence K. Tan conducted a seminar and information drive for “habal-habal drivers operating within the municipal bounds, with the topics on municipal traffic ordinance, regulatory fees, law enforcement action and good manners, grooming and etiquette on serving passengers. The seminar was held at the SB session hall and was attended by about 80 habal-habal drivers.

Councilor Valentin F. Babanto in behalf of the committee, welcomed the participants and stressed the importance of the seminar which is to educate the drivers on basic road courtesy and their compliance of regulatory permits from LGU.

On the other hand, Mayor Jajalla stressed the safety of both motorists and riding public is the primary intention of this seminar. He also recognized the important role of habal habal sectors in the town’s tourism drive as they are in the frontline that give right information and best services to tourist and visitors.

Other speakers with their topics were MPDC Ben Paderanga -A.L.E.X. Development Agenda; SB Secretary Homer R. Jajalla -Municipal Traffic Code; Treasurer Judith Baita -Collection of Regulatory Fees and Penalties for Violators; PINSP Richard Catipay -Law Enforcement Action, and; Coun. Manolo Tabamo -Quality Service, Good Grooming and Etiquettes.

The commitee is set to conduct a second batch of the same seminar for motorela drivers. (Homer R. Jajalla)