LTFRB PROGRAM WILL NOT STOP JEEPNEY OPERATIONS
THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board ( LTFRB) on Thursday belied that the proposed Public Utility Jeepney modernization program will phase out jeepney operations. The LTFRB said the PUJ modernization “aims to upgrade the jeepneys to make them climate- friendly transport service with improved safety concerns that is more convenient to the riding public.” On Monday, a coordinated protest of transport groups was conducted saying the proposed modernization will lead to jeepney phase out as the government will only allow electronic jeepneys and Euro 4 engines to operate.
DOE STRENGTHENS RESILIENCY MEASURES
THE Department of Energy ( DOE) is updating its standard operating procedures ( SOPs) and emergency responses to lessen the impact of calamities on energy infrastructures. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi on Friday said that the agency will continue to adapt, improve and be pro- active in ensuring the resiliency of the energy sector in the face of the onslaught of natural calamities like the recent typhoons. He said the best practices in disaster risk reduction being employed by various government agencies, including the DOE, is being continuously overhauled, tweaked or upgraded to be more responsive in addressing today’s challenges “On the part of the DOE, we are reviewing the protocols to be followed by energy sector players, especially the measures on climate change adaptation,” he added. He identified “Task Force Kapatid” as one of the measures employed by the energy family, through the National Electrification Administration, that facilitates repair
IGLESIA NI CRISTO SETS GOALS FOR 2017
THE Iglesia Ni Cristo ( INC), with Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo, recently launched its annual theme that will guide its programs and activities for this year. “We chose and agreed on the guiding principle Onwards to Further Victories in the Works of the Church. The realization of all our goals for 2017 is placed on the able hands of Brother Eduardo through the continuous launching and implementation of many programs lined up for the year,” said INC General Auditor Glicerio Santos Jr. The INC also commemorated the birthday of its late Executive Minister Eraño Manalo through the Lingap sa Mamamayan activity at the Muslim Compound in Barangay Culiat, Tandang Sora, Quezon City last December 23, 2016. The Lingap sa Mamamayan is one of INC’s leading public service programs.
4 SLAIN, 1 CRITICALLY WOUNDED IN BIÑAN SHOOTING SPREE
BIÑAN CITY, Laguna: Four persons, three of them students, were killed while another is in critical condition after unidentified assassins shot them at close range on Friday morning here. City Chief of Police Supt. Serafin Petallo identified the victims as Arnel Barce, 17, Darwin Villareal, 18, both students; Rico Laserna, 32., service crew and Mark Robin Ignacio, 27, all of Maribel Subdivision, Binan City. The fifth victim, Ranel Barce, 18, also a student, is in critical condition at Binan Hospital. Petallo said the victims were in front of Canlalay Elementary School at 1: 25a. m. when the suspects approached and subsequently fired shots at them for unknown reason. Recovered from the crime scene were 13 shells from caliber 9mm and 2 deformed slugs for unknown caliber. The suspects escaped after the shooting.