EIGHTY pesos may only be loose change to the rich. But to our poor folk, that’s manna from heaven, so to speak. That’s probably what was on President Duterte’s mind when he scrapped the P80 fee as cost of the Beep card for commuters on the Edsa busway.
Additionally, the President also said he was sympathizing with those who had to pay extra fees for the new cashless fare system as he wished to have them similarly expunged for the benefit of the greater majority of our grieving public amid the pandemic.
Why, indeed, are many investors too profit-oriented, almost brushing aside the plight of our marginally-entrenched brethren just to amass more in complete disregard of Christian teachings?
Indeed, my beef with the Beep is it is riddled with miscellaneous fees that unnecessarily put more burden on the already cash-strapped masses of Filipinos dependent on Edsa as their primary artery in keeping their livelihoods.
So that here’s a glass, too, to Transportation Secretary Art Tugade for immediately responding to the President’s directives, even as I continue to cheer for our toiling 1-million plus commuters in their enormous contribution to the country’s economic recovery amid the Covid-19 curse.
Their sacrifices will not go in vain, by God’s grace.
Toyota launch yet again
THE curtains on its fourth model launch had barely rung down, but here comes another one. Incredibly unbelievable to say the least, owing to the dire times we are all in right now.
On October 17, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), proving once more that it is the No. 1 carmaker not only in the Philippines but in the entire world as well, will unwrap another model designed yet again to help prop up the industry reeling under the weight of the vicious virus strain.
Has Toyota become the new Atlas, if not Hercules, that, seemingly, it has embraced the habit of shouldering the embattled autoworld to heights of hope amid the global plague?
The model’s name is yet to be announced—“secret muna, Sir Al,” pleaded TMP’s Nadinne B. Capistrano—but when it’s finally revealed, it will be Toyota’s fifth launch this year after Wigo, Vios, Corolla Crossover and Hilux.
I am speechless.
Is this what the “new normal” is all about, doing extraordinary things beyond our wildest imagination?
For, simply, it’s just amazing, rolling a total of five models when there are only four commercial quarters every year. So tantalizingly, hyperbolically, close to the Beatles’ song “Eight Days a Week” since there are, well, only seven days a week.
I have yet to recall any car company for that matter that will parade its fifth model with the year still almost three months away from bidding adieu.
Oh, yeah, October is always a good month to flood the market with new wares—given its proximity to Christmas, the perennial buying season.
So, place your orders now, please? And avoid the Yuletide rush.
Coke bottles up fleet
THE virus has not stopped a soda company from fleet-buying.
Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI), the bottling arm of Coca-Cola in the Philippines, has just purchased 200 Toyota units in tandem with leasing partner Orix Rental Corp. (ORC).
CCBPI’s acquisition of Wigo, Vios and Hilux models, all Euro IV compliant, is also part of the company’s new policy to replace old vehicles with new ones.
For the fleet’s upkeep, CCBPI entered into a full operating lease agreement with ORC to facilitate periodic maintenance services, insurance and overall management of the vehicles.
The procurement was part of CCBPI’s additional $22-million budget for local operations in its continued commitment to help spur the country’s economic growth.
In the fleet’s turnover ceremony, Ronald Tamayo, the CCBPI’s procurement director, said the deal is in pursuit of the company’s paradigm to “assist Filipino entrepreneurs” in the ever-expanding Philippine market.
“We serve almost 1 million sari-sari stores and over 5,000 business partners nationwide,” Tamayo said. “Therefore, having reliable, safe, and efficient vehicles is crucial for our sales force. The safety and well-being of our personnel have always been a priority. Having Toyota as our fleet management partner is surely a boon to us.”
Ma. Cristina Fe Arevalo, first vice president of TMP’s New Mobility Business Division, said, “We, at Toyota, are just too glad to help the country move forward by providing mobility to people and industries, especially now when transportation remains to be a challenge for many. With Toyota’s commitment to delivering quality, durability, reliability, and safety, we’re confident that our vehicles will further empower CCBPI to deliver products, services, and opportunities to countless families and communities.”
Elvin “The Big E” Luciano said that for more details on fleet inquiries, visit www.toyota.com.ph or send an e-mail to customerassistance@toyota.com.ph.
PEE STOP Isuzu will also unfurl the much-awaited next generation D-Max soon—possibly in early 2021. The two, turbocharged diesel variants are 1.9-liter and 3.0 liter. About time the D-Max is reconfigured as its chief rivals have morphed considerably.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza