WHO said President Duterte has stopped acting fast?
Think again, fellas.
In one fell swoop, President Duterte torpedoed the car seat law and the motor vehicle inspection system (MVIS).
The nation applauded. But, of course.
Who wouldn’t?
The motoring public was angry. The Chief Executive responded with the quickness of a fast draw in a Western film. It was like seeing him hit two birds with one stone.
The car seat law requiring 12-year-olds and below to be strapped to a chair while aboard a vehicle was plugged with loopholes. Even its author, in a remorse-laden reaction to a complaining populace, has apologized.
“I’m sorry if I had caused inconvenience to the public,” said JV Estrada, the former senator who sponsored the bill.
The law is now being reviewed and its implementation suspended indefinitely.
Same with the MVIS, which is not even a law but an LTO (Land Transportation Office) administrative order requiring full-body inspection of a vehicle before it is given clearance for renewal of registration.
It is so sweeping a ruling that it discarded existing testing emission centers from all across the archipelago, throwing many small entrepreneurs, who charge only a minimal P400 for each emission test, off-balance. They were kicked out of business by the MVIS. No due process at all.
There is something fishy in the new set-up, prompting the Senate to investigate the matter.
Senator Grace Poe herself has asked the LTO’s list of accredited inspection centers, obviously to check if there were favored operators of the MVIS scheme as bidding for its operations was never observed.
While the MVIS was in operation, motorists were required to cough out P1,800 for the first inspection. If the vehicle “fails” the initial test, a second testing would cost the owner another P800.
If that’s not highway robbery, what is?
In a stunning twist, an MVIS officer, whose name escapes me, said the vehicle testing will still be in force despite its suspension but it’d be done for either a minimal fee or free.
What kind of an animal is that?
Even Senate Minority floor leader Franklin Drilon, aghast at the bloke’s statement, said: “What is a suspension order if it is not being enforced at all?”
The plot thickens.
Lexus ‘omotenashi’
THE so-called ‘omotenashi’ of Lexus is the fulfilment of a customer’s desire for satisfaction. Jade B. Sison, Lexus Manila president Raymond T. Rodriguez’s front-liner when it comes to new company approaches, discusses the outfit’s new models offering promos of 30-percent down-payment, 36-month/24-month terms and zero interest. Here:
The Lexus NX 300 (P3,208,000) combines sporty urban driving performance with the power of an SUV. After the NX was first introduced in 2014, it would quickly become a world best-seller. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder direct-injection engine which delivers 235hp and 350Nm of torque to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Lexus NX 300 F Sport (P3,708,000) possesses the same elements that have made it popular in the past a sharp design, everyday convenience and driving pleasure that will satisfy all enthusiasts. The NX F Sport has evolved dramatically, but stays true to its core mission of offering an engaging drive.
The Lexus ES 350 (P4,478,000) will challenge the traditional expectations of consumers. Introduced in 1989 as part of Lexus’ debut vehicle lineup alongside the brand’s flagship model, the LS, it is armed with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System and a 300hp 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The Lexus RX 350L (P4,858,000) has an extended body length of 110 mm (4.3 inches). Its rear has a steeper tailgate window angle than on the two-row models ensuring good headroom for third-row passengers and greater cargo room behind the third row.
The Lexus UX 200 (P2,538,000) caters to urbanites in search of a fresh, contemporary and dynamic take on luxury driving. A lightweight yet super-rigid structure, low center of gravity and refined suspension tuning endow the UX with exemplary handling agility and ride comfort, along with a distinctive driving personality.
The Lexus UX 200 F Sport (P3,108,000) exterior can be distinguished from standard models by its LFA-inspired gauges of 18-inch alloy wheels, F Sport grille and sport seats. It offers a driving position that makes the crossover feel more like a responsive hatchback to drive, rather than an SUV.
To learn more, call (632) 8856 5050 or visit the Lexus Remote Page at https://www.lexus.com.ph/en/lexus-remote.html for a hassle-free, contactless purchase journey.
PEE STOP Toyota is offering P100,000 discount for the Vios, P60,000 Innova or Fortuner and P50,000 Corolla Altis or Hiace Commuter. Offers up to February 28 only. Trade-ins also accepted up to P40,000 rebate…Honda has New Year “buy one, take one” deals of its models City and BR-V. Visit www.hondaphil.com for more details.