1 Mayo 2024, Miyerkules

Happy 48th Anniversary Mariveles Baptist Church, Mariveles, Bataan

Bell Kenz pharma hit for ‘unethical practices’

By Nidz Godino

“It’s probably high time that we come up with legislation similar to  United States, Anti-Kickback Statute,  criminal law that prohibits knowing and willful payment of ‘remuneration’ to induce or reward patient referrals, or  generation of business involving any item or service payable by  Federal health care programs,” Sen. Jinggoy Estrada noted  group of doctors who own  pharmaceutical company has been giving rebates of up to P2 million, luxury cars, travel and other perks to doctors who prescribe  firm’s medicines.

In  privilege speech, Estrada called for  Senate probe, in aid of legislation, on practices of Bell-Kenz Pharma, whose products range from anti-hypertensive and anti-diabetic drugs to antibiotics and health supplements. He said firm has been operating since 2006.

Estrada said company “shamelessly recruits doctors, enticing them with promises of exorbitant commissions and lavish incentives in exchange for prescribing their medicines  blatant violation of their ethical principles, betrayal of trust bestowed upon them by their patients and  flagrant disregard for  sacredness of their profession.”

Bell-Kenz Pharma officers have yet to respond to Estrada’s accusations.

Certain doctors have reportedly become “entangled in  web of  pharmaceutical company  shamelessly peddles its products through  deplorable multi-level marketing scheme,” Estrada said.

Bell-Kenz Pharma’s executives, doctors Luis Go, Berwyn Flores and James Cayetano, call themselves Jedis as they love  Star Wars media franchise, he noted.

“According to data from  Securities and Exchange Commission, standing directors or officers are Luis Raymond Go as president, Alina Fatima M. Hojilla (vice president), Joseph Vincent Go (corporate secretary, a lawyer), Jaime Cayetano Jr. (treasurer) and 58 other stockholders who are all doctors from different parts of the country,” he said.

“To become a Jedi, they have to prescribe Bell-Kenz drugs, even supplements sold by the company, whether patient needs them or not… ‘entry’ investment level is around P250,000 to P500,000,” he added.

Doctors’ productivity is regularly monitored by  Jedi and once they reach target productivity, they level up to Jedihood with benefits including eight percent rebates based on monthly productivity,  usually around P2 million, Estrada said.

“On top of that is what they call  annual ‘Jedi star tour…depending on whether  doctor hits his 3.5 percent productivity target, they can be given Asian, European or US tour package…cash or luxury items like their ‘dream car’ come from rebates…rebates accumulated are convertible to cash, luxury cars, Rolex and more,” he said.

Bell-Kenz Pharma also has “second investors” called “Padawans,” also  Star Wars reference. They are entitled to receive dividends and rebates and earn milestone points.

“While it is not illegal for medical professionals to engage in business activities, it is highly unethical when  pharmaceutical company owned by doctors hires other doctors as agents and pays them commissions based on  prescriptions they give to patients,” Estrada maintained.

He said  since  Jedi “ re-recruited a lot, it is only natural that  company’s growth is also fast. From P1 billion in sales in 2016, it increased further and reached P3.2 billion in 2018 and P5 billion in 2019.”

1 Mayol2024, Miyerkules

Happy 48th Anniversary Mariveles Baptist Church, Mariveles, Bataan

Komedya o Komida

Ni Derek Jorge

Perang ni Puloy, pang-delay tactic

MASDAN nyo kasambahay ang nagagawa ng pera, hindi madampot-dampot itong si Puloy kahit sandamukal ang mandamyento de aresto, maliban sa “delaying tactics” gawa ng ‘sang batalyon nitong abogado, malawak din ang taguan nito. Shout out muna kina Binang 1^st Barangay Chairman Alfredo Quiambao, secretary Michelle Santos at treasurer Con-con Adatu,admin Ricardo Sta. Ana, konsehal Aru Cando, Pepito Nicandro, Gerry Noel. Hinihirit ho ngayon ni Puloy na dinggin ng Korte Supremang mga manananggol na lamang ni Puloy ang lulutang at magpapabango ng kanyang baho. Pwede yun sa mga kasong pinapipyansahan ng hukuman e yung hindi, hindi naman pwedeng magpakulong abogado para sa kanya. Ito kasambahay ang sinasabing lahat ng usapin ay mapipyansahan, depende sa laro ng abogado. Ipaghalimbawa na sa mga piitan, kaya may nakapiit ay dahil walang pampyansa at de kampanang abogadong magtatanggol.

Kasambahay na magpupulis, ipabura mo muna ang tato mo dahil ang mga pulis na burdado ay pinakakalas na kung ayaw magbura ng tato. Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal PNP Memorandum Circular 2024-023 ang nagbabawal sa tato ng pulis, mantakin ninyong 30k pala ang magpabura ng tato o kaya’y magbitiw na sa pwesto kung nagtitigas-tigasan ng ulo. Pero hindi ligtas ang tatong nasa labi at kilay ng lady cop. Komedyante rin  talaga itong si Tata Digong, malamang daw na sa pagod ng mga ahente ng gobyerno sa pagtugis sa puganteng si Puloy ay hindi makauuwi nang hindi mananamba na rin nito. Magkakatotoo lang ang sinabi mo kung walang gulugod o “backbone” ang pananampalataya ng mga sugo ng gobyerno. Pero kung mga taga-langit ang mga ito, hindi kailanman magogoyo ni Puloy. Ano naman kaya kung ideklarang “no man’s land ang “Tamayong Prayer Mountain”  ni Puloy gaya ng ginawa ni Tata Digong sa Marawi City at ng mga dating nasa poder ng pangasiwaan sa panahon ni Kamlon, tatagal kaya si Puloy laban sa buong pwersa ng pamahalaan? Malamang maraming “pinsalang kolateral”, ang mga magtitigas-tigasan nang ulong panatiko ni Puloy pero aaminin kong “next to impossible “naman ito. Nagpapakatanggi-tanggi ho kasi ang lolo nyong kinakandili nya si Puloy. Ipinapapakete na rin ni Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa sa Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) ang mga serbisyong ultrasound at mammogram.   Ipinahaharang ho ng mga maka-puloy ang pagpapaaresto rito ng senado dahilan sa pangiisnab nito sa hearing. Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal, kung saka-sakali, mararagdagan ang santang pango. Tumango na ang batikanong simulan ng simbahang katoliko ang proseso sa pagiging santa ni Nina Ruiz-Abad ng Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, Nagpamudmod  lang ng kung ano-ano noong nabubuhay pa, santa na. Mas mabuti naman ito kaysa ang sunong sariling bangkong nagtatagong Puloy, anak daw ng dios. May utang ho kasi kasambahay si Ka Bella na 10k kay Olang, OFW sa Timbukto, nakahuhulog raw ho naman itong si Bells pero hindi pa panahon ng paghuhulog ay sinisingil na at nang mabigong maghulog dahil nga hindi pa naman panahon, inimarites sa facebook. Olang, sa galing-galing na ikaw ang may renda ng sitwasyon ngayon ikaw na ang marerendahan. Ang atraso ni Bells ay “sum of money” o “small claim”, kapag binayaran, quits na. Pero  ang  nasirang karangalan dahil sa marites sa fb, hindi na maibabalik pa. Wika ni Elong ay palitan naman ng paninira sa fb iyon, para nga makita ko, humarap kayo. Sa oras na maireklamo ni Bells si Olang sa pulis anti-cyber crime, posible syang mapauwi, baka pagsisihan nya ito at pati na kayong mga walang malasakit na nakikinabang kay Olang magugutom. Ano ba naman yung 5 minutong pagtityaga kung ihahambing sa pagkaresolba sa napipintong himagsikan.

Shout out muna sa Values Bocaue Advocates, Wilfredo Jimenez Jr., Alex Driodoco, Gemma Daseco, Delfin Lawa at Alex Castro. Shout out muna sa mga may “hang over” pang bagong Marked Men for Christ”. Nagsipagtapos ng phase 2 at 3 seminar sa Plaridel,Bulacan staff na kayo kung saka-sakali, unang staffing nyo ang Phase 1 sa San Carlos City, Pangasinan sa HUlyo 3-5,2024. Jonathan Fernandez, nagkakalimutan na yata a..    Salamat JO! Adrian Montojo, magkatulungan tayo sa ikarereporma ng mga detenido.

1 Mayo 2024, Miyerkules

Happy 48th Anniversary Mariveles Baptist Church, Mariveles, Bataan

131 cities, towns now calamity areas

By J.Lo

“As of  latest update from  Office of Civil Defense, 131 cities and municipalities have declared  state of calamity… areas are spread throughout  Philippines,” Task Force El Niño spokesman and Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Joey Villarama said  total of 131 cities and towns have been placed under state of calamity because of  effects of El Niño,  expected to persist until  end of May.

Villarama said  areas include seven provinces whose entire jurisdiction are under  calamity status, namely Occidental Mindoro, Antique, Sultan Kudarat, Basilan, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte and South Cotabato.

State  of calamity declaration permits local governments to access and spend their calamity funds to assist their constituents.

Villarama said impact of El Niño on 131 cities and towns varies, although 41 areas are experiencing drought, defined as three consecutive months of way below normal or greater than 60-percent reduction from average rainfall condition.

An area is also hit by drought if it experiences five consecutive months of below-normal or 21 percent to 60 percent reduction from average rainfall conditions.

Some areas are hit by  dry spell or three consecutive months of below normal or 21 percent to 60 percent reduction from average rainfall conditions or two consecutive months of way-below-normal or more than 60 percent reduction from average rainfall conditions.

Others experience  dry condition or two consecutive months of below-normal or 21 percent to 60 percent reduction from average rainfall conditions.

Villarama said  amount of damage to agriculture has reached P4.39 billion, equivalent to 77,731 hectares.

He added that 77 percent of El Niño-hit farmlands could still be recovered.

“Historically, if you compare it to  worst El Niño year, which is 1997,  damaged agricultural land then was 667,000 hectares…so if you compare it to 77,000 hectares,  impact is small because of  measures implemented by  government before  onset of El Niño,” he said.

Villarama assured  public country’s vital resources remain “stable,” but reiterated his appeal to conserve water and electricity.

He noted  effects El Niño would still be felt next month.

“We still have one month … to hurdle before we hopefully transition to  neutral condition in terms of  climate pattern…we know that based on  projection or  forecast of PAGASA, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration,  climate pattern may shift to La Niña…but even if we are already at tail end of El Niño, it doesn’t mean that we can be complacent, our resources are decreasing…if  heat index rises,  demand for electricity rises, so we have to conserve electricity…that also applies to water because of  prevailing dry conditions…food supply may be affected, although our farmers are still harvesting and that can add to food supply…all our vital resources remain stable, but our appeal to conserve resources remains so that we can hurdle  worst-case scenario at the end of this,” he said.

Government  is considering conducting cloud seeding operations, but its implementation will depend on needs of  affected areas, according to Villarama.

He said  cloud seeding has been conducted in Cagayan region, but it is not the primary intervention for El Niño.

“We have to fulfill  condition that there should be seedable clouds, and it also depends on wind direction…if we conduct cloud seeding and  wind direction shifts, it would just go to the sea,” he added, noting that there was  request to conduct operation in  Magat Dam area.

Villarama cited  case of Occidental Mindoro, not requesting for cloud seeding operation because some of its farmers are harvesting and drying their crops.

Prevailing  drought in Negros Occidental has wreaked havoc on province’s livestock and poultry industry, with damage pegged at over P10 million, following deaths of 11,556 chickens and other ruminants.

In her report to Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, Provincial  Disaster Risk Reduction and Management officer Irene Bel Ploteña reported  El Niño also affected 870 animal raisers in 95 barangays of 21 local government units in the province.

Ploteña further said 183.15 hectares of pasture in Hinigaran, Binalbagan, La Carlota City, Pontevedra, Murcia, Bago City and Moises Padilla also have been damaged by  drought, with  amount placed at P2,685,500.

She added that in terms of livestock and poultry damage, Isabela suffered  most with 5,152 dead animals, costing P5,956.850, followed by Ilog with P1,482,950 damage because of  deaths of 4,237 animals as of April 26.

Provincial veterinarian Dr. Placeda Lemana has attributed rising mortalities of livestock and poultry to  heat index, as high as 43 degrees Celsius.

In terms of animals, Lemana noted huge losses among poultry, with more than 10,000 died. 

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Hebrews 11:6

⁶ And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

30 Abril 2024, Martes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

supports DENR Earth Day, Every Day campaign

Happy 48th Anniversary Mariveles Baptist Church, Mariveles, Bataan

Tattoo ban for cops not discriminatory

By J.Lo

“However, there is no policy once you are in the service that prohibits getting  tattoo…so, last year,  technical working group was formed, and consultations were conducted to determine whether  placement of tattoos on our police officers should be regulated,” Philippine National Police (PNP) stressed  policy prohibiting police officers from bearing visible tattoos is not discriminatory against inked individuals. 

PNP recently released  memorandum prohibiting their personnel from having visible tattoos, prompting Rep. Joel Chua (Manila) to say  ban is unconstitutional and has no legal basis. 

Police Colonel Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, stood firm, saying regulating cops from displaying visible unauthorized tattoos has been in place since  establishment of  PNP. 

“This is not, in any way, meant to discriminate against individuals with tattoos…we agree with those who argue that getting  tattoo is  form of self-expression and freedom of expression,” she added.

However, Fajardo emphasized that “it is  stance of PNP, like any other constitutional freedom, that this is not absolute.”

Under PNP’s rules, visible unauthorized tattoos, which include those promoting extremism, racism, sexism, and indecency, will be regulated.

Fajardo noted that approved tattoos include what are known as “aesthetic tattoos,” such as those on eyebrows, eyeliner, or lips. 

30 Abril 2024, Martes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

supports DENR Earth Day, Every Day campaign

FMJ visits Mindanao, “AFP now peace fighters”

By J.Lo

“I just came from your hospital and talked to the wounded…even if you are now peacemakers, even as I ask you to be peacemakers, you must continue with your core competency as warfighters because fight is not yet over,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.said despite improvements in  peace and order situation in Mindanao, soldiers should stick to their expertise as “warfighters” even while playing  role of peacekeepers as their fight is not yet finished.

Addressing members of  6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao del Norte, Marcos said much has changed in  southern Philippines due to government efforts, noting  former separatist groups are now working with administration to further improve conditions in Mindanao.

He added  soldiers are no longer just warfighters but also peacemakers who must embrace role of community and nation-building due to  progress of  peace process.

Despite these positive developments, the President noted  some soldiers still get wounded in armed encounters.

“I am happy though to say that enemy is not taking  fight to us anymore…we are taking  fight to them and that is  sure sign of success…to our brave troops, your role becomes even more crucial as we move forward to future,” he added.

Before talking to troops, Marcos honored seven soldiers wounded in clash with  Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) at  Camp Siongco Station Hospital.

He conferred  Wounded Personnel Medal to soldiers who fought against 15 members of  BIFF in Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao del Sur on April 22.

Encounter  resulted in  death of Mohiden Animbang, highest leader of  BIFF-Karialan faction.

Marcos praised Western Mindanao Command,  Joint Task Force Central and  6th ID for their efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism.

“Through meaningful dialogues with stakeholders, including  Moro Islamic Liberation Front MILF and other peace-inclined groups, we have helped foster  environment conducive to peace and prosperity in Bangsamoro,” he added.

Marcos directed military to continue working hand-in-hand with communities, including groups affiliated with  MILF and  Moro National Liberation Front, through their leaders and local chief executives.

He cited  need to forge partnerships “based on mutual respect and understanding.”

Marcos also expressed confidence in military’s capability to secure  first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao parliamentary elections in May 2025.

The President was at Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, where 6th ID’s headquarters is located, after his sorties in Parang and Barira towns and Pikit, Cotabato.

While at Camp Siongco, 6th ID officials led by Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera presented to Marcos assorted firearms surrendered in recent months by residents of provinces under  6th ID’s jurisdiction.

30 Abril 2024, Martes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

supports DENR Earth Day, Every Day campaign

Happy 48th Anniversary Mariveles Baptist Church, Mariveles, Bataan

Cebu Ph’ Chantal Schmidt bags Miss Eco International 2024 1st runner-up, special awards

By Cynthia Montojo

 Angelina Usanova of Ukraine is Miss Eco International 2024,crowned at close of coronation rites in Triumph Luxury Hotel in Cairo, Egypt.

Philippine delegate Chantal Elise Schmidt was proclaimed as 1st runner-up. Cebuana beauty queen was not feeling well during  preliminaries. She, however, managed to snag Best in Evening Gown, despite her predicament. On coronation night, she was also awarded  Best National Costume.

Nikita Dani of Canada was named 2nd runner-up, and Fabiane Goia of Brazil, won  People’s Choice Award was 3rd runner-up; while Valerie Avril of Indonesia,  won  Best Resort Wear Catwalk, was proclaimed 4th runner-up.

In  social media post,  MEI Organization wrote, “Touching down at  Miss Eco International finals! Excited to crown next eco warrior to carry forward our mission of protecting our planet!”

Recipients  of  other special .awards were China (Miss Talent), USA (Miss Social Media), Venezuela (Best Eco Dress), and Thailand (Top Model).

This year’s selection committee was composed of Nhala Khaled, Shaden Glal, Sara Wanas, Dr. Cherif Aly Abdelal, Cozan Elmaghrabi, Heba Elsisi, Patricia Pellar, Gizzele Mandy, Dr. Hossam Tahseen, Miss Eco International 2019 Amy Tinie, and Dr. Mohamed Negm.

To date,  Philippines has won  Eco International crown twice: in 2018, with Cynthia Tomalla, and in 2022 with Kathleen Paton. This is  third time  Philippines won second place, including that of Kelly Day (2020) and Maureen Montagne (2019).

Usanova was crowned by her predecessor Nguyen Thanh Ha of Vietnam. Hosted by Nancy Magdy, the 2024 Miss Eco International final show was beamed live to  global audience through  MEI channel on YouTube.

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Ephesians 4:15

¹⁵ Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

30 Abril 2024, Martes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

supports DENR Earth Day, Every Day campaign

Happy 48th Anniversary Mariveles Baptist Church, Mariveles, Bataan

Ch water cannons  Ph vessels nr Scarborough

By J.Lo

“This damage serves as evidence of  forceful water pressure used by  China Coast Guard in their harassment of  Philippine vessels,” Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson of the National Task Force of the WPS said China Coast Guard (CCG) ships  once again fired water cannons at Philippine vessels delivering supplies to Filipino fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc.

Incident  marked  latest in  series of aggressive actions by China in  West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Tarriela, said PCG vessel BRP Bagacay and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel BRP Bankaw “encountered dangerous maneuvers and obstruction” from four CCG ships and six Chinese maritime militia boats.

According to Tarriela,  CCG vessel utilized its water cannon at around 9:53 in the morning directly hitting  starboard astern of BRP Bankaw, when  BFAR vessel was about 12 nautical miles from Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal. 

When BRP Bagacay was located around 1,000 yards east southeast of Bajo de Masinloc, two CCG vessels deployed their jet stream water cannons, simultaneously targeting  PCG vessel from both sides. This resulted in significant damage to the vessel’s railing and canopy. 

He added  CCG re-installed  380-meter floating barrier at  entrance of Bajo de Masinloc, restricting access to the area. 

In September,  Philippines removed  floating barrier installed by China at  behest of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 

“Despite  harassment and provocative actions of  Chinese Coast Guard, both  PCG and BFAR vessels stood their ground and continued their maritime patrol…they were not deterred and will persist in carrying out their legitimate operations to support Filipino fishermen and ensure their safety,” Tarriela said. 

Situated 240 kilometers west of Luzon, Bajo de Masinloc has long been  fishing ground utilized by generations of Filipino fishers.

Shoal lies nearly 900 km. from the nearest major Chinese landmass of Hainan.

30 Abril 2024, Martes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

supports DENR Earth Day, Every Day campaign

SC pressed for TRO on PUV consolidation deadline

By Nidz Godino

“Essentially, new DOTr DO includes  assailed forced consolidation in its Technical Requirements paragraph 5 and directs LTFRB to ‘adopt  policy on consolidation of CPCs and substitution of units,’  also not found in DOTR DO 2017-011,”  petition read on the eve of deadline for jeepney franchise consolidation and on the first day of  three-day nationwide transport strike, transport groups  again asked  Supreme Court to order  suspension of  public utility vehicle modernization program PUVMP,  forcing its implementation would hurt  industry and public in general.

In  supplemental petition for  temporary restraining order (TRO), transport groups led by  Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) said  Department of Transportation (DOTR) had included in its new order additional requirements for consolidation and management of operations previously not included in its order.

They also cited  business sector’s call for  suspension of  consolidation deadline for  indefinite period and  creation of “affordable, sustainable and carbon-neutral mass transport system.”

Business  sector, they said, has called for urgent review of PUVMP “to address its legal, financial and human rights infirmities,” maintaining  transport system should include support for local jeepney manufacturers to design and produce affordable, safe and environmentally friendly vehicles.

Transport groups in December last year also sought  TRO or  writ of preliminary injunction on several government orders related to  PUVMP.

These include DOTr Order No. 2017,  serves as guidelines for  implementation for PUVMP, and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Memorandum Circular 2023-051,  deadline for consolidation.

“Requirement of consolidation is untenable at this point, and fundamentally unlawful…this is why there is continuing resistance from among stakeholders, and particularly, jeepney drivers to forced franchise consolidation,”  petition read.

Transport groups also reiterated  all  assailed government orders violate their right to freedom of association and right to organize as well as their right to gainful employment and livelihood.

Revocation  of  individual operator’s franchise without affording them  opportunity to be heard, they said, also violates their right to procedural due process.

“To reiterate,  process of cooperativization was carried out by force, rather than affiliation…jeepney drivers are being compelled to join cooperatives through coercion or undue influence, such as threats of license revocation or denial of permits,” they said.

Deadline  for consolidation of all passenger jeepneys into cooperatives or corporations had been extended from Dec. 31, 2023 until today.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.had said there would no longer be any extension of  deadline for franchise consolidation under PUVMP.

Jeepneys that are unconsolidated would be considered colorum and prohibited from plying their routes starting tomorrow.

On transport group’s earlier petition, SC had merely asked respondents DOTr and LTFRB to file their respective comments.

PUVMP,  dates back to 2017, seeks to modernize  public transportation sector and replace PUVs 15 years old or older those deemed not roadworthy by  standards of Land Transportation Office (LTO)  with modern vehicles, or those that have at least  Euro 4-compliant engine.

Under  program, jeepney drivers and operators are required to join or form cooperatives. They may also apply for new franchises but as part of transport cooperatives.

Single  unit of modernized vehicle could cost P2 million or more while Filipino manufacturers like Francisco Motors offer modern jeepneys for only around P985,000.

PISTON announced  start of its three-day strike and vowed to defy  government order to keep traditional jeepneys off the road after  PUVMP implementation.

Transport group Manibela, for its part, did not join PISTON-led strike, saying it was preparing for  separate mobilization.

At  press conference, Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena is still awaiting action from Speaker Martin Romualdez, who vowed to act on the issue.

Valbuena said  during his conversation with PISTON president Mody Floranda,  latter did not ask him to join  three-day strike.

At the same time, Valbuena said Manibela is pushing for extension of  provisional authority granted by  LTFRB to allow traditional PUJs to operate until December