Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Philippine Jeepney public transport

The popular jeepney of the Philippines is a common public transportation all over the country.  The jeepney started as a rear two-row-seater at the back converted from WWII MacArthur type Willy's jeeps.  Only three persons can be seated on each row.  In front, beside the driver, two passengers can be accommodated.
 
Two known manufacturers, Sarao and Francisco Motors, started making longer jeepneys that have either 10 or 12-seaters in the mid-1950s.  This meant larger income from more passengers in a single trip.  Some small motor shops followed suit fabricating longer jeepneys and one big automaker started making the Asian Utility Vehicle (AUV), the Ford Fiera.

From thereon, other major automotive makers joined a government program, Progressive Car Manufacturing Program (PCMP), to manufacture vehicles with high local content.  AUVs were easier and cheaper to manufacture than sedans that started in the mid 1970s.  The passenger capacity of jeepneys were just alright between 12 to 14 passengers.

Now 16 to 20-passengers, or even more, dominate the jeepney transportation lines.  Paying for your fare and getting your change from the driver, passes from one hand to another especially for those who are seated near the entrance.  The sickening thing about having so many "seaters", the jeepney does not leave its terminal until it's full. For jeepneys without terminals, they make frequent stops at loading areas to take on more passengers.  What happens with this is a short trip takes much longer time because of that.

The government, DOTC, are able to regulate taxi cabs' passenger capacity.  But why can't they do this with jeepneys?  Because the top government officials do not ride jeepneys and they don't even bother to take a look at what's happening.  

Your Ad Here

Monday, September 10, 2012

Sen. Tito Sotto's plagiarisms

Senator Tito Sotto should have his speech writing staff check on their knowledge about doing speeches.  They admitted that the RH speech was indeed plagiarized and it was even a lawyer, his Chief of  Staff. It seemed after that Senator Sotto just shrugged off their mistake and asked them for a next speech in Tagalog.

So, came his speech in the Pilipino language, that according to him, will no longer be plagiarism.   However, comparing his Pilipino rendition of the speech compared to the original versions, it was obviously a direct translation almost verbatim!  His staff made a fool of him again and he himself to himself.  The speech is known to many as parts of Robert F. Kennedy's speech.

If Senator Tito was not aware that the speeches were just copied, then his staff might be on to something to embarrass him.  His Chief of Staff claims it's a common practice.  He should have cited speeches that were plagiarized to prove his point!

Your Ad Here