EMONG'S JOURNALS

Beginning December 1, 2020, the country's major expressways (which includes NLEX, TPLEX, SLEX, NAIAX, STAR, etc. ) will be utilizing the RFID sticker technology to implement cashless transactions in their toll booths in compliance with a directive from the Department of Transportation's (DOTr) Order No. 2020 – 012 on the use of a cashless system along expressways. ––––––––––––––––––––––– WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS GUIDE 1. What is RFID? 2. EasyTrip and AutoSweep RFIDs 3. Where to subscribe an AutoSweep account 4. How to Register your Autosweep RFID to Easytrip System? 5. Where to subscribe an Easytrip account? 6. Where to subscribe an AutoSweep account? 7. EASYTRIP – Where to reload? 8. AUTOSWEEP – Where to reload? ––––––––––––––––––––––– An RFID sticker is free-of-charge, but you have to cash out between PHP200 to PHP500 for the initial load. If you frequently travel along these expressways, I recommend you get your RFID sticker for a seamless, wo...

Renewing our motor vehicle registration is an annual affair and we usually want to get it done with as quickly and smoothly as possible. We have but one choice when it comes to getting these renewals done, and this option is taking the long road to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and emission centers. But, fret no more. The new private Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) are opening very soon – have a look below to get to know more about it. What to expect from the MVIS facilities The MVIS centers have big parking spaces as they seek to accommodate as many vehicles as they can. The whole testing process is expected to run for 15 minutes for lightweight vehicles and 10 minutes for motorcycles to avoid long lines of vehicles in the waiting area. Motorcycles are processed at their own lanes separate from the cars. This is because motorbikes are way smaller and every component can easily be checked by the technicians. The MVIS facilities will have their own power...

It used to be the bigger the better in Metro Manila, but nowadays fuel economy, easy parking and the ability to glide through the Edsa traffic are key features to look for. With rising gasoline prices and the current traffic gridlocks in the city, many car drivers are considering changing at least one of their vehicles to something smaller that will provide better gas mileage and road maneuverability. This is especially true if the driver has a long commute to work. Smaller cars, often referred to as subcompact cars, now gets you on the high ground. Here are 10 big reasons to buy a small car, so you can make an informed decision on the advantages of owning one. 1. Parking - The struggle is real. How many times have you find it hard to fit into a tiny parking space? In Metro Manila, the first and most obvious problem is parking space, may it be at home, at the mall or on the streets. With a small car, you will be able to fit it anywhere; without breaking a sweat. And ta...

Many of us in Metro Manila have faced an embarrassing situation when a traffic enforcer, say an MMDA constable, pulls us over on a hapless day. It could mean you violated a traffic rule or road sign. You may have an obligation legally to show the officer your driver's license, insurance and vehicle ownership and identity documents. At the same time, you may have certain rights in such a situation as a responsible motorist. In such a situation more than your rights, can traffic enforcers actually confiscate your driver's license? Question from Mr. AJM of Muntinlupa City:  I was pulled over again today in Mandaluyong City, for an illegal left turn. The traffic officer wanted to hold my driver's license until I paid the fine – as is common practice in Metro Manila. However, I've been told by friends that it is illegal for traffic officers to confiscate driver's license, as the officer must possess a "mission order" in order to do so (whatever that real...

UPDATED January, 2020 Metro Manila’s hordes of workers pour in by UV Express. Times are a-changing. With the increasing temperature in the metropolis coupled by its worsening traffic condition , a newer, more convenient alternative of transporting people had risen above all else. They're called the commuter vans, or what are now popularly known as the Utility Vehicle (UV) Express and FX vans. READ: Complete Guide To nCoV: How Not To Misinform Yourself About The Coronapocalypse UV Express vans are all air conditioned, seat an average of 14 passengers and charge relatively cheap compared to the usual metered taxicabs. Their fares range from as low as P20 to as high as P50 per passenger. With the LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) serving as regulator of the UV Express franchise, the commuter vans has increased its service routes exponentially all around the country, including Metro Manila. READ: My Epically Awesome Traffic Jam Day In...

UPDATED January, 2020 The "No Window Hours" for the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or Number Coding Scheme is fully implemented along EDSA, C-5, Alabang-Zapote Road, Roxas Boulevard, and in the cities of Mandaluyong, Makati, and Las Piñas, as agreed upon by the Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (I-ACT) and the Metro Manila Council, according to Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Thomas Orbos. READ: Complete Guide To nCoV: How Not To Misinform Yourself About The Coronapocalypse Additional roads were included in the enforcement of no “window hours” policy. They are Recto Avenue, Pres. Quirino Qvenue, Araneta Avenue, Carlos P. Garcia Avenue, Taft Avenue, South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas Avenue, Magsaysay Boulevard, Aurora Boulevard, Quezon Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue, A. Bonifacio Avenue, Rizal Avenue, Del Pan, Marcos Highway and MacArthur Highway. READ: My Epically Awesome Traffic Jam Day In Edsa, Metro Manila The sc...

A "Hit" on your NBI clearance after your long queue at the NBI satellite office. UPDATED January 2020 Department of Justice (DOJ) Circular 017, or the multi-purpose clearance does  away with the usual separate applications for domestic employment, travel abroad, gun licensing and many others, thereby making it easier for people to obtain and use an NBI clearance. Are you applying for your NBI clearance? The National Bureau of Investigation office has stopped entertaining walk-ins after the implementation of the fully online application process for NBI clearance. The registration and appointment system for the NBI clearance are done online nationwide. Applicants may accomplish the application form at www.doj.gov.ph/nbi , www.nbi.gov.ph , and clearance.nbi.gov.ph . READ: Complete Guide To nCoV: How Not To Misinform Yourself About The Coronapocalypse After registering online, applicants may proceed to any of the NBI sites nationwide for the payment and biom...