IN BRIEF

Solon to Palace: Name new air traffic czar

4PS party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan wants Malacañang to designate a new air traffic czar who can roll out a package of initiatives to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), including the relocation of more flights to Clark International Airport.

“We would urge Malacañang to look for an air traffic czar who can manage commercial flight activity, compel airlines to reschedule flights if necessary, and to oversee the shift to Clark. This is the only way we can fix NAIA’s congestion and improve travel experience,” he said.

Persistent flight delays at NAIA often cause holdups in airports across the country.

“Airlines can be persuaded to move more flights to Clark. In fact, the government can subsidize some of their relocation costs,” Libanan said. Rio N. Araja

THE so-called Magnificent-7 in the transport industry is supporting the review of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code of 1964 for road safety, the safety of motorists, the riding public, and pedestrians.

The Magnificent-7 is composed of Pasang Masda, the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Altodap), Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytors Nationwide (Piston), Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO), Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap), Stop and Go, and Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators ng Pilipinas (LTOP).

Roberto “Ka Obet” Martin, Pasang Masda president, along with the six other major transport groups, believes that the law’s review and update as well as the integration of traffic rules and regulations as component in the basic education curriculum could help address severe traffic problems on major roads and lower the incidence of road mishaps.

Rio N. Araja

ACTING Philippine National Police

Regional Director in Region 2, Police Brigadier General Percival A. Rumbaoa has unveiled the Santiago City Mobile Force Company (CMFC) as a drug-free workplace in partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 2 office.

Executive Order No. 66 series of 2018 mandates that government organizations remain drug-free for the effective and efficient provision of public services.

In a statement, Rumbaoa said “to guarantee administrative and operational goals being accomplished, assessment of status on personnel performance in precipitation of their duties must be prioritized. Good leadership means being disciplined and realized by the power of example.” Brenda Jocson

‘REYNA NG SIKHAYAN.’ Sofia Margaret Austria from Barangay Sinalhan was crowned as the “Reyna of Sikhayan.” Winners during the competition include Barangay Sinalhan (4th place), Barangay Macabling (3rd place), Barangay Caingin (2nd place), Barangay Pooc (1st place). Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas (inset) speaks at the end of the parade, followed by the Sikhayan Street Dance Competition. (See story below) Roy Tomandao