LTO

One of the bill’s authors, AGRI Partylist Rep. Wilbert T. Lee welcomed the committee action on the bill which is set for second reading approval when session resumes on May 8. Lee earlier filed HB 7842, Lee which aims to provide taxpayers enough period to settle their tax dues as the amnesty period is about to lapse on June 14, 2023 under RA 11213 or the “Tax Amnesty Act.”

urged to fast-track drivers’ licenses

By Maricel V. Cruz

AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee on Wednesday urged the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to expedite the acquisition of plastic cards for driver’s licenses.

Lee made the statement in light of the shortage of drivers’ plastic license cards that resulted in the inconvenience of motorists whose licenses have expired or are expiring shortly.

The LTO this week confirmed the shortage, which they said was the result of a department order they received in January, stating that all procurements involving P50 million and above should be conducted by the Department of Transportation central office.

The agency also said that its inventory of plastic card licenses is forecast to completely run out by the last week of this month.

The LTO also announced that it will be extending the validity of licenses that are expiring soon, after it faced backlash over the weekend over news of the shortage.

Lee underscored the need for government agencies not to waste resources. “This is a call not only for the LTO, but for all card-issuing agencies as well. Kung kaya naman nang patunayan ng official receipt, huwag na tayo gumawa ng temporary card.”

Japanese authorities have reportedly alleged that Shohei conspired with several other accomplices in stealing money from the bank accounts of victims whose ATM cards they obtained by misrepresenting themselves as police officers or financial service agency representatives.

Vito Barcelo

Air Asia plans transfer to NAIA Terminal 2

AIR Asia Philippines is mapping out plans for the transfer of all its domestic flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminals 3 and 4 to NAIA Terminal 2 beginning July 1.

The transfer is in line with the Manila International Airport Authority’s (MIAA) schedule and terminal assignment rationalization (STAR) program to optimize the capacity of the four NAIA terminals.

Air Asia Communications and Public Affairs Country head Steve Dailisan and MIAA officials led by its general manager Cesar Chiong met and discussed preparations to ensure a smooth and hassle-free transfer, including the proposed location of checkin counters at the south wing of the terminal.

Joel E. Zurbano

MIAA eyeing airport

CCTV system upgrade

THE Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) disclosed that it would upgrade its closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage at key airport areas and immigration counters.

MIAA Senior Assistant Manager Bryan Co at the public briefing on Tuesday, said “we identified critical cameras in areas where passengers go in and out of Immigration areas, where passengers pass through the pre-departure gates. When arriving and where they pass, we were able to identify the key cameras to upgrade.” Co, quoted by GMA News, also said “this week, we are undergoing the procurement process. We will release the NAIA requirements and we aim to award this by next week, Monday.”

“The retention period will increase from 30 to 90 days, effective two weeks from now,” he added.