Jeepneys: Philippine Government Importing 600K Units Of Tesla Model S Electric Vehicles

January 6, 2016 Pol Pinoy Leave a comment

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – The Philippines’ Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has announced a new deal with Tesla Motors to purchase from the Silicon Valley company some 600,000 prototype units of the all-electric Tesla Model S.

DOTC Secretary Joseph Abaya announced the new initiative in response to recent protests by Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) drivers who were upset about the Aquino government’s plan to phase out 600,000 jeepneys that are at least 15 years old.

Abaya said that Tesla units will replace the dilapidated, pollution-causing Philippine “kings of the road.” They will be fitted with the same colorful body paint characteristic of the jeepneys.

It will cost the Philippines $50,000 per Tesla unit which will be imported from California beginning next month. The price is a bargain considering that the Tesla Model S has a base price of $70,000 in the U.S.

The government will, in turn, sell the units to jeepney operators and drivers for a subsidized price of P2 Million each, payable for life.

Life of the jeepney driver, that is. Not life of the vehicle.

Government, Law Enforcement, Politics

NRA Accepts Obama’s Challenge, Urges Its Members To Rid Themselves Of Their Guns

January 6, 2016 Pol Pinoy Leave a comment

WASHINGTON, D.C. (The Adobo Chronicles) – The National Rifle Association (NRA) — American’s powerful gun lobby –has accepted President Barack Obama’s challenge to put an end to gun violence in the country.

Yesterday, a tearful Obama issued several executive orders that would, among other things, license gun sellers, strengthen background checks for buyers, better deal with mental health issues, and bringing gun safety technology to the 21st century.

In response, the NRA, has issued an unusual, emotional plea to its more than 5 Million dues-paying members, to lay down their guns in favor of the less fatal pocket knife.

In fact, in its membership recruitment drive, the NRA is offering a free pocket knife to anyone who signs up for al $25 annual fee.

Will American finally see an end to gun violence?

Beauty, International, Politics

Miss Universe: Mar Roxas Will Be Pia’s Escort On Homecoming Parade Float

January 6, 2016 Pol Pinoy 1 Comment

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles ) – The stage in Metro Manla is set for the grand homecoming of Filipina Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach.

Stella Marquez Araneta, chairperson of the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc., (BPCI) today announced that Wurtzbach will be coming home on January 23 , will have a press conference on the 24th and a grand parade on the 25th.

BPCI, the local franchise owner for the Miss Universe pageant, is leaving no stone unturned to make this the biggest and most memorable homecoming for a Filipina international beauty queen ever. The Philippines has waited 42 years for another Miss Universe crown. Margarita Moran won the crown in 1973 while Gloria Diaz won it in 1969.

Marquez said the BPCI is coordinating very closely with Malacañang (the presidential palace) to make the January 25 parade successful. She also announced that Wurtzbach will have a very private audience with President Aquino before the parade. Aquino was rumored to have dated Wurtzbach in early 2015.

As for the parade itself, Marquez said that presidential candidate Mar Roxas — Aquino’s anointed one — will escort the New Miss Universe on the parade float.

It is Malacañang’s hope that this will give Roxas a much-needed boost in the polls. National and Metro Manila surveys have consistently put Roxas at the bottom among the declared presidential candidates, lagging behind Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Grace Poe and Vice President Jejomar Binay (Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago is in 5th place).

In exchange for the privilege of Roxas as the parade escort, Malacañang has promised to donate an undisclosed amount to BPCI to be charged against DAP, the Aquino administration’s controversial and unconstitutional Disbursement Acceleration Program.

Welcome home, Pia!