Category Archives: Government

COMELEC To Purchase Bibs, Shirts And Nike Shoes For Election Inspectors And Staff

April 1, 2016 Pol Pinoy Leave a comment

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will spend more than P26 million for the purchase of “bib vests” for the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) and support staff to wear as uniforms at the polling places during the May 9 elections, plus another P1.2 million for collared shirts for its employees.

The Adobo Chronicles also learned that in addition to the bibs and shirts, COMELEC is also contemplating of providing the inspectors and staff with new pairs of Nike shoes. The cost of the shoes has not been disclosed.

COMELEC spokesperson James Jimenez defended the acquisition of the Election Day uniforms, saying it was aimed at lifting the spirits of those serving in the field. Uplifting the pride of the poll workers by ensuring that they are “attired properly” would help ensure the credibility of the elections, he said.

Jimenez added that the Nike shoes are needed because the inspectors and staff will be doing a lot of walking and running around that day.

Government, Politics

DOTC Secretary Abaya: ‘Vote For Roxas And Robredo So I Can Keep My Job’

April 1, 2016 Pol Pinoy Leave a comment

Abaya, second from left, making his personal appeal to employees of his Department

CEBU CITY, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya on Thursday, March 31, took advantage of his exemption from the campaign ban and urged agency employees in Central Visayas to spread the word about the administration candidates.

In a meeting with regional officials of DOTC agencies, Abaya wrapped up his presentation of the department’s accomplishments by encouraging employees to tell their families and friends to vote for Liberal Party (LP) presidential canddiate Manuel Roxas II and running mate Leni Robredo.

“Nagmamakaawa po ako sa inyo upang hindi ako mawalan ng trabaho. Please lang, iboto ninyo si Roxas at Robredo.” (I am appealing to your sense of pity so that I won’t lose my job. Please vote for Roxas and Robredo.)

The desperate Abaya knows that the only way he can keep his job beyond June this year is for Roxas to be elected president.

Government, Travel

Philippines: Temporary Vehicle License Plates Issued To Solve Shortage

March 31, 2016 Pol Pinoy Leave a comment

LTO temporary plate (Photo credit: Martin T. Aguda, Jr.)

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – First, the Philippines’ Bureau of Customs embargoed some 600,000 imported vehicle license plates because the private consignee has failed to pay about P40 Million in duties and taxes. Then, some P4 Million worth of license plate materials had been reported stolen from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) facilities. Is it any wonder that motorists who have paid for their vehicle license plates have ended up with nothing?

To remedy the worsening license plate situation, LTO chief Roberto Cabrera ordered the issuance of temporary plates to motorists who have earlier made the required payments.

By issuing the order, Cabrera hopes to appease the anger and frustration of thousands of Filipino vehicle owners. To show good faith and remorse over the unfortunate situation, Cabrera said that the temporary plates have no expiry dates, and hence can be used in perpetuity.

Motorists who have yet to receive the plates they have already paid for are advised to go to their nearest local LTO to claim their temporary plates.

The plates come in different colors and are made of unbreakable plastic.