PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER

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1 FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014 B4-1 AAP offers recommendations for Lemon Law's IRR DAVID L. Arcenas T he Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) recently presented the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with several recommendations for possible inclusion in the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the newly-signed Republic Act No , "An Act Strengthening Consumer Protection in the Purchase of Brand New Vehicles," otherwise known as the Lemon Law. The DTI has invited AAP to join the TWG and AAP president Augusto C. Lagman assigned AAP Vice President Juan B. Angeles and Director David L. Arcenas to represent the national auto club at the TWG meetings. Angeles said that aside from what is stated in RA 10642, the manufacturer, distributor, dealer or importer should refund the registration expenses of the buyer of the motor vehicle, apart from the purchase price and collateral charges upon acquiring the unit. To prevent the abuse or misinterpretation of the Lemon Law, Angeles suggested that the manufacturer/distributor/dealer/importer should create a technical committee with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to conduct a thorough check-up and review of the motor vehicle in question. "Getting a qualified and impartial government agency like TESDA involved in the inspection would ensure fairness for all the stakeholders," Angeles said. Furthermore, Angeles said that instead of entitling the buyer to avail himself of his rights under the law after four attempts to repair a defect or condition fail within the 12-month period from the vehicle's delivery or up to 20,000 kilometers of operation after such delivery, it should be after two failed attempts only if the defect or condition involves the vehicle's safety. "We all agree that a brand new vehicle should be roadworthy and safe to operate," Angeles pointed out. "Otherwise, it should be replaced or the buyer should be fully refunded." Angeles also raised several questions regarding the Lemon Law. "If the vehicle breaks down during or after the Lemon Law period due to the fuel used, what redress can the manufacturer, distributor, dealer or importer extend to the buyer?" he asked. Moreover, he proposed that all the stakeholders concerned should clarify what are the modifications that the manufacturer, distributor, dealer or importer approved for the motor vehicle that should be included in the scope of the Lemon Law. Earlier, AAP President Lagman welcomed President Benigno S. Aquino III's signing the Anti-Lemon bill into law as it would ensure that consumers get their money's worth when they buy brand-new motor vehicles. "As the national auto club, we are glad that President Aquino took the time to review and approve the bill as a law. This should increase the sales of new motor vehicles since the law will guarantee car buyers that what they are buying is up to standard in quality. And higher sales volumes will benefit not only the local automotive industry, but also our country's economy," he said. According to Philippine Daily Inquirer business columnist Atty. Raul Palabrica, RA only applies to "brandnew vehicles, or self-propelled, fourwheel road vehicles designed to carry JUAN B. Angeles, Jr. LAYOUT BY JOYCE MARIE B. MONPONBANUA ACCOUNT MANAGER AGGIE PINILI passengers that are constructed entirely from new parts and covered by a manufacturer's express warranty at the time of purchase. In addition, the vehicle should never have been sold, or registered with the Department of Transportation and Communications or appropriate agency or authority, or operated on any highway in the Philippines or foreign country. "Motorcycles, delivery trucks, buses, road rollers, trolley cars, heavy equipment, vehicles that run on rails or tracks, and those used exclusively for agricultural purposes are not covered. A buyer Supplements Head Jong Arcano of a brand new car who thinks his vehicle does not conform with its manufacturer's or dealer's standards or specifications has 12 months from its delivery or up to 20,000 kilometers of operation after such delivery, whichever comes first, within which to avail himself of the remedies provided for in the law. "Noncomformity refers to 'any defect or condition that substantial- ly impairs the use, value or safety' of the vehicle in accordance with the manufacturer's or dealer's standards or specifications that cannot be repaired. "It does not include defects or conditions caused by the buyer's failure to comply with his obligations under the warranty, unauthorized modifications, abuse or neglect of the vehicle, and damage due to accident or force majeure."

2 B4-2 FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014 MAKING MOTORING FUN Motorists penalized for government's inadequacies By Gus Lagman AAP President WHY are motorists being penalized because of government's inadequacies? Let me cite two examples. First, there is the matter of car plates. If you bought a brand-new car today, chances are, you still do not have car plates for it. In fact, this situation has been true for several years now. You have to wait for months before you will be issued plates for your new car. At the time of purchase, only a conduction sticker is issued to you. In theory, however, a conduction sticker is only being issued so you can bring home your car even without plates. For this purpose, the conduction sticker is given a validity of one week. Beyond that, the new car owner either installs car plates, or is not supposed to use the new car at all. Should he be apprehended by a traffic enforcer after that one week, he would be penalized. So what does your car dealer do? He issues you multiple invoices, dated one week apart, so that you would be able to use your new car continuously until you are finally issued your car plates. But wait! Whose fault is it that you were not issued your plates within the first week that you took delivery of your car? The government, isn't it? Specifically, the Land Transportation Office (LTO). So, why do we agree to be apprehended for the failure of government to do its job? Ridiculous, isn't it? What should the process be when you buy a new car? You close the transaction with the car dealer; he tells you to come back after 24 hours; he brings all the necessary documentation to an LTO office; he is issued the car plates; he goes back to his office and installs them on your car. And it's ready for your pick up the following day. Simple, isn't it? But it becomes oh, so complicated because of a government inadequacy. Second is the matter of number coding, or the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP). As we all know, this is being implemented in order to reduce the number of vehicles on Metro-Manila's roads. But what are the consequences? Those who can afford to, buy a second car for use during their numbercoding day. A friend of mine who lives in Ayala-Alabang Village gave me some calculations. He said that there are 4,500 families who live in the subdivision. Each of them would certainly have bought at least one more car for use during the number coding days of any of their cars. If those cars averaged P1 million each, then the village residents alone would have spent P4.5 billion on an asset that might only be used 20 percent of the time. The amount of P3.6 billion (80 percent) turns into an underutilized and unproductive asset. And that's just one residential subdivision! And what about those in the logistics business - those that deliver letters and packages for us? Or those with big fleets of vehicles, like pharmaceutical companies? Let's do the math. If a company operates a fleet of 100 vehicles, because of number coding the company would have to purchase at least 20 more, or, assuming each has a price tag of P800,000, an investment of another P16 million. That money could have been invested in more profitable activities. But what can the government do? There's just no more space to build roads and streets. Truly, the only way would be to reduce the number of vehicles on our roads, they say. But not really. Long ago, the government should have invested in an efficient mass transport system. There is no question that a good subway system is the best solution. By good, I mean the coaches and stations should be fully air-conditioned; there should be a sufficient number of escalators and elevators; they should run on fixed schedules. With that, there would be less need for so many motor vehicles on our roads. Hong Kong did it. Singapore did it. All the mega-cities in the world did it, the first being London in Since it will take years to build a subway, we should start now. In the meantime, other solutions should be implemented like the Bus Rapid System (BRT), which, I understand, will happen very soon. The bottom line is that it really is the duty of government to provide its citizens adequate mobility through an efficient public transportation system. That's one of the reasons we're paying taxes. But who's paying for this government inadequacy? Motorists. 2 nd leg of Philippine Touring Car Championship Series brings more thrills After an actionpacked opening last month, the 2nd leg of the 2014 Philippine Touring Car Championship (PTCC) Series brought more thrills and excitement for the racers as well as the spectators. Last July 27, Rounds 3 and 4 of the PTCC at the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC) left the audience on the edge of their seats as AAP Driver of the Year Carlos Anton and teammate Paolo Mantolino once again dominated the track, taking turns for first place in the two rounds. Anton and Mantolino raced against 14 entries who simultaneously covered the track. The entries comprise all the three divisions, which are divided into 200 horsepower maximum (Division 1), 150 hp maximum (Division 2) and 100 hp maximum (Division 3). ROUND 3 RESULTS In the first round, the winners were Mantolino in Division 1, Dindo de Jesus in Division 2 and Edwin Rodriguez in Division 3. Mantolino placed first in Division 1 after Anton did not finish the race due to a collision with another car. Another expert race driver, Joey Pery, president of the Philippine Race Car Drivers Inc. was excluded from the race results for a technical infringement. The Division 2 results came as a surprise to many when De Jesus was declared the winner after Bong Perez, who passed the chequered flag first, was excluded from the results due to a technical infringement. Joel Portugal and Allan Macaraig placed second and third, respectively, in Division 2. In Division 3, Edwin Rodriguez won first place with his trusty Mazda 2, besting Rhaffy Latorre, who competed in the PTCC for the first time. ROUND 4 RESULTS In Round 4, Anton dominated the 17 laps, successfully defending his title against teammate Mantolino. Perry placed third despite suffering mechanical problems. Richmon dela Rosa, a newcomer in the Division 2 class, added some good points following his first win during the first leg. Perez placed second while Antonio Moncupa took third place. Rodriguez and Latorre took first and second place in Division 3 while Arvin Drueco placed third. After the race, Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) Motorsports Operations Manager Mark Desales said: "The merger of the PTCC and GT series shows that AAP is working hand in hand with race organizers to promote motorsports in the country and to foster good camaraderie among touring car competitors. Congratulations to all winners of the second leg and we look forward to more exciting races." Rounds 5 and 6, the third leg of the PTCC series, will take place at the Clark International Speedway on August For more details and updates, please call the AAP Motorsports Department at or visit the PTCC Facebook page.

3 B4 FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, AAP TAKES A STAND EDITOR'S NOTE: Recent developments affecting motoring and road safety have motivated the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) to take a stand for the interest of AAP members and road users in general. Below are public statements that AAP has accordingly issued. Require New License Plates For Newly Registered Cars Only, AAP Says The Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) has taken the position that the new license plates issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) should be required for newly registered motor vehicles only. The issuance of new license plates with tamper-resistant screws to make their removal difficult is part of the Motor Vehicle Plate Standardization program of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC)'s LTO. About nine million motor vehicle owners will be required to buy the new plates and the LTO expects to complete the transition to new plates within five years. AAP president Gus Lagman said that the LTO should not impose extra expenditures on motorists, given the rising cost of fuel and basic commodities. "With the cost of living ballooning, shelling out four hundred fifty pesos more is the last thing we motor vehicle owners need or want," he said. AAP vice president and advocacies committee chairman Johnny Angeles said that the current LTO license plates of motor vehicles should be retained since paying P450 for the new plates is another unnecessary expense for motorists. "We have all heard about the adage: A penny saved is a penny earned. And four hundred fifty pesos is more than just a penny. The money could be used to buy fuel or for repair and maintenance to ensure the vehicle's safety and roadworthiness," Angeles said. "The government should spare motor vehicle owners the additional burden of having to buy a new license plate. It's like buying things that we already have or do not need." Lagman and Angeles averred that AAP's position versus the mandatory purchase of new plates is supported by Article 3, Section 17 of Republic Act 4136-also known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code - which clearly states " That the identification, numbers and letters of any motor vehicle number plate shall be permanently assigned to such motor vehicle during its lifetime." "Why should we replace our license plates when they are not dilapidated, defaced or broken? As long as they are clear and the letters and numbers are legible, we should be allowed to keep using them," Lagman said. "Aside from the additional expense, the car owner would have to sacrifice a day's pay just to get new license plates at the LTO. The cost of getting a new plate is tantamount to the daily wage of a worker in Metro Manila." Last March, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said that the new license plates should be limited to brand new vehicles up for registration, saying that "It would be a waste of a car owner's money, not to mention his time, if his car plate is still in perfect condition." According to Recto, the DOTC and the supplier of the new plates "will be making a killing by creating a captive market for a product that is not needed in so far as existing cars are concerned." Strictly Enforce Traffic Regulations Near Schools, AAP Urges AAP PRACTICES WHAT IT PREACHES, setting up road signs along the University of the Philippines Diliman Oval. The Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) urged the government to strictly enforce traffic regulations, install pedestrian lanes and post adequate road signs, especially in areas near schools, after GMA News Online reported that an average of 16 pedestrian-related incidents took place daily in 2013 and most of these were in school zones. The four areas in Metro Manila which were identified as most dangerous to pedestrians were Regalado Avenue fronting STI College in Quezon City; Aurora Boulevard fronting the Philippine School of Business Administration (PSBA) in Quezon City; Sucat Road fronting Regis Marie College in Parañaque and Maysan Road fronting Maysan Elementary School in Valenzuela City. According to GMA News, these areas lack traffic lights, speed limits, sidewalks, pedestrian lanes, road signs and barricades. "The figures reported are just for Metro Manila, how many more are the undocumented cases and those in the provinces?" AAP vice president Johnny Angeles said. "The government has to play its part in creating a safer environment on the roads. We have to make Philippine roads safe for motorists, commuters and pedestrians - all road users, especially children." Angeles urged the inclusion of road safety subjects in the school curriculum to educate students on how to be safe road users. "Around 1.3 million people die worldwide due to road accidents, translating to 3,000 road kills daily. Annual deaths due to road crashes are projected to rise to 1.9 million by the year 2020, and this is what the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety is trying to reduce. Out of the 3,000 daily average, 500 are children and the usual age range of victims is between 15 and 29," he said. "These youngsters are the country's future. Arming them with the right information would somehow give them a fighting chance to survive." Traffic Officers Should Be Role Models, AAP tells MMDA And LTO The Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) urged government organizations to police their own ranks first before coming up with controversial ideas on how to promote road safety. AAP president Gus Lagman referred to reports that the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has imposed higher fines on jaywalking in Metro Manila while the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is set to revive the no-plate, no travel policy aside from hiking penalties for traffic violations. According to Lagman, such knee-jerk reactions to traffic and road safety problems do not help. "I believe that existing laws, properly implemented, would address these simple problems. What the country doesn't have right now are enough role models to be seen in those who implement it," Lagman said. The AAP head was referring to traffic officers seen on the road and over the Internet who violate the traffic regulations that they themselves are supposed to enforce. "It is seen over the Internet, on social media, and even on newscasts. Erring traffic officers are almost everywhere. Government agencies should first police their ranks. How can we expect ordinary people, the commuting public and even public utility vehicles drivers to respect the law if they, the law enforcers, disregard it in the first place?" Lagman wondered. "At some point there might be some goodness and wisdom to what they are doing. But to make this effective, they should first discipline officers so that they would be effective, not just with their police powers, but also as role models." According to Lagman, imposing higher penalties could also cause more problems involving dishonest cops. "I have received complaints saying that 'kotong cops' would become more active since they will probably earn more just by trying to apprehend motorists," Lagman said. However, despite this concern, he called on motorists to follow traffic regulations so as to avoid encounters with the "rotten tomatoes" of government agencies. The Metro Manila Council has reportedly approved harsher penalties for those caught crossing major thoroughfares without using footbridges or pedestrian lanes. The fine for jaywalking has been raised from P200 to P500 with the option of rendering three hours of community service. Reports have it that the LTO has increased the usual penalties from P200 to as high as P1,000 for violations such parking in front of a private driveway, allowing passengers to ride the roof of a motor vehicle, failing to dim headlights when approaching another motor vehicle and carrying two or more passengers on a motorcycle, among others. A P2,000-fine will be imposed on reckless drivers, and for succeeding offenses, P10,000 on top of the three-to-six month suspension of the driver's license. A motorcycle rider or passenger who fails to wear a helmet will incur a P1,500-fine for the first offense and P5,000 for every succeeding offense. Those with defective accessories, devices, equipment, and parts such as horns, blinkers, brakes, early warning devics, mirrors, lights, speedometer, wipers, and license plates will face a fine of P5,000, while public utility drivers who refuse to render service to a passenger, not give due discounts, or overcharge, face a P1,000 fine and their operators, P5,000. AAP Supports Tax Breaks for Alternative Fuel Vehicles The Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) expressed support for bills filed in Congress that would grant tax breaks to the manufacturers and importers of alternative-fuel motor vehicles. AAP issued the statement of support after several legislators filed measures providing tax incentives to those who manufacture, assemble, import, convert and/or purchase alternative fuel vehicles such as electric and hybrid cars. Senate Bill (SB) 2856 filed by Senator Ralph Recto and SB 2151 filed by Senator Bam Aquino will exempt from the excise tax for a period of nine years the manufacturers, assemblers and importers of alternative fuel-powered vehicles. AAP President Gus Lagman said that such measures will spur the development of environmentally sustainable mobility and help reduce air pollution in the country. "Congress should prioritize the approval of the bills filed at both Senate and the House of Representatives so as to ensure ample time for them to reach and be finalized in a bicameral meeting and signed into law," he said. He noted that other similar bills almost made the final hurdle in the 15th Congress when both the House and the Senate approved them on third and final reading, but due to lack of time, no bicameral committee was formed to finalize the bills. "We are hoping that this time, our lawmakers will prioritize these bills. The country needs laws that will address problems affecting the environment," Lagman said. Lagman pointed out that such measures are in line with Sec. 16, Article 2 of the Constitution stating the responsibility of each generation as trustee and guardian of the environment for succeeding generations. "These bills give emphasis and importance to protecting the environment and encourage research and development of alternative sources of energy and other technologies, such as hybrid technology, that would lessen our dependence on imported oil," he stressed. "The bills were filed because not only will they have a positive impact on the environment and save dollars used in importing fossil fuels, they will also promote safety and public health in terms of cleaner air." Safety Of Commuters Should Be Given Priority - AAP The Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) expressed concern over the commuting public's safety after the Court of Appeals lifted the six-month suspension of the bus firm G.V. Florida Transport. The bus firm's license was suspended after it figured in a road crash killing 15 people in Sitio Paggang, Barangay Talubin, Bontoc town. AAP Vice President and Advocacies Committee Chair Johnny Angeles said that it seems that road safety was not "thoroughly scrutinized" by the appellate court which failed to take into account the number of casualties in the road crash. "Clearly, there is something that fell out of line here. A report quoting Mountain Province Police Chief Senior Superintendent Oliver Emmodias said that the vehicle may have experienced a mechanical problem while a survivor said that she jumped out of the bus after it seemed to have lost its brakes in the winding downhill approach to Bontoc," Angeles said. "The police chief saw skid marks in the area where the accident occurred, so how could this bus have complied with all the conditions that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has set?" Meanwhile, AAP President Gus Lagman said that the CA's decision to affirm the cancellation of the certificates of public convenience (CPC) covering the 10 Florida buses, one of which figured in the accident where comedian-activist Arvin 'Tado" Jimenez died, is not enough. He said that the sixmonth postponement of the franchise was the least justice that the families of the victims could receive. He added that the LTFRB - through the help of the Senate and the House of Representatives could require public utility bus (PUB) operators and companies to secure a certificate of compliance in line with standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). "They should not just comply with the conditions on paper, the companies should prevent these road crashes from happening, especially when it involves large public utility vehicles like buses," he said. Last June, a news report stated that the CA - in its 18-page decision - lifted the six-month suspension which the LTFRB had imposed, saying that the latter committed grave abuse of discretion when it canceled the 28 CPCs covering the 186 buses "without any factual or legal bases in the absolute absence of a violation or wrong committed." However, the same report said that the CA decided in favor of the LTFRB when it cancelled the CPC covering the 10 other Florida buses that were still under the name of Norberto Cue Sr., because the bus firm failed to file the required application for approval of sale and transfer of the CPC. Actually, a bill mandating the standardization of service rendered by PUV operators is pending in Congress. In the House of Representatives, Rep. Edgar Erice of Caloocan City filed House Bill 4276 to standardize the quality of service rendered by PUB operators and companies. According to Erice, PUBs are privately owned and operated businesses whose services are essential to the general public. They are enterprises which cater to the transportation needs of the public and should be conducive to their comfort and convenience. The said measure - to be known as the "Public Utility Bus Safety Act of 2014" if approved - would compel all public utility bus operators and companies registered and operating in or engaged in the transportation of the commuting public and granted franchises, to secure from accredited certifying agencies a certificate of compliance with the standards set by the ISO. The LTFRB is authorized and mandated to revoke the franchises and deny application or renewal of all public utility bus operators/companies that fail to comply with the set requirements within the period provided. The LTFRB has discretionary authority to grant, for justifiable reasons, a non-extendable grace period of not more than 90 days to comply with the requirement.

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5 B5 FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, AAP proposes creation of a Commercial Driver s License DRIVING a bus or truck requires more skills and aptitude than driving a small vehicle like a car or jeepney. To drive a large commercial vehicle safely, one must be properly trained and pass a test geared to higher standards. Recently, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) published in the newspapers a Request for Information inviting the public to submit suggestions on how to improve the process of issuing the driver s license so as to weed out applicants who are not qualified to drive a motor vehicle safely. The LTO held a forum on the subject last May 15 which was attended by transportation industry stakeholders and the Automobile Association Philippines. At the open forum, AAP Vice President and Road Safety Chairman Johnny Angeles suggested that a fourth driver s license, the Commercial Driver s License (CDL), should be added to the three existing driver s licenses (Student, Non-Professional and Professional). Angeles pointed out that the State of California in America developed the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety program that issues the CDL to make roads safer for all road users. A professional driver can obtain a CDL by taking and passing a test that exceeds federal standards since it takes special skills and aptitude to safely operate large trucks and buses. A CDL is proof that the driver has the skills and aptitude to drive a large commercial vehicle. The following categories are considered as a commercial motor vehicle: (a) has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, (b) a combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds; if the trailer(s) has a GVWR of 10,001 or more pounds; (c) tows any vehicle with a GVWR of 10, 001 pounds or more; (d) tows more than one vehicle or a trailer bus; (e) has three or more axles (excludeing three-axle vehicles weighing 6,000 pounds or less gross); (f) any vehicle (bus, farm labor machine, general public paratransit vehicle, etc.) designed, used or maintained to carry more than 10 passengers including the driver, for hire or profit, or is used by a non-profit organization or group; (g) any size vehicle which requires hazardous material placards or is carrying material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR; and (h) transports hazardous AAP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Who may apply for AAP membership? If you are 18 years of age and interested in motoring, you are qualified. How do I apply for AAP membership? 1. Fill up membership application form 2. Submit one 2"x2" or passport size color ID picture, white background 3. P2,000 membership fee You may fill out the online application in Submit the form with your payment and 2"x2" ID picture at the nearest AAP office or you may it at info@aap.org.ph or fax at Do I have any use for my AAP membership if I am out of the country? AAP membership benefits may be availed of in countries with which we have bilateral agreements such as AAA in the US, or in which we have reciprocity agreements with FIA affiliate clubs. AAP is also part of AAA`s "Show Your Card & Save (SYCS)" network worldwide. You may have already noticed the SYCS logo printed at the back of your AAP membership card. If you happen to visit any of the hundreds of shops in USA, Canada, and Europe bearing the SYSC logo, just present your AAP card and you will be entitled to discounts. How can I pay my AAP membership dues? Payment Options: A. Cash Payment (Pay at AAP offices only) B. Credit cards (BPI Credit Card, Visa Card, Master Card and Diners Credit Card) 1. Available at the AAP main office in EDSA,Quezon City Satellite Office, Alabang Satellite Office, Makati Satellite Office, and Pampanga Satellite Office 2. Type of payment: point of sale using credit card terminal 3. How it works: - Swipe the credit/debit card in the terminal - The cashier will give you the official receipt indicating that you have paid your dues through a credit card C. BDO Bill Payment 1. Available at all BDO Bills Payment facilities in the country 2. Type of payment: over the counter payment system 3. How it works: - Fill out the BDO Bills Payment Slip with the following: a. Company name - Automobile Association Philippines b. Institution code - # 0136 c. Subscriber's acct number Reference # generated by the website for online application or call to get a temporary pin# for payment. d. Subscriber s account name member s full name - Upon teller s validation, the BDO Payment Slip serves as your official receipt For more information on the BDO Bill Payment, visit or call D. BPI s check free payments Types of payment: online payment (Express Online); mobile payment (Express Mobile); phone payment (Express Phone); and ATM payment (Express Teller ATM) How it works: - Enroll your account through phone banking, BPI website or one-time visit to BPI branch of account and enroll your AAP membership number or temporary pin # as your reference number in BPI's Bill Payment Facility - Pay your membership dues using the desired payment options mentioned above Note: Applicable for renewal/old member's with alpha numeric membership number and BPI card holders only or you may call and get a temporary pin # for payment. For more information on BPI payments, visit or call For online application assistance, info@aap.org.ph or call E. Bancnet Online Payment (Allied Bank, Asia United Bank, Chinabank, Chinatrust, Citystate savings, EastWest Bank, Export Bank, Maybank, Metrobank, PBCom, Philipine Business Bank, Philippine National Bank, Philtrust Bank, Postal Bank, PS Bank, QCRB, RCBC, RCBC Savings wastes. Angeles said that the LTO should consider the CDL because of the many road crashes involving trucks and buses driven by those who do not have the training and skills to drive large vehicles safely. In addition to the CDL, Angeles suggested that a professional driver should undergo: (1) Red Cross training on First Aid, rescue and response Bank, Robinsons Bank, Security Bank, Standard Chartered, Sterling Bank of Asia) How it works: 1. Fill up the online membership form and select Bancnet Online Payment in the payment instruction section then click submit. 2. Choose the bank for payment on the Bank dropdown box then click submit. 3. Enter the pertinent card details such as the ATM card number, pin number and account type at the form then click pay. 4. The confirmation window will appear containing all your payment details. This will serve as your transaction receipt and proof of payment. Click continue to finalize your transaction. 5. Copy or print the reference and sales invoice number in the AAP acknowledgement window should you inquire on the status of your online application. F. Check payment (payable to "Automobile Association Philippines") G. Collector's pick-up You may call to LAYOUT BY JOYCE MARIE B. MONPONBANUA ACCOUNT MANAGER AGGIE PINILI Supplements Head Jong Arcano procedures in emergency situations since the driver is usually the first person present in an emergency; and (2) drug testing, including those applying to renew their license. Angeles expressed optimism that with the issuance of the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, there will be less road crashes. schedule for pick-up within Metro Manila. What car models are entitled to be enrolled? How many? In a roadworthy condition, any four-wheel, LTO registered, privately-owned and light vehicles, regardless of its model and mileage, can be enrolled. Regular members are entitled to register two cars while, one car for associate members. Can I enroll my motorcycle under my membership? Motorcycles can be enrolled but are entitled to LTO Registration Assistance service only. ERS or "towing" services are limited to 4-wheel vehicles only. Can I be an AAP member even if I am already a member of another auto club? AAP membership is open to everybody including those who are already members of other automobile clubs such as Volkswagen Club, Vintage Car Club of the Philippines, Vios Car Club, etc.

6 B5-2 FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014 PHILIPPINES DEMONSTRATES OFFICIALS PROGRESS AAP achieves progress towards Excellence award in Officials Programme T he Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) has achieved the second-level of accreditation in the FIA Institute's Officials Programme after demonstrating significant progress in the training and development of motor sport officials. AAP has successfully applied for grants from the Motor Sport Safety Development Fund over the last three years for projects relating to officials training. As a result, it has built a successful training platform to develop its own network of motor sport officials and to reduce reliance on using marshals from outside the country. AAP Motorsports Chairperson Jose Armando Eduque said: "This award is the result of three executive years of close collaboration among the FIA Institute, the Confederation of Australian Motorsports (CAMS) and AAP. "It is an affirmation that AAP is capable of training and developing Philippine motorsport officials to international standards as set by the FIA. It is recognition of the competence and excellence of our Filipino racing officials" Mr. Eduque added. AAP has worked closely with the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS), an FIA Institute Regional Training Provider (RTP), which has helped to create training materials, modules and schemes to improve the competency of officials. It has also strengthened the structure of the ASN's training department and implemented a number of new policies and procedures. "We would like to especially thank CAMS and its training crew who have travelled many miles in the air and over land to spend many weekends over the past three years to assist AAP in creating an international-grade training and licensing program for our officials," Mr. Eduque said. AAP President Augusto C Lagman said: "This is the result and culmination of three years of hard work. We would like to thank CAMS very much for assisting us along this road. Most especially, we would like to thank the FIA Institute for providing AAP the support without which this accreditation and the elevation of the skills and know-how of our Philippine motorsports officials to international standards would not have been possible." AAP has developed its own licensing system that is being used to endorse all new officials that it trains - the ASN has already licensed 70 officials under this system. In a further demonstration of progress, it has developed a structure that has been implemented to enable officials to upgrade from one level to the next, as well as creating an online entry-level training course for new officials. In addition, AAP has created a new Train the Trainer module, which offers officials displaying the most potential to be selected to learn the various teaching methods to become experts in their field and qualified trainers themselves. This in turn will enable them to help train other motor sport officials and to grow the network across the country. FIA Institute President Gérard Saillant said: "This demonstrates the huge importance of RTP collaborations for developing FIA clubs. Recently, we have seen increased interest from clubs to work with RTPs and to seek accreditation, which will help to raise standards in motor sport across the world." Mr. Eduque in addition said that: "AAP thanks and congratulates our dedicated motorsport officials who sacrificed their considerable time to undergo the training program for three years, motivated only by their love of motorsports and the desire to upgrade their skills. Mabuhay kayong lahat!" Currently there are 26 applications for accreditation in the Officials Programme that are being assessed, many of which involve collaboration with an RTP. RTPs are ASNs that have been accredited at the highest level in the FIA Institute's Officials Safety Training Programme and then appointed to help others achieve this standard worldwide for the whole FIA community. 6th IRAP Asia Pacific Workshop held in Manila THE 6th International Road Assessment Program (irap) Asia Pacific Workshop was held on June 24, 2014 at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) main auditorium with delegates from China, India, Australia/New Zealand and the Philippines reporting on progress made in the road safety projects of their respective countries. irap is a registered charity dedicated to saving lives through safer roads. irap works in partnership with government and non-government organizations to inspect highrisk roads and develop Star Ratings and Safer Roads Investment Plans, provide training technology and support that will build and sustain national and local capability, track road safety performance so that funding agencies can access the benefits of their investments casualties. The program is the umbrella organization for EuroRAP, AusRAP, usrap and KiwiRAP. Road Assessment Programs (RAP) are now active in more than 70 countries throughout Europe, Asia Pacific, North, Central and South America and Africa. It is financially supported by the FIA Foundation for the Automobile and Society and the Road Safety Fund Projects receive support from automobile associations, regional development banks and donors. It is aligned with the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety initiated by the FIA Foundation. As the only FIA affiliate in the Philippines, the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) played a key role in establishing an irap project that would help to make Philippine roads safer. To supervise the project, an Inter-Agency Steering Committee was organized with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Assistant Secretary Maria Cristina Cabral as chairman, Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Assistant Secretary Dante Lantin as vice chairman and AAP Vice President Johnny Angeles and Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership (PGRSP) Secretary General Alberto Suansing as members. In October 2010, the steering committee signed a Memoran- dum of Agreement whereby irap would receive financing from the World Bank Global Road Safety Facility and the ADB to assist the DPWH in assessing the safety of some 4,400 kilometers of roads. The project would employ the irap methodology assigning road safety star ratings to the roads for vehicle occupants, motorcyclists and pedestrians, develop recommendations for the high return of investments in safety and engineering, and train local stakeholders. The irap Asia Pacific Workshop at the ADB last June was headed by irap CEO Rob Mclnerny, irap Asia Pacific Regional Director Greg Smith and irap Senior Road Safety Engineer Luke Rogers. Speaking for the Philippines, DPWH Assistant Secretary Cabral said that the steering committee has initiated the improvement of the 7.3 km-long Agoo Road in Baguio as the Philippines' Road Safety Demonstration Corridor pilot project. The corridor is located in La Union province in Region I and Benguet province in the Cordillera Administrative Region and stretches up to 44.2 irap Asia Pacific Regional Director Greg Smith (center) at the 2014 Asia Pacific Road Safety Seminar with irap Chief Executive Officer Rob McInerney (left) and Department of Public Works and Highways Assistant Secretary Maria Catalina Cabral. kilometers. Target date of completion is in Cabral said that Agoo Road was chosen because of the twostar rating it got from irap and because of the numerous road crashes that have occurred there. "We talked to Local Government Units to support this project," she added. According to Cabral, the irap project was "initially implemented to provide a network level assessment of road safety across more than 6,000km of roads, and to determine an investment program to implement countermeasures to improve the irap Star Ratings." "Given that this is a new approach to managing road safety in the Philippines, it was considered prudent to kick off the program through three demonstration corridor projects. The funding earmarked for the first of these amounts to P195 million," Cabral said. She affirmed that AAP's role is "to provide leadership, commitment and support for the project; facilitate actions required for its success; review its results and propose directions for the future of irap in the Philippines; aside from leading the longer-term implementation of irap recommendations." AAP-led PGRSP Hosts Asia Pacific Road Safety Seminar THE Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership Inc.(PGRSP) headed by the Automobile Association Philippines hosted the Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP) Asia Pacific Road Safety Seminar on June 23-24, 2014 at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) main auditorium focusing on "Improving Road Safety for Our Children" in line with the theme for the Third UN Global Road Safety Week in May Over 300 road safety experts, government officials, transport specialists, educators and multisectoral and international development agency executives from the region gathered to share ideas, initiatives and best practices to help reduce road deaths and injuries among vulnerable road users and to stimulate support and action around the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety The speakers included GRSP Chief Executive Officer Dr. Pieter Vienter, ADB Southeast Asia Department Director General James Nugent, FIA Foundation Director of Campaigns and Communications Avi Silverman, Philippine Red Cross Sec- nerships that are engaged in front-line good practices and road safety interventions in countries and communities throughout the world. AAP AND PGRSP AAP Vice President Johnny Angeles (extreme right, first row) and other delegates to the 2014 Asia Pacific Road Safety Seminar on June at the ADB, among them GRSP CEO Dr. Pieter Vienter (2nd from right, first row) retary General Dr. Gwendolyn Pang, World Health Organization Violence and Injury Protection Technical Officer Jon Passmore, UNESCAP Transport Division Policy and Development Chief Peter O'Neill and ADB Transport Specialist Nana Soetantri. The topic of Child Road Safety Issues in the Region was tackled by Cambodia Department of Transport Deputy Director General Choun Voun, Indonesia Brigadier General of Police Naufa Yahya and Bangladesh University of Engi- neering and Technology Dr. Md. Mazharul Hoque. Global and regional updates on the Decade of Action for Road Safety were presented by Asia Injury Prevention Foundation Executive Director Mirjam Sidik and Australian Road Research Board General Manager Peter Damen. The Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP) was formed in 1999, dedicated to the sustainable reduction of road-related deaths and injuries in low- and middle-income countries which suffer 90 per cent of the 1.3 mil- lion fatalities and 50 million serious injuries that arise every year from road crashes. Hosted by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the GRSP is governed through a constitution approved by the Steering Committee of members. The members of the GRSP are leading multiand bilateral development agencies, governments, civil society organizations and business corporations. The GRSP's role is to create and support multi-sectoral road safety part- At one of the afternoon workshops, Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) President Gus Lagman, who chairs the Philippine chapter of the Global Road Safety Partnership, said that the Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership was launched in AAP hosts the PGRSP secretariat in its office. Together with partner government agencies and other NGOs, the PGRSP organizes projects and seminars to promote road discipline and public awareness of the vital importance of road safety. One of these projects is the Safe-TKids Flash Cards Program launched in February 2011 at five selected public elementary schools in Manila in coordination with the Department of Education, Department of Transportation and Communication, Metro Manila Development Authority and Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation. The flash cards depict different road safety scenarios to help Grade 5 students understand the road environment, basic traffic regulations, good road safety habits and road discipline. Another AAP-PGRSP project is the establishment of Children's Road Safety Traffic Parks dubbed as the "Going for Road Safety in the Philippines" campaign. The pilot project involves the road safety assessment of 3.98 kilometers of Quirino Avenue in Parañaque along four barangays. Lagman said that the GRSP projects for 2014 onwards will be the continuation of Traffic Enforcers Training and the implementation of Road Safety Modules for the youth through the Parañaque Development Foundation.. At the end of the day, the 2014 Asia Pacific Road Safety Seminar resulted in a heightened sense of connection, an enhanced understanding of the potential of the GRSP network and focused enthusiasm to build on the foundations and expand in-country partnerships to further improve the quality of life where we live and work.

7 FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014 B5-3 ROAD SAVVY The Quiet Technology By Aida Sevilla Mendoza R ECENTLY, I got to test drive the latest iteration of a compact car that was touted as bristling with cutting-edge technology. Imagine my surprise and disappointment when I heard a thump coming from the trunk whenever I stepped on the brake pedal or drove slowly over a road hump. I opened the trunk, but it was empty save for the spare tire under the cargo floor and the jack inside a compartment on the right side of the trunk. The spare tire and the jack were securely attached to their respective storage places, so they couldn t have caused the thumping noise. Was it a defective shock absorber? A loosely mounted rear tire? The distributor promptly replaced the car with another brand-new unit, but it also annoyed my ears with an occasional thump coming from the back. Whatever caused the thumping sound, it affected my appreciation of that model car which has a price tag of well over a million pesos. The incident reminded me of an article I read in The Wall Street Journal last January in which the author, Jeff Bennett, notes that the more auto makers succeed in muting sounds coming from the outside, such as engine and road noise, the more drivers hear the irritating little squeaks, rattles and drones on the inside. So car manufacturers are going to new lengths to quiet their vehicles interiors. Whereas before a hushed, quiet ride used to be a bragging right exclusive to luxury cars and a sign of a car s refinement, nowadays the quest for quiet has trickled into more mass market vehicles, Bennett points out. More owners are bringing in their new vehicles for repairs after hearing noises, even when nothing is operationally wrong. This hurts the perception of a car s quality while driving up warranty costs for auto makers. In the United States, the problem has given rise to quiet labs popping up around the car industry, Bennett writes. One is the sound-testing facility in Troy, Michigan that cost Mahle Behr more than a million dollars to develop. It includes two acoustic rooms built on shock absorbers to stop noise from bleeding in through the ground. In one of these rooms, the skeleton of a car cockpit is connected to a massive air chamber while a tripodmounted microphone records and measures every sound to which an acoustic validation manager listens. Then he reviews visual representations of the sounds on the computer to target problems. So far, the Mahle Behr team has compiled a database of more than 1,000 noises ranging from low, throaty rumbles to a high-screeching whistle or chirp tone. They use the database with computer software to help identify which sounds need muffling and which noise levels the human ear does not like and therefore has to be turned down. Another way to overcome sounds is to mask them, Bennett reports. In the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid and the 2014 Cadillac ELR, active noisecancellation technology electronically draws information from ceiling-mounted microphones to detect and zap unwanted exterior and interior sound. When microphones pick up the sounds of the ELR s gasoline engine kicking in after the car has ceased silently running on electric, a microprocessor sends out a bandwidth of low frequency through the car s audio system to cancel out that noise. Noise cancellation engineers say the day will come when a car owner can flick on a white noise option. But there are sounds that are welcome, like the thump of a closing door or lock that conveys the quality of the vehicle. Lockmaker Kiekert AG, which supplies latch systems to brands like Mercedes-Benz and Bentley, "Both the auto industry and consumers believe that the quieter the interior of a car is, the better must be its quality". has an acoustic lab in Wixom, Michigan where thousands of different door locking sounds have been recorded from its own products and those of its competitors. Bennett quotes Kiekert s U.S. operations vice general manager, Mike Hietbrink, as saying: A high-frequency sound you get from metal hitting metal is usually perceived as bad because the tingy sound is annoying to the human ear. A lower sound like a closing bank vault is considered more acceptable. Indeed, the growth of the noise cancellation industry underscores what both the auto industry and consumers believe: the quieter the interior of a car is, the better must be its quality. Reprinted with permission from AQ Magazine

8 B5-4 FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014 Female racersout in force in World Rallycross Championship T he Swedish round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship saw the series largest ever female entry, as eight women competed across the championship s various categories. Topping the bill in the Supercar category, at her home event, was Ramona Karlsson. The FIA Women in Motorsport Commission member joined the series at the start of this year following a successful career in rallying and at the Höljes circuit she powered her Per Eklund Motorsport Saab 9-3 Supercar to her first heat win. What a great feeling to win in front of the home audience, and with over 30,000 spectators, she said of her victory. I had goose bumps all over when I opened the door and THE eight female racers who lined up for the Swedish round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship in Höljes recently. heard the crowd. However, despite the win the Swede was not happy with the pace of her car in the following rounds. I m at least one second per lap slower than I expected and that s way too much. I m not satisfied at all, and at the same time a bit confused. We need to analyse why I lose so much time. The dissatisfaction and the desire to investigate the cause of her car s lack of pace led Karlsson to withdraw from the following round in Belgium in mid-july. She hopes, however, to return to action at Germany s Estering circuit in September. It was a big shame. I was really looking forward to race at the Circuit Jules Tacheny in Mettet [Belgium] but we need to investigate what the problem is and come back even stronger at the next competition. Speaking of her involvement in the new championship Ramona added: Rallycross is a good sport for women because it isn t as physically demanding as rallying because the races are short. Yes, women are built differently but World Rallycross is a mental sport it s not just about physical strength. It s all about knowing when to take risks and women can make those sort o decisions just as well as men can. Elsewhere, 20year-old Lina Marie Holt lined up in the Super1600 class in a Peugeot 207. In her third year in rallycross, the Norwegian driver is following firmly in her family s footsteps. I was initially attracted to rallycross because my dad has competed in the sport for a number of years, so I followed him when I was younger, she said. I ve received a great deal of positive support from everyone since I ve been racing. I strongly believe girls are just as good at motorsport. Also racing in the Super 1600 class was Lise Marie Sandmo. The 20-year-old Norwegian, who is in her fourth year of competition, and who two years ago won the Norgescup Rallycross junior series in her home country, races a Volkswagen Polo and she too was drawn to the sport through a family connection. I m from a family of rallycross drivers my dad (Jonny) was very successful, my grandparents competed and my brother (Christian) does too, she said. I think women have better reactions than men, she added. Women also look for perfection and they can really concentrate on something they want to improve on, which I think is a skill we have more than men. In the Touring Car category was Camilla Anderson, also from Norway, from whom motorsport is all about the passion of competition. I love competing amongst the men. They are very competitive but it just encourages me even more. That s what I love about motor sport there s always a lot of passionate people who are very competitive, said the 25-year-old who races a Ford Fiesta VII. I don t think it s any different being a woman, I guess you have to be confident to be amongst so many men but I like this competition. The youngest female competitor to race in Höljes was 17-year-old Ada Marie Hvaal. The Norwegian is in her second year of competition and races a Peugeot 207 in the Super 1600 class. She is also the cousin of Supercar driver Alex Hvaal, who is the team-mate of former FIA World Rally Championship winner Petter Solberg in the PSRX Team. My dad and both of my cousins have been competing in rallycross for many years so it just made sense that I did it too, she said. The attention has been very positive, I think I do get extra attention being female but it s not negative at all. My ultimate goal is to become a rallycross champion. Also competing in Höljes were regular Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup racer Mikaela Åhlin- Kottulinsky, who raced in the RX Lites Cup, Sandra Hultgren, who also lined up in the RX Lites Cup and Mandie August from Germany, who raced in the Super1600 class in a Skoda Fabia II. Reprinted from AUTO+WOMEN IN MOTOR SPORT August 2014 issue