House approves on final reading bill banning cell phone use while driving

By Cynthia D. Balana
Philippine Daily Inquirer


MANILA, Philippines—The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a proposed law prohibiting motorists from using mobile phones while driving.

House Bill No. 4571, to be known as the “Anti-Mobile Communication Devices Use while Driving Act of 2011,” called the ban necessary to promote road safety.

Tarlac Rep. Susan Yap, one of the bill’s authors, said that while cellular phones have become an integral part of both business and personal lives, the alarming figures on cell phone-related accidents have transformed this technological gadget into a dangerous device.

“The danger is not only to the lives and limbs of the general driving public but also to the innocent pedestrians,” Yap said, adding that the necessity of using mobile phones could not prevail over the need to prevent road accidents.

Exempted from the ban are drivers of motor vehicles who use cell phones with the aid of hands-free devices and those that perform urgent, emergency and official functions where such limitations will result in greater injury or impair their performance.

Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales, another author of the bill, said operating cellular phones while driving in some instances and situations would pose not only inconvenience to other people but danger as well.

“While some cities have enacted local ordinances prohibiting its use by drivers, there is a need to institute a similar measure on a nationwide scale to protect life, limb and property,” Gonzales said.

Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop, another author, said multi-tasking behind the wheel would pose danger not only to the driver and his passengers but to other motorists and pedestrians as well.

“Distracted driving, or using a cell phone or other electronic device while driving, particularly texting and reading messages, effectively removes the visual focus of the driver on the road and diminishes his degree of concentration on the safety of his driving,” Acop said.

Under the measure to be known as the “Anti-Mobile Communication Devices Use while Driving Act of 2011,” the use of mobile communications devices while driving a motor vehicle is regulated and penalties are imposed for violation thereof in order to promote road safety.

Motor vehicles include wheeled agricultural machineries, construction equipment and other forms of conveyances, regardless of whether machine, animal or human-powered as long as operated or driven in public thoroughfares under circumstances where public safety is under consideration.

The bill requires the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO), in coordination with related functions as well as the private sectors, to undertake a nationwide information, education and communication campaign for six months from its effectivity.

It also mandates the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other government agencies to render assistance to the implementing agency to carry out its effective implementation.

Violators will be slapped with a P10,000 fine and their licenses will be revoked.

Other co-authors of the bill are Reps. Augusto Syjuco, Jr. (2nd District, Iloilo), Diosdado Arroyo (2nd District, Camarines Sur), Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2nd District, Pampanga), Irwin Tieng and Michael Velarde (Party-list, Buhay), Ma. Theresa Bonoan-David (4th District, Manila) and Roger Mercado (Lone District, Southern Leyte).

Muslims share secrets of their trade

By Tina Arceo-Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer

AMONG the Muslim tribes of southern Philippines, the Maranao of the Lanao provinces have long been known for their entrepreneurial spirit.

They have been buying and selling goods even before colonial powers came to the Philippines and trading has remained a main source of livelihood. Very few of them go into agriculture or other professions.

Such entrepreneurship is put in full display in the thriving Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan City, where 90 percent of the Muslim traders, many of whom have been in Greenhills since the 1980s – are Maranao or “people of the lake.” The remaining 10 percent are either Tausug or from Maguindanao.

Not unlike the Chinese

All are members of the 1,000-strong Greenhills Muslim Traders Association headed by Grand Imam Ahmad M. Dimapuno, which subscribes to a set of business principles not unlike those of the Chinese.

Matanog tells the Philippine Daily Inquirer that like the Chinese, Muslim entrepreneurs can be counted on to provide start-up capital to their fellow Muslims interested in trade. And no interest is charged in keeping with the Shariah law, or the guidelines followed by the Muslims.

“We believe that the reward for helping others put up their own business will come later,” says Matanog, who sells rubber shoes, bags and watches at the Greenhills tiangge section.

“He also says that Muslims have institutionalized “paluwagan” system, under which they contribute regularly to a pool and take turns using the combined funds to start a new business or expand their existing venture.

Matanog says that groups with about 10 members each implement the “paluwagan” system among themselves, and each member can get as much as P500,000 when he gets his turn to use the pooled fund.

Lots of luck

“We consider this fund as a very good capital and will bring a lot of luck to Muslim trader,” he explains.

The Muslim traders are divided into three main groups: Jewelry, cellular phones and general merchandise. Most, however, are in general merchandise with 1,000 stalls, followed by the cellular phone traders (500 stalls) and then 200 stalls for jewelry.

Matanog adds that Muslim traders in Greenhills make sure they maintain a harmonious relationship with their Christian brothers, especially since they account for 80 percent of customers. Foreign visitors comprise another 10 percent and the other 10 percent are fellow Muslims.

“We treat all of our customers with respect and we keep a very good relationship with our sukis or frequent buyers. We do rely heavily on our Christian patrons,” he says.

“Matanog credits the Muslim traders’ success in business to their unity, their desire to help each other succeed in their trade.

Blessings

The traders, for example, change locations every month so that each will get the chance to get prime or corner stalls that get the most customer traffic.

The association is also active in organizing Islamic activities to foster camaraderie among the traders. The more successful members likewise take time to advise others just finding their way into the business.

Matanog shares that in the aftermath of deadly Tropical Storm Ondoy that struck Luzon in September last year, members of the association rounded up money, food and clothing to help the hard-hit families in Marikina, most of whom were Christians.

“We have always believed that if we are one, many blessings will come to us and if people feel safe and secure, they will continue to patronize our products,” he says.

Matanog stresses, however, that not all Muslims succeed in business, even with all the help and guidance provided by fellow Muslim entrepreneurs.

“At the end of the day, he says, it is the Muslim trader’s perseverance, hard work and flair for business that will ultimately determine if he or she will have a flourishing trade.

“Not everyone succeeds in business, in the same way that not all who studied law can be a good lawyer,” Matanog says.