The 2018 accident report of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) bristles with very interesting facts that many of us can learn from.
There were 116,906 road accidents with 394 deaths and 17,891 injuries last year. The figures were lower than those in previous years.
The report says out of 394 deaths last year, motorcycle riders accounted for 53 percent or 212 fatalities. Of the 212 killed, 154 were drivers, 36 were passengers while the rest were pedestrians.
Also, C-5 is now the top killer highway for 2017 and 2018 with 27 deaths recorded last year. Edsa followed with 21 deaths; Roxas Boulevard accounted for 17; McArthur Highway, 11, and erstwhile perennial leader Commonwealth Avenue had only 10 deaths, apparently due to the Metro Rail Transit 7 construction.
Edsa, however, had the lion’s share of road accidents with 17,276 cases, more than double the 8,252 cases on C-5.
Although there is a decline in the number of accidents and deaths, authorities should aim for zero casualty. It is not impossible if MMDA, the Philippine National Police, Land Transportation Office, Department of Public Works and Highways and local government units work together.
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During an interview with Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez on Monday over Inquirer 990 Television/Radyo Inquirer, I suggested that “discounted and safety-checked school supplies” be sold in public schools during the nationwide launching of “Brigada Eskwela” every year. He said it was an “excellent” idea and promised to take immediate action with the Department of Education.
I also informed Education Undersecretary Tonisito Umali about my idea. He vowed to implement it ASAP.
This is what I love about working in media: informing the public through constructive engagement and criticism and helping our leaders solve public service bottlenecks.
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Who is this newly elected legislator whose former driver yielded rifles in a buy-bust operation and later tested positive for “shabu?” This was during PNoy’s time.
This driver was very close to the legislator, triggering talks in their province that they were “drugmates.” Can you imagine this guy becoming one of Congress’ top guns?
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Who will be the next PNP chief after Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde?
He mentioned three possible successors: Police Major Gen. Guillermo Eleazar of the National Capital Region Police Office, directorial staff chief Police Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan, and deputy chief for operations Police Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa.
Which candidate fits the Bato-Albayalde handling of the war on drugs?
Which candidate will President Duterte choose? That’s my topic next week. Abangan!
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Tune in to the “Banner Story” radio-TV show, Monday-Friday, 6-9 a.m., on dzIQ (990AM), ABS-CBN TV Plus Channel 30. E-mail jakejm2005@
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