Metrobriefs

New QC trike fares approved

THE QUEZON City government has approved a fare hike for tricycles plying routes in the city. Under the new rates, commuters will be charged a minimum fare of P8.50 for the first kilometer (up from the old rate of P7) and an additional P1 for every succeeding kilometer on regular trips. For special trips, commuters will be charged P17 (up from P14) and an additional P1 for every succeeding kilometer. The fare increase was based on the passage of an ordinance which was signed by Mayor Herbert Bautista on June 23 following its approval by the 26-man city council on third reading. Councilor Raquel Malañgen, who authored the ordinance, said the hikes were necessary to help cushion the impact of the increase in pump prices on the transport sector, especially tricycle operators and drivers. The ordinance also prescribed new fare rates for senior citizens, disabled persons and students who are all entitled to a 20 percent discount.  They will be charged P6.80 centavos for the first kilometer and 50 centavos for every succeeding kilometer for regular trips. For special trips, they will pay P13.60 for the first kilometer plus 50 centavos for every kilometer thereafter. Violators face a P5,000 fine or six months imprisonment or both, depending on the discretion of the court. Julie M. Aurelio

Waterway rehabilitation eyed

THE MANILA City government has issued an executive order creating a committee to rehabilitate Estero de Paco. Based on Mayor Alfredo Lim’s Executive Order No. 17, a group to be composed of city officials and nongovernment organizations will spearhead the development of Estero de Paco and the nearby Paco Market.  They will work on ensuring the sustainability of Estero de Paco in terms of water quality, solid waste management, linear park development and peace and order. Maricris Irene V. Tamolang

Student shot dead in QC

A SENIOR criminology student was shot and killed in broad daylight and in front of witnesses by two men on a basketball court in Barangay Commonwealth on Wednesday afternoon, police said. PO2 Jogene Fernandez of the Quezon City Police District identified the victim as Remark Tan, 19, a resident in the area. Fernandez said the victim was playing basketball with friends when two men on a motorcycle arrived in the area and shot him several times. The gunmen were described as being in their late 20s or early 30s. Nancy C. Carvajal