Metrobriefs

Bogus LTFRB staffers offer franchises for P170K

Two women who allegedly posed as government employees were arrested in Quezon City on a complaint filed by a female dentist who said they promised to secure her franchises for UV Express vehicles. Police said Ma. Lourdes Navidad, 57, and Lita Celespara, 37, both of Barangay Pinyahan, claimed they were working for the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and could secure franchise documents for P170,000. The complainant, Ma. Leonora Andaya-Zoleta, said the women promised to produce the papers within two months, but failed and even asked for more money to supposedly expedite the process. Zoleta initially paid them P100,000 on July 15. Two months later, on Sept. 13, she met them again and was assured that she would receive a set of documents first through e-mail. But the e-mail did not come and, when Zoleta asked why, the suspects claimed they would need an additional P70,000. Zoleta grew suspicious and went to the police, who set a trap for Navidad and Celespara at a restaurant on Magalang Street, Barangay Pinyahan, Tuesday morning.  Kamuning police station commander Supt. Limuel Obon said a check with the LTFRB showed that the two women were not employees of the board and that the franchises they were offering Zoleta had already been issued to other vehicle operators. Julie M. Aurelio

Mindoro mayor loses gov’t vehicle in QC theft

A municipal mayor from Occidental Mindoro allegedly lost her government-issued vehicle to thieves on a Quezon City street Thursday morning. Calintaan Mayor Lily Estoya reported the loss of the black 2012 Isuzu Sportivo (SKT 249) which was last parked Wednesday night in front of her relative’s house on Halcon Street, Barangay Sta. Teresita. La Loma police station commander Supt. Osmundo de Guzman said Estoya was in the capital accompanied by 34-year-old son Herbert, who served as her driver, on an official trip. A tricycle driver claimed seeing the vehicle leaving Halcon around 4 a.m. Thursday but never thought it was already being stolen, De Guzman said. Julie M. Aurelio

Greenhills ‘tiangge’ for the budget-conscious

Bargain hunters will have a field day at the ongoing 20th Annual National Antique Show at the Greenhills Shopping Complex where about 2000 stall holders showcase their products and goods. The 25-day show, which runs until Oct. 7, was put up by Prime Asia Trade Planners & Convention Organizers (Patepco). Henry G. Babiera, Patepco president/CEO, offers some tips for budget-conscious shoppers. Babiera suggests tiangge (flea market) shoppers must be in simple attire so they can move easily and be more comfortable. But beware of pickpockets and slashers. They thrive where there is a big crowd. Shoppers can get low-priced goods and services in the tiangge especially if they know how to haggle. First, Babiera says you must have a complete list of items you plan to buy. The purpose of the list is to prevent  impulse-buying. Then check how much cash or credit you can spend. Go around and compare prices. Check the merchandise for rips, dirt or smears. If the seller is still reluctant to sell the merchandise with your offer, pretend to leave or transfer to another booth.

Financial literacy thru comics: ‘Kaching!’

“Kaching! Kaching!,” an illustrated book on financial literacy, will be launched at the University of the Philippines’ Balay Kalinaw on Sept. 21 at 4:30 p.m. Published by BayanKomiks, it is considered a breakthrough project put together by creative young professionals who believe in the power of komiks as a tool for education and business success. With a title that conveys the sound of a cash register, it aims to teach Filipinos how to manage, budget or invest their hard-earned money. The book features 25 stories inspired by the lives of successful individuals who initially met failure but got back on their feet after learning valuable lessons. The illustrated stories come with tips on financial terms, budget equations and investment options. Part of the proceeds from the book launch will go to Curia Sancti Rosarii, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Politics and Philippine Animal Welfare Society. The book’s foreword is by Dr. Dante Velasco, a writer, book reviewer, public relations practitioner and former undersecretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications.