MetroBriefs: Japanese held over raps by Mandaluyong firm

A JAPANESE national was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) before he could leave for Japan, after a Mandaluyong City-based company sued him for illegal use of alias and reneging on a P12-million deal involving electric tricycles.

Kawauchi Shinsuke allegedly represented himself as Tajima Syuichi in signing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Guevent Investments Development Corp. (Guevent).

The company’s spokesperson, Melchor Amado Jr., said the suspect, who was arrested on Friday and subsequently held at the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) Detention Center in Bicutan, Taguig City, is due to undergo deportation proceedings.

The complaint against the Japanese stemmed from his failure to comply with his commitment to deliver 300 electric-powered tricycles on the date specified under the MOA even though he had already received full payment.

He produced and delivered only 20 units, according to Amado. According to the charge sheet signed by BI Special Prosecutor Victor Andrew Siriban, Kawauchi unlawfully used a name different from the one he registered with the BI upon entry, without judicial authority or any lawful exception.

Based on an earlier complaint filed in the Philippine National Police in May 2015 and verified by the National Bureau of Investigation in June 2015, the complainant also found out that the Japanese was using two passports: one under the name of Kawauchi Shinsuke and another under the name of Tajima Syuichi, both bearing the same passport number.

More ETCs on south tollways; new e-Pass system

MOTORISTS will be seeing more lanes marked “ETC,” or electronic toll collection lanes, to allow them to experience the benefits of the latest technologies in cashless or electronic tolling on the Skyway System and South Luzon Expressway (SLEx).

ETC lanes are primarily for vehicles using the radio frequency identification (RFID) sticker tags that enable faster transaction and safer travel along the Skyway and SLEx.

Motorists can avail themselves of RFID sticker tags at the SLEx Office in Calamba, Laguna province; Skyway Office in Bicutan, Parañaque City, and selected Petron service stations in Metro Manila.

A limited number of free RFID stickers are being issued and motorists are encouraged to avail themselves of this promotion while there are a few units remaining. RFID installations in villages and barangays are also ongoing.

Companies, villages, subdivisions and organizations may also contact the RFID accounts management group for corporate and fleet servicing at (02) 6323886 or (02) 318TOLL(8655), and/or e-mail customercare@skywayslexrfid.com.

For more details and updates, motorist may also visit the RFID website: www.skywayslexrfid.com. Meanwhile, starting April 1, the old e-Pass system will be phased out.

All e-Pass users who want to continue enjoying electronic tolling are requested to convert their accounts to RFID on or before March 31.

For traffic updates, motorists can check out the following twitter accounts: @SkywaySOMCO and @OfficialSlex. They may also call Skyway at 7767777 and Mates at 0917-OURSLEX(6877539) for road assistance.

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