Latest news is that TR3 may open at the end of the month, at the earliest. Tapos na repair work but they have to go through an administrative process, including publication of the toll rates.

What! mauuna pa yung Toll Increase

SC might decide on TRO vs tax on toll fees Friday


By Tetch Torres
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 15:33:00 08/12/2010

Filed Under: State Budget & Taxes, Road Transport


MANILA, Philippines—The Supreme Court might decide by Friday if it will issue a temporary restraining order against the imposition of value added tax on toll fees.

Chief Justice Renato Corona is waiting for the recommendation of the justice assigned to the case, said high court spokesman Jose Midas Marquez.

"Hopefully by tomorrow, the Chief Justice, in behalf of the court will decide whether or not a TRO will be issued for confirmation if ever by the en banc on Tuesday,” Marquez said.

“So there is still time to act on it," he said.

Petitions have been filed before the high tribunal to stop the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Toll Regulatory Board from imposing taxes on toll fees beginning Monday.

may road user's tax na may VAT pa. ano ba naman yan. IN other countries, expressways are free, not tollway...

may road user's tax na, may VAT pa, double na yan ah. In other countries, expressways are free.

VAT on toll fees still a go Monday, BIR chief tells Senate


By Maila Ager
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 16:01:00 08/12/2010

Filed Under: Road Transport, State Budget & Taxes


MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE) The 12 percent value added tax on highway toll fees will push through on Monday despite opposition by some senators and a case filed before the Supreme Court questioning its legality, Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares said on Thursday.

“Yes,’ Henares told the Senate committee on ways and means Thursday when asked by its chairman, Senator Ralph Recto, if she would still push through with the VAT imposition on toll fees.

“As of now, unless there are some changes, then there will be VAT on tolls on Monday,” she said.

“So good luck to you and to all our motorists,” Recto responded.

Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Henares said only the Supreme Court could stop the BIR from implementing the VAT toll fees.

Henares insisted there was nothing illegal with the VAT since there was no expressed provision in the law exempting toll fees from tax.

“As far as BIR is concerned, we’re reading the tax law, like I said, the general principle is everyone is subject to tax unless you can point to one expressed provision of the law,” she said.

“Now, there’s no expressed provision in law exempting tolls so we don’t have any choice but to subject tolls to VAT,” she stressed.

The VAT on toll fees, the BIR chief said, was being implemented in Europe and South Africa.

Recto, in a press conference, said he was no longer surprised that the BIR was sticking to its plan because postponing it would only cause an embarrassment for the agency.

“If they are not gonna budge for Monday, posibleng kahiyaan na e [it’s possibly out of pride], especially it’s already in the Supreme Court. So the next debate is there I supposed,” he said.

But the senator remained hopeful Malacañang or President Benigno Aquino III himself would intervene and order a review of the VAT on toll fees.

In fact, Recto even encouraged the President to come to Congress if the government wanted to raise more revenues.

“If the President needs revenues, let him come to Congress. We are allies. We can find ways and means to raise revenue despite saying he wants less burden on the public as well. There are many things that can be done,” he said.

At this point, Recto underscored that there was no “urgent need” to impose VAT on tolls fees.

Palace dead set on taxing roadway toll fees


By Cathy C. Yamsuan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:53:00 08/12/2010

Filed Under: State Budget & Taxes, Road Transport


MANILA, Philippines—There is no stopping Malacañang from implementing the value-added tax on road toll fees.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda insists the VAT on toll fees is provided by existing law, only that its collection was deferred by the previous administration.

But since the new government intends to use the VAT for social services, Lacierda said there is no reason why it should not be implemented.

He added that President Benigno Aquino III cannot be faulted for a law that existed before his administration, this following reminders that he promised during his campaign that he would not allow the creation of new taxes.

“It has been deferred by the previous administration,” the spokesperson said, referring to the toll VAT. “But (it) is a tax that should have been collected before. So, in our opinion it is not a new tax…. Unless otherwise restrained by the Supreme Court, it will be collected. It is not a new tax, let me emphasize.”

As it is, a case has already been filed in the Supreme Court asking for a temporary restraining order on the toll VAT implementation.

Until such time the high tribunal issues one, “the VAT on the toll would still be a go. Unless, otherwise directed,” Lacierda said at a news conference.

He added that President Aquino cannot be faulted for the toll VAT since its implementation “has been the position of the (Bureau of Internal Revenue) even prior to this administration.”

Besides, Lacierda said, Malacañang intends to earmark the toll VAT collections for pro-poor programs.

“We would not be like the previous administration whose tax collections just went to this and that. It is clear that all tax collections now would be channeled to genuine programs,” he said.

“We are looking right now at all the programs that are working, that are doable... and use all these revenues for social services, for the alleviation of poverty. We are aware that it would be painful to the motorist but be reminded that we intend to stick to our campaign promise of good governance and alleviation of poverty,” Lacierda added.

bakit si X PGMA nagawa niyang huwag muna magpataw ng ganitong evat sa toll expressways since 2005.

bakit kay noynoy, eto daming nagtataasan. kasi gusto nila daw makalikom ng pondo dahil daw walang pera ang pilipinas?

siguro matutuloy na din ang vat mula sa mga text messaging. naku pwede! pwedeng mangyari yon.

Recto questions BIR move to round off VAT on toll



Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:58:00 08/13/2010

Filed Under: State Budget & Taxes, Government, Consumer Issues, Travel & Commuting


MANILA, Philippines—Sen. Ralph Recto Thursday questioned the unilateral move of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to round off the value-added tax (VAT) on toll to the nearest peso, which he said was illegal.

Revenue Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares, however, felt that the issue was trivial.

“If you want to line up to get the exact change from toll fees, it will cause a one-hour traffic. Everything is not an exact science, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) is trying to be accommodating. You cannot please everyone, this is the best way,” Henares said at the hearing of the Senate ways and means committee.

Recto said there was also the question of receipts for drivers and commuters who planned to reimburse their VAT payments.

The BIR normally does not require official receipts with the names of taxpayers for small amounts, according to Henares.

Sen. Franklin Drilon pointed out that Henares’ claim that the excess collection from rounding off the VAT on toll would be placed in an escrow account to be managed by the TRB was illegal.

“The toll fees collected are public funds and only Congress can appropriate public funds. This is an illegal exaction and worse an illegal disbursement,” Drilon said. Gil Cabacungan Jr.

^Masamang balita iyan, Palibhasa may bas bas iyan ni PNOY , noong panaho ni PGMA walang toll increase ang nagaganap, paano na yung mga infra na pinangako nya, Expext ko yung NLEX extension, cavite express way at TR4. ay matutupad lahat.:nuts: :nuts:

^Posible ang sinabi mo , kaya lang ang TR4 , ang imposible magawa.:nuts:

^TR4 will eventually be built... maybe just not in our lifetime... :nuts:


Hope springs eternal ...

There's no need to have a special provision for TR4 so you won't see anything. Besides, the connection to TR4 will not be sa dulo. It will be closer to the Ayala Greenfields area.

Hope keeps me feeling young... :)

Thanks for the interesting info, will there (Greenfields) be some kind of an interchange there just in case a portion of TR4 gets to be built?

... im looking forward to TR4. though matagal pa. But when its done, Lucena will benefit much, and probably catch up with the progress and developments in Batangas City and Lipa City as well. You see, with the connection of Star and Slex, travelling from manila to batangas is seamless. And that will happen too, to Lucena.

musta link open na ba???

musta link open na ba???

^^ :ohno:Still closed as of this morning...

^^ baka hindi na bubuksan yan hindi natuloy ang toll hike kasi

^^ baka hindi na bubuksan yan hindi natuloy ang toll hike kasi

I agree. It's now doubtful if TR3 will be opened till after the TRO is lifted.

^^ Sa tingin ko nga.

Iniisip ng MTD ay "Ano kayo, sinuswerte??? Ayaw nyo nga kami bayaran sa puhunan namin tapos bubuksan pa namin tong link ng libre padin???" :lol:

^^ Sa tingin ko nga.

Iniisip ng MTD ay "Ano kayo, sinuswerte??? Ayaw nyo nga kami bayaran sa puhunan namin tapos bubuksan pa namin tong link ng libre padin???" :lol:

If MTD will be allowed to charge even the current low toll rate of P0.82 per vehicle-km, it will be to their financial advantage to open TR3. They will have to advertise that and my guess is that once they do, Atty. Ernesto Francisco will ask the SC to issue a TRO on the toll collection. If the SC is consistent, they will grant the TRO. Ergo, TR3 will not be opened.

There's still a chance that it will be opened, even before the lifting of the TRO, but I wouldn't bet on it.

My guess for best scenario for time to lift the TRO - 3 weeks.

Worst scenario - 1 year, because the SC has to resolve 5 petitions questioning the legality of the toll road franchises that the TRB granted to NLEX, Skyway and SLEX.

^^ 1 year??? Wow. Question ulit, what is this legal mumbo jumbo on the legality of TRB on granting toll road franchises?

Pero sabi ni P.Noy said that the toll hike on SLEX must continue kasi meh contract/ commitment ang Government sa Malaysian investor. Ang malalagay sa freezer ay ang VAT sa toll fees.

^^ 1 year??? Wow. Question ulit, what is this legal mumbo jumbo on the legality of TRB on granting toll road franchises?

Pero sabi ni P.Noy said that the toll hike on SLEX must continue kasi meh contract/ commitment ang Government sa Malaysian investor. Ang malalagay sa freezer ay ang VAT sa toll fees.

This is not the call of the President. The SC has issued a TRO on the increase of the toll rate at SLEX and has linked the TRO to the resolution of 5 petitions pending at the Supreme Court, mainly questioning the authority of TRB to issue a toll road franchise. The basic issue is that only Congress can grant a franchise. However, there are cases when Congress delegates this authority. The contention is that this authority has been delegated to the TRB, provided that the President confirms the franchise - this is what the TRB charter (PD 1112) states. However, since PD 1112 was issued by Marcos at a time when he was also the legislator (under martial law), it is argued that "President" refers to the lawmakers (which at this time is Congress).

That is the main issue but there are other side issues. It is a very complex case and there are so many petitioners and respondents. That is why it may take a very long time for the SC to resolve it. In the meantime, since the SC has linked the TRO to the resolution of this case, the TRO can drag.

As an aside, in case the SC rules against TRB, that means that NLEX, Skyway and SLEX all do not have authority to collect toll. You can imagine the chaos that would cause, especially among toll road investors and their financiers. You can also imagine the repercussions this would have on our image internationally.

I hope this is resolved the soonest. This is looking like another NAIA 3 in the making. Government should be treading lightly here.

From a reliable insider, this confirms what we already know:

"The road is ready but the company is hesitant to open it because the toll fee issue is in limbo after the SC TRO. The investors aren't sure when and if they can recover the capital they have sunk in both the rehab of SLEX and the making of the link to STAR."

It's just frustrating that Vilma Santos and her entourage can go through it and we can't.:mad2:

Sorry. Double post. I can't find the delete option.

From a reliable insider, this confirms what we already know:

"The road is ready but the company is hesitant to open it because the toll fee issue is in limbo after the SC TRO. The investors aren't sure when and if they can recover the capital they have sunk in both the rehab of SLEX and the making of the link to STAR."

It's just frustrating that Vilma Santos and her entourage can go through it and we can't.:mad2:

just drove slex this morning going to los banos. operational na finally ang calamba plaza nila. we are now paying at the new toll plaza. parang nicols plaza ang set up. bali 2 ang plaza to divide the volume of traffic. may queing pa rin makikita. pero it is understandable naman kasi, new equipments are being used. so nangangapa pa ang lahat. question is what are they going to do with the old eye sore calamba plaza and the balance of works nila in between the new toll plaza at calamba?

just drove slex this morning going to los banos. operational na finally ang calamba plaza nila. we are now paying at the new toll plaza. parang nicols plaza ang set up. bali 2 ang plaza to divide the volume of traffic. may queing pa rin makikita. pero it is understandable naman kasi, new equipments are being used. so nangangapa pa ang lahat. question is what are they going to do with the old eye sore calamba plaza and the balance of works nila in between the new toll plaza at calamba?

The old Calamba plaza will eventually be demolished at ang embankment ay itataas din nila para maging level with the new rehab road.

Pero "nasisikipan" ako sa new Calamba Toll Plaza. Yung approach palang sa second toll plaza, one lane lang ata, at yung concrete barrier puro meh tama na.

Have any of guys passed by STAR lately? Did any of you noticed the new signages that they put up? Wow, its worst than in SLEX. Yung font ng mga signages nila halos di makita sa liit. Di mo tuloy malaman kung gaano kalayo ang mga plaza nila. We have been talking lastime sa mga informative signages ng SLEX. Pero mas grabe ang STAR ngayon. Di ba may guidelines kung anong font at size ng font ang mga signages na ito? Calling the attention of TRB, please gawin nyo naman ang trabajo nyo. You are the regulator. Dapat inspectionin nyo ang mga sakop nyo na mga expressway if they follow the standards.

This is not the call of the President. The SC has issued a TRO on the increase of the toll rate at SLEX and has linked the TRO to the resolution of 5 petitions pending at the Supreme Court, mainly questioning the authority of TRB to issue a toll road franchise. The basic issue is that only Congress can grant a franchise. However, there are cases when Congress delegates this authority. The contention is that this authority has been delegated to the TRB, provided that the President confirms the franchise - this is what the TRB charter (PD 1112) states. However, since PD 1112 was issued by Marcos at a time when he was also the legislator (under martial law), it is argued that "President" refers to the lawmakers (which at this time is Congress).

That is the main issue but there are other side issues. It is a very complex case and there are so many petitioners and respondents. That is why it may take a very long time for the SC to resolve it. In the meantime, since the SC has linked the TRO to the resolution of this case, the TRO can drag.

As an aside, in case the SC rules against TRB, that means that NLEX, Skyway and SLEX all do not have authority to collect toll. You can imagine the chaos that would cause, especially among toll road investors and their financiers. You can also imagine the repercussions this would have on our image internationally.

Thanks for the clarification. However it seems that the judiciary branch of government is now becoming the major hindrance to progress of our country's infrastructure at the rate they are deciding critical issues. The analogy I see here is that they want to have their cake and eat it too:bash: How can you expect any progress when the government is broke, deep in debt, but yet wants to progress by bringing FDI into the country, only to tell the investors they are not legally entitled to collect dues/toll from the systems they built?

Or do they want only Filipino companies to invest in toll roads, and not foreign companies? That smacks of favoritism similar to the Manila Hotel issue where the courts nullified the contract with the Malaysians and gave it to Emilio Yap's company. I hope they don't...STAR/TR3/TR4 are not of historical importance like Manila Hotel, but a lot of economic progress hinges on these toll roads rather than an old hotel which has long lost its luster.

^^^ Well, we cant do anything on that aspect since sasabihin lang nila theyre just interpreting the laws.. maliban nalang kung corrupt na den sila and they could just twist anything. And these tons of laws are made by Congress.

That is why no wise foreign investor would ever invest in the Phils because the economic laws in this country are just sooo complicated and ridiculous!! They are made to be restrictive and protectionist. These stupid laws only regulate the investor's activities and that's a big turn off for businessmen. Ironically, those countries with less rules (like HK, China and Vietnam) are the ones getting the most investments. Walang mga rally, walang TROs, walang sakit ng ulo..

Too bad the previous administration failed to amend the economic provisions in that useless and brain dead 1987 constitution. Kaya ang resulta, magtiyaga nalang den ang Phils sa mga trickles at tira-tirang FDI..

^^ That's the 1987 Constitution for you. Specifically designed to protect the interest of the Filipino oligarchy and elite.

^^^ Well, we cant do anything on that aspect since sasabihin lang nila theyre just interpreting the laws.. maliban nalang kung corrupt na den sila and they could just twist anything. And these tons of laws are made by Congress.

That is why no wise foreign investor would ever invest in the Phils because the economic laws in this country are just sooo complicated and ridiculous!! They are made to be restrictive and protectionist. These stupid laws only regulate the investor's activities and that's a big turn off for businessmen. Ironically, those countries with less rules (like HK, China and Vietnam) are the ones getting the most investments. Walang mga rally, walang TROs, walang sakit ng ulo..

Too bad the previous administration failed to amend the economic provisions in that useless and brain dead 1987 constitution. Kaya ang resulta, magtiyaga nalang den ang Phils sa mga trickles at tira-tirang FDI..

I think the rallies here have practically gone away. There are not that many strikes by the left leaning labor unions, they probably realize events are beyond their control already in this era of globalization.

The TROs are the ones that are killing the investors. Many Pinoy companies who lose out in the bidding or some other aspect almost always request for a TRO, first at the local court level, and then all the way up to the supreme court. By the time a major project could move forward, they've lost at least 2 or more years due to the slowness of the legal process. By then, technology would have rendered some designs and plans obsolete, plus interest costs would be racking up and jacking the price by double digit percentages. And the Filipino consumer suffers as a result!

One problem of the government also is how to reimburse its taxpayers when they have collected beyond what is allowed. Take the RFID for instance, have any of you who registered in January this year gotten your refund from the government?

Have any of guys passed by STAR lately? Did any of you noticed the new signages that they put up? Wow, its worst than in SLEX. Yung font ng mga signages nila halos di makita sa liit. Di mo tuloy malaman kung gaano kalayo ang mga plaza nila. We have been talking lastime sa mga informative signages ng SLEX. Pero mas grabe ang STAR ngayon. Di ba may guidelines kung anong font at size ng font ang mga signages na ito? Calling the attention of TRB, please gawin nyo naman ang trabajo nyo. You are the regulator. Dapat inspectionin nyo ang mga sakop nyo na mga expressway if they follow the standards.

This is true. All toll roads should follow DPWH standards.

Nagkamali supplier. Papalitan ang font for a much bigger size. Hinihintay lang ang next batch of signages (around 100 more) para sabay-sabay na.

Is there even a standard to begin with? As far as I know, there's no expressway that follows the same signage/typeface style.

Any signposts at all would be an improvement - if it wasnt for SM & Robinsons I would never find my way anywhere!!

Is there even a standard to begin with? As far as I know, there's no expressway that follows the same signage/typeface style.

There's a DPWH manual which provides very detailed guidelines but it looks pretty outdated to me and its probably not complete.

The TRB/DPWH are also quite lax in their enforcement of standards so everyone goes on his own -- British standard (SLEX), French standards (NLEX), etc.

Kailangan talaga ng isang major major rehabilitation ang STAR Tollway. Dumaan ako rito noong August 30 kasi papunta ako ng Batangas City. Ang dami talagang kulang sa STAR Tollway.:ohno:

Kailangan talaga ng isang major major[/B] rehabilitation ang STAR Tollway. Dumaan ako rito noong August 30 kasi papunta ako ng Batangas City. Ang dami talagang kulang sa STAR Tollway.:ohno:

yes tama ka. kailangan talaga ng "major major" rehabilitation ng STAR sino ba ang nag supervise dito? calling the attention of TRB and DPWH gawin nyo naman ang trabajo nyo. kailangan pa ba magkaroon ng senate or even congressional inquiry para gumalaw kayo sa problema dito?

Punishing the south (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=609531&publicationSubCategoryId=64)

CTALK By Cito Beltran (The Philippine Star)
Updated September 06, 2010 12:00 AM

Last Saturday, we drove down the South Luzon Expressway for our regular weekend trip to Lipa City. After several years of doing this trip we thought we had come up with a method to the one and a half hour madness.

Many years ago, the logic was the earlier you leave, the better. The road would be quite open and traffic free. But in recent years the rule has been either leave Manila before 5:30 or leave after 8 a.m because chances are you’ll get caught in the traffic created by factories built along the old highway. Between six and nine a.m roads in the Calabarzon turn into moving parking lots.

When the SLEX underwent its rehabilitation and expansion project we privately prayed for its early completion and when the project neared completion we were the promotions volunteer for the SLEX especially when former President Arroyo declared in her SONA that the SLEX-Star toll interconnection would be finished by the third quarter of 2010.

Yes it is finished, but the Toll Regulatory Board or TRB has been restraining the release of the necessary certificate to operate, because of the TRO issued by the courts concerning the planned SLEX toll hike. Is it really the TRB that’s restraining the interconnection or is it the SLEX that does not want the road to open “yet” because it may affect the outcome of their schedule of toll rates?

In the meantime, thousands of motorists who could be saving time and fuel are being punished and denied use of a 16-kilometer by-pass, because of a temporary restraining order on a matter that the TRB should be addressing and not necessarily our judicial system.

Shouldn’t the Supreme Court look into such matters where TRO’s take the form of a temporary “decision” by restraint, because business and benefits are withheld as a consequence of the TRO? While I respect the sense of urgency that people felt regarding the toll hike, what do we now do with the situation where we are collectively “punished” and denied the use of the “interconnection” because of the TRO?

* * *

To continue with the madness, it really makes no difference to expand and improve the SLEX if at the end of the trip you lose because the line of vehicles waiting to pay is two kilometers long! It makes no sense to spend billions of pesos if you fail to put up enough tollbooths or you scrimp on hiring enough ambulant vendors so cars can exit with the same relative speed! That is being centavos wise, billions of pesos stupid!

STAR pictures.:cheers:

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/3917/star1y.jpg

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/3953/star2d.jpg
Batangas City Toll Plaza

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/6584/star3.jpg
Lipa-Batangas segment of STAR.

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/5452/star4a.jpg
Green grasses abound at the side of the expressway.

Continuation...:D

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/2871/star5.jpg
A breath-taking view of the nature of Batangas Province.:cheers:

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/9235/star6.jpg
Concrete-paved STAR Tollway blending with green grasses made by Mother Nature.:cheers:

^^ ang sukal naman :lol:

its better that way, kesa maging commercial and industrial. nakakarelax mag drive pag puro greens and nakikita along the expressway. pero sana magawa na yung other side ng expresssay, from lipa to batangas

Continuation...:D

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/2871/star5.jpg
A breath-taking view of the nature of Batangas Province.:cheers:

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/9235/star6.jpg
Concrete-paved STAR Tollway blending with green grasses made by Mother Nature.:cheers:

Salamat sa pics, Masukal na iyan hanggang sto. tomas.:lol:

lapaf na ROW ng STAR.. kita naman dun sa bakod

oi up this thread natabunan na.

updates updates

any news para sa opening ng link?

yeah, what's up with the delay in opening the link? wow, it would be so easy to get to anilao and lipa, i-straight ahead lang! :lol:

lapaf na ROW ng STAR.. kita naman dun sa bakod

sa portion ng picture na un two way road lang un, dahil for future expansion pa ung kabila dahil di naman gaano kadami ang dumadaan pa dyan sa ngaun.

yeah, what's up with the delay in opening the link? wow, it would be so easy to get to anilao and lipa, i-straight ahead lang! :lol:

No Toll Hike = No TR3

^^ May kulang, eto siguro yung formula... TRO = No Tollhike + No TR3 & TR4. :badnews:

hanggang kelan ba valid yung tro na yun???

No Toll Hike = No TR3

Ok, so they're just waiting for the Toll Hike? Guess we're gonna have to wait a bit longer I'm in Lipa at least once a week.

No Toll Hike = No TR3

At hanggan kailan nila pai-iralin ang no toll hike? paano kaya kung hindi na mag toll hike, e di no provision to open the link.:ohno::nuts:

^^ May kulang, eto siguro yung formula... TRO = No Tollhike + No TR3 & TR4. :badnews:

Toll hike+for STAR + SLEX again = not shure to Buil the T34.

malapit ng buksan ang sm simula na pati ng shopping season pag di pa rin binuksan ang link na yan kawawa na tayo sa traffic sa national highway lalo na sa may turbina.

malapit ng buksan ang sm simula na pati ng shopping season pag di pa rin binuksan ang link na yan kawawa na tayo sa traffic sa national highway lalo na sa may turbina.

^At ang traffic na iyan ay mararanasan palang bago pumasok ng calamba exit mula sa SLEX.:ohno: Buksan na kasi ang Link.:bash:

october na.di ba dapat open na yang link

Batangas does not deserve the present STAR. Dapat gawin nang world-class ang expressway na ito. Sa dami ba naman ng mga beaches, tourist spots, golf courses, economic and industrial zones, malls, historical churces, real estate investments, Batangas port, etc. na makikita sa probinsyang ito, dapat lang na i-rehabilitate at pagandahin ang STAR.

^^ well, traffic volume in STAR tollway isn't large enough to pressure the officials to upgrade it...

^^ And where to get funds to rehab/ upgrade STAR, utang na naman?

magpost tayo sa page ni noynoy para siya na magutos na buksan na ang link.

magpost tayo sa page ni noynoy para siya na magutos na buksan na ang link.

Eh paano yan, kondisyon nga sa pagbubukas ng STAR ay yung fare hike sa toll? Nasa SC pa naman ang usaping ito...Para talaga tayong hino-hostage sa isyung ito.:bash:

Eh paano yan, kondisyon nga sa pagbubukas ng STAR ay yung fare hike sa toll? Nasa SC pa naman ang usaping ito...Para talaga tayong hino-hostage sa isyung ito.:bash:

di yata kasama sa SC yung toll ng TR3 kasi ang pagkaalam ko ang na TRO lang ay yung portion ng Alabang to Calamba. Kasi yun lang ang operational at that time na ma TRO ang SLTC/MATES. So puwede talagang buksan ang TR3 kung tutuusin.

buksan na kasi ang TR3. malapit na ang undas. kaya naman ginawa ang link na yan para di na masyadon ma trapik sa national road pag may mga seasonal event.

Update as of 10.14.10: No update :nuts:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX/DSC04579.jpg
^^ Approaching the still closed TR3

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX/DSC04580.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX/DSC04581.jpg
^^ Above Calamba Interchange

^^ you are taking pics while driving??? dangerous... :nono:

Breathtaking!!:)

BTW, how about Batangas bound buses? I mean, if the t3 link is fully-operational.. Does the route for PUVs will change? or will they still use the Maharlika Highway?

^^ you are taking pics while driving??? dangerous... :nono:

Nope, I had a driver. :tongue:

Nope, I had a driver. :tongue:

:lol:

Eh paano yan, kondisyon nga sa pagbubukas ng STAR ay yung fare hike sa toll? Nasa SC pa naman ang usaping ito...Para talaga tayong hino-hostage sa isyung ito.:bash:

buksan na kasi ang TR3. malapit na ang undas. kaya naman ginawa ang link na yan para di na masyadon ma trapik sa national road pag may mga seasonal event.

Hindi na ako aasa sa pagbubukas ng link this coming november, ito ay ayon dito sa nakikita ko.:ohno:

Update as of 10.14.10: No update :nuts:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX/DSC04579.jpg
^^ Approaching the still closed TR3

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX/DSC04580.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX/DSC04581.jpg
^^ Above Calamba Interchange

That is next next to the full moon to re-open the link.:nuts:

Baka ang TR3 ay magiging similar to the NAIA Terminal 3 incident :nuts:

Baka ang TR3 ay magiging similar to the NAIA Terminal 3 incident :nuts:

That is very ridiculous to happen.

^^ Baka masira muna yung TR3 bago nila padaanan.

One more thing regarding TR3:

Inayos ng MTD/SLTC yung mga concrete barriers sa entry at exit ramps sa Calamba. Dati kasi meh spaces between the barriers, ngayon pinagtabi-tabi na nila. Pati yung mga plastic barriers dati, concrete na ngayon at bantay sarado sila. Para siguro wala nang makadaan talaga.

Me pagasa po ba kaya mabuksan etong Star Tollway extension on or before November 1st, kahit temporary man lang?. Napakatrapik po kc sa Turbina, tuwing ganitong occasion.

akala ko ba ok na yang connection na yan.. anu ano pa ba ang hindi natatapos dyan?

mukhang lahat ng new infra projects ni gma ayaw pabuksan ni Pnoy ah

Again...

No SLEX Toll Hike = No TR3

Again...

No SLEX Toll Hike = No TR3

Ignor it, at buksan na, nakaka-awa ang mga motorista.:nuts:

Ignor it, at buksan na, nakaka-awa ang mga motorista.:nuts:

You cannot ignore a TRO.

hanggang kailan po ba yung tro na yun?

^^ Wala atang limit yun, dapat tawagin na lang nilang PRO (Permanent Restraining Order) kasi halos 3 months na siya hindi pa rin na i-lift.

^^ Wala atang limit yun, dapat tawagin na lang nilang PRO (Permanent Restraining Order) kasi halos 3 months na siya hindi pa rin na i-lift.

I don't care about TRO limitation,but I guess to take care of those swarm in to the net first before the opening of link.:bash:

sana di nalang ginawa ang link na yan para hindi umasa ang tao

hanggang kailan po ba yung tro na yun?

The TRO of the Regional Trial Court is 3-days. The TRO of the Court of Appeals is 21-days. The TRO of the Supreme Court has no limit.

If you ignore the TRO, you may be held in contempt and imprisoned.

The TRO of the Regional Trial Court is 3-days. The TRO of the Court of Appeals is 21-days. The TRO of the Supreme Court has no limit.

If you ignore the TRO, you may be held in contempt and imprisoned.

paano yun? paano magkakapagtoll increase if no limit ang tro?
so how can it be lifted? puwede bang iutos ni PNoy na ilift na ang tro?

^^ P.Noy cannot order the SC to lift the TRO. For one, the Judiciary is a co-equal branch of the Government comprising the Executive and Legislative Department. He will be interfering in the Judiciary if he does so.

As long as the SC does not act on its TRO on the SLEX Toll Hike case, this will remain in effect.

^^ P.Noy cannot order the SC to lift the TRO. For one, the Judiciary is a co-equal branch of the Government comprising the Executive and Legislative Department. He will be interfering in the Judiciary if he does so.

As long as the SC does not act on its TRO on the SLEX Toll Hike case, this will remain in effect.

I think toll hike is kinda acceptable since there are so many improvements along SLEX. We also have to keep in mind that the contractor of the rehabilitation is a private firm so this is expected. I believe it already appeared on their feasibility study and I'm pretty sure that the government agreed upon this from this right before they signed the contract.

In addition, delaying of opening of the link is useless. They have to open it ASAP to earn revenue. The best time to open the link is before November 1.

paano yun? paano magkakapagtoll increase if no limit ang tro?
so how can it be lifted? puwede bang iutos ni PNoy na ilift na ang tro?

Darn! How could the president prioritized the TRO factor?:nuts:

i've read good news (at least for me) sa slex thread, so does it mean the link will be finally opened to the public? when?

i've read good news (at least for me) sa slex thread, so does it mean the link will be finally opened to the public? when?

yes. its all over the news na. na lift na finally ang tro on toll rates ng slex. so anytime now puwede na nilang buksan ang tr3. i just hope na mabuksan ang link by next week para just in time for the undas.

finally, makakadadaan na rin ako sa link.

ako din finally no more traffic :banana:

Approved na ata ng TRB yung toll fees para sa TR3, iniintay lang yung decision ng SC sa TRO?

^^ parang pagkaintindi ko sa news ay lifted na ang tro pero di pa puwede pala agad magtoll-hike dahil irereview pa ata yung munkahing itataas ng trb. something like that.

SLEX extension to Southern Tagalog completed (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=624339&publicationSubCategoryId=63)
By Pia Lee Brago (The Philippine Star)
Updated October 26, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) extension to the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road Tollway (STAR), also known as TR3, has been completed but still cannot operate because the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has not yet approved the toll matrix.

“Without the toll matrix from TRB, operators of SLEX do not know if it may charge new toll rates since it is a new road,” said SLEX operators.

SLEX operators said the TR3 is a 3.6-kilometer expressway with four lanes.

Batangas Rep. Sonny Collantes said businesses from various towns and provinces have been affected because the delay in operation of the new tollway slows the transport of goods and services

Collantes said investors complained about the worsening traffic from Calamba, Laguna to Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

In a privilege speech, Collantes lamented the sufferings of Batanguenos and those from provinces further south because the 8-km national road is always congested.

Businesses from various towns and provinces have also slowed down the transport of goods and services. The travel time along this eight-kilometer stretch ranges from 30 minutes to two hours.

Visitors also avoid the traffic and shy away from tourist destinations in the Southern Tagalog region.

Collantes said the government entered into an agreement with the South Luzon Tollways Corp., through the TRB.

He said the SLTC has complied with all provisions and obligations stated in the agreement and the government should now comply with its obligations to allow the operator to collect toll fees on the newly constructed road.

_”If the situation continues how can we expect to be provided with good service and modern, safe, and convenient TR3 if the investors have nothing to spend anymore,” Collantes said.

“How can we expect foreign investors and the private sector to bring their investments into the country if our government will have a reputation of not honoring contracts it enters into and of changing the rules in the middle of the game?” he said.

lets just wait a big longer magoopen din yan

theyre just finalizing where all the tongpats and kickbacks would go

Sana magbukas na ang link before the year ends. Nakakabwisit ang trapik sa National Highway.

Malaya naman ng tataas ang toll fee ng SLEX, inaantay pa yata nila mabawi ang nagastas nila sa rehab bago nila i-open ang link sa publiko..:ohno:

ano bang klaseng management mayroon ang star tollway. nag bungkal pala sila ng daan sa exit pa mismo ng sto. tomas plaza papuntang manila. alam na nga nilang di pa bukas ang link, sinabayan pa nila ang pag bungkal ng exit loop. tuloy super traffic last weekend sa kasagsagan ng undas. ang masakit panito, ni walang abiso sa mga motorista or mga signages man lang na nag aayos sila ng kalsa. dapat naman ayusin nila kaagad ito. kasi nga malapit ng lumakas ang traffic sa area na yan. dahil malapit na ang pasko. maraming mga produkto ang matratrapik sa ginawa nila at dilakado pa sa mga motorista dahil walang proper lightning at mga signages. calling the management of star tollway. paki explain lang po sa mga motoristang nagbabayad ng tolls fee nyo. ayusin nyo naman servisyo nyo.

OPEN NA ANG LINK!!!???

Closed oil pipeline causes MManila fuel shortage

(Updated 9:30 p.m.) Ten days after an oil pipeline was shutdown for a supposed a gas leak in Makati City, several gas stations in Metro Manila have reported a fuel supply shortage this weekend although there were no reports that gasoline prices were affected.

Several Shell gasoline stations along Commonwealth Avenue and in Barangay White Plains, both in Quezon City, have posted signs saying, “Apologies as we ran out of fuel product. We regret the inconvenience."

Chevron Corp. (formerly Caltex) also reported being affected by the closure of the pipeline, according to QTV’s “Balitanghali" on Sunday.

The 40-year-old pipeline of the Lopez-owned First Philippine Industrial Corporation (FPIC), which transports around 60 percent of Metro Manila’s crude and refined petroleum needs, was closed after geologists confirmed the presence of a leak.

The FPIC has two main pipelines transporting petroleum products from oil refineries in Batangas to terminals in Pandacan, Manila. The damaged pipeline is FPIC's 117-kilometer “white line" that carries gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and aviation fuel and other refined petroleum products. Its other pipeline, called the “black line," transports heavier petroleum products.

There have been some deliveries from FPIC depots in La Union and Batangas, but this is not enough for motorists in Metro Manila, reported QTV.

Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. said that some of its gasoline stations have completely run out of supplies of unleaded and premium gasoline, leaving only diesel fuel.

Shell is experiencing “temporary tightness but mostly in differentiated fuels," said an official of the company. According to Shell, 50-60 percent of its gasoline supplies come from the FPIC pipeline.

Any shortage experienced by gas stations will only be temporary, according to the Department of Energy.

Shell added that its fuel supply in Metro Manila is expected to stabilize during the coming week, as they plan to position a supply ship off the Pasig River to maximize barging activities of petroleum products to the Pandacan Depot in Manila.

Meanwhile, the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) extension has been opened to help avert a shortage in aviation fuel, said South Luzon Tollway Corp. (SLTC) spokesperson Alma Tuazon.

“Aviation authorities were relieved when jet fuel, with reserves that will last for another day, were secured to keep the country’s planes airborne," she said.

The SLTC will continue to work with oil companies, the DOE, and the Department of Public Works and Highways to ensure that the SLEX is maximized in averting the possibility of a more widespread fuel shortage, said Tuazon— KBK, GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/205371/closed-oil-pipeline-causes-mmanila-fuel-shortage

OPEN NA ANG LINK!!!???

Closed oil pipeline causes MManila fuel shortage

(Updated 9:30 p.m.) Ten days after an oil pipeline was shutdown for a supposed a gas leak in Makati City, several gas stations in Metro Manila have reported a fuel supply shortage this weekend although there were no reports that gasoline prices were affected.

Several Shell gasoline stations along Commonwealth Avenue and in Barangay White Plains, both in Quezon City, have posted signs saying, “Apologies as we ran out of fuel product. We regret the inconvenience."

Chevron Corp. (formerly Caltex) also reported being affected by the closure of the pipeline, according to QTV’s “Balitanghali" on Sunday.

The 40-year-old pipeline of the Lopez-owned First Philippine Industrial Corporation (FPIC), which transports around 60 percent of Metro Manila’s crude and refined petroleum needs, was closed after geologists confirmed the presence of a leak.

The FPIC has two main pipelines transporting petroleum products from oil refineries in Batangas to terminals in Pandacan, Manila. The damaged pipeline is FPIC's 117-kilometer “white line" that carries gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and aviation fuel and other refined petroleum products. Its other pipeline, called the “black line," transports heavier petroleum products.

There have been some deliveries from FPIC depots in La Union and Batangas, but this is not enough for motorists in Metro Manila, reported QTV.

Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. said that some of its gasoline stations have completely run out of supplies of unleaded and premium gasoline, leaving only diesel fuel.

Shell is experiencing “temporary tightness but mostly in differentiated fuels," said an official of the company. According to Shell, 50-60 percent of its gasoline supplies come from the FPIC pipeline.

Any shortage experienced by gas stations will only be temporary, according to the Department of Energy.

Shell added that its fuel supply in Metro Manila is expected to stabilize during the coming week, as they plan to position a supply ship off the Pasig River to maximize barging activities of petroleum products to the Pandacan Depot in Manila.

Meanwhile, the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) extension has been opened to help avert a shortage in aviation fuel, said South Luzon Tollway Corp. (SLTC) spokesperson Alma Tuazon.

“Aviation authorities were relieved when jet fuel, with reserves that will last for another day, were secured to keep the country’s planes airborne," she said.

The SLTC will continue to work with oil companies, the DOE, and the Department of Public Works and Highways to ensure that the SLEX is maximized in averting the possibility of a more widespread fuel shortage, said Tuazon— KBK, GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/205371/closed-oil-pipeline-causes-mmanila-fuel-shortage
I'm kinda skeptical about that. How can opening up the SLEX link help ease the shortage of fuel in Airplanes???:nuts:

^^ hmmm ang naisip ko baka open only to those fuel carrier trucks na magdedeliver ng aviation fuel from batangas to manila. ganun siguro? or open na to all? labo nga rin ng konti sana mas nilinaw nila. wait nalang tayo news sa mga dadaan ng star bukas.

pero magandang opening date bukas di ba monday tapos 8 pa. malay nyo surprise sa news bukas slex star link officialy open to the public...:nuts:

I'm kinda skeptical about that. How can opening up the SLEX link help ease the shortage of fuel in Airplanes???:nuts:
Because majority of the fuel supply in Manila comes from Batangas. With the closure of the pipeline of FPIC, the fastest way of transporting fuel to Manila is through STAR then SLEX. If they don't open the link, those oil tankers will cause heavy traffic in the Sto.Tomas area.

Because majority of the fuel supply in Manila comes from Batangas. With the closure of the pipeline of FPIC, the fastest way of transporting fuel to Manila is through STAR then SLEX. If they don't open the link, those oil tankers will cause heavy traffic in the Sto.Tomas area.

lalo pa ngayon, na nagbungkal na ang star tollway sa exit ramp ng sto. tomas. super traffic lalo. kasi one lane lang puwede daanan, tapos may transistion pa kasi lilipat ka pa sa kabilang lane kung mag exit ka. kaya kailanga buksan muna nila ang link para naman bumilis ang biyahe ng lahat.

lalo pa ngayon, na nagbungkal na ang star tollway sa exit ramp ng sto. tomas. super traffic lalo. kasi one lane lang puwede daanan, tapos may transistion pa kasi lilipat ka pa sa kabilang lane kung mag exit ka. kaya kailanga buksan muna nila ang link para naman bumilis ang biyahe ng lahat.

Ang maganda dito, wala man lang informative signs na merong DETOUR. Tapos uber dilim sa gabi, meh bungkal pa yung daan at kailangan mo talaga magminor at wasak suspension ng oto mo. WTF

Asphalt overlaying being done at KM 68 (Southbound) and KM 78 (Northbound).

Ingats guys sa byahe dito, wala pang lane markings, mahirap sa gabi.

Maybe they are waiting for the concrete roads to become very bad, then that's when they are going to put asphalt overlay on it :nuts:.

^Hindi larong pambata ang ginagawa nila,

buksan na nila mismo ang link sa lahat..:bash:

ang hirap talaga dumaan sa STAR during night time. pati mga plaza nila poor ang lighting. biruino ba naman may isang entry plaza na walang ilaw man lang ang mga light post. ang may ilaw lang ay yung sa loob ng booth. dapat talaga mag iba na ng management ang STAR. kunin na lang sila ng MATES at least doon kahit na nag sabi sila na magpapatay sila ng ilang ilaw hangang ngayon may maliwanag pa rin ang SLEX.

Meanwhile, the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) extension has been opened to help avert a shortage in aviation fuel, said South Luzon Tollway Corp. (SLTC) spokesperson Alma Tuazon.

“Aviation authorities were relieved when jet fuel, with reserves that will last for another day, were secured to keep the country’s planes airborne," she said.

The SLTC will continue to work with oil companies, the DOE, and the Department of Public Works and Highways to ensure that the SLEX is maximized in averting the possibility of a more widespread fuel shortage, said Tuazon— KBK, GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/205371/closed-oil-pipeline-causes-mmanila-fuel-shortage

I witnessed the ACTex-Star Link personnel allowing fuel trucks to pass thru the link yesterday. I still don't understand why they can't open the link to private motorists?

ano sa tingin nyo buksan kaya yan bago magpasko???

Anu po ba ang mahirap intindihin sa "No Toll Fee Increase in SLEX = No TR3 use" :D

Anu po ba ang mahirap intindihin sa "No Toll Free Increase in SLEX = No TR3 use" :D

^^Yan ang mahirap intindihin! :lol::lol::lol:

^^ Oo nga no. Hahaha :nuts:

^Hindi naman siguro dapat madawit ang SLEX para mapaganda ang STAR hindi ba?:nuts:

^Hindi naman siguro dapat madawit ang SLEX para mapaganda ang STAR hindi ba?:nuts:

:cheers:season's greetings! dapat buksan na ang SLEX Extension dahil bagong project yaan na independente sa SLEX at ang toll fee ay di dapat ibase sa SLEX. Kaso sa Pinas gusto overnight ROI kaagad, grabe walang patawad/awa. Ayan tinitikman nila ang sariling gamot!:bash::bash:

:cheers:season's greetings! dapat buksan na ang SLEX Extenesion dahil bagong project yaan na independente sa SLEX at ang toll fee ay di dapat ibase sa SLEX. Kaso sa Pinas gusto overnight ROI kaagad, grabe walang patawad/awa. Ayan tinitikman nila ang sariling gamot!:bash::bash:

I think that you should be posting this @ South Luzon Expressway thread and not here. Wala ata kinalaman ang Star Tollway Management sa TR3 connection.

:cheers:season's greetings! dapat buksan na ang SLEX Extenesion dahil bagong project yaan na independente sa SLEX at ang toll fee ay di dapat ibase sa SLEX. Kaso sa Pinas gusto overnight ROI kaagad, grabe walang patawad/awa. Ayan tinitikman nila ang sariling gamot!:bash::bash:

SLEx extension is a part of the ACTEx (formerly called SLEx) held by SLTC, that's why they base the toll from SLEx, and TR3 is not independent from SLTC.

I think that you should be posting this @ South Luzon Expressway thread and not here. Wala ata kinalaman ang Star Tollway Management sa TR3 connection.

:cheers:greetings! wasn't it the SLEX Ext. being discussed here? regards!:)

^^ SLEx, SLEx ext. and TR3 are under SLTC, all of these are under One system.

^^ SLEx, SLEx ext. and TR3 are under SLTC, all of these are under One system.

:cheers:greetings and thanks for the info. the SLEx already existed but vastly improved; so ok lang ang toll hike, but not 300%. as for the other two toll roads that are newly constructed from scratch, ok din itaas ang fee independent from SLEx, but then again not at the per kilometer rate they tried to pass. katakawan na yun in my opinion! regards.:):)

Can anybody post the numbers for the Toll Fee increase? Old to proposed?

OT: I remember going from Php 2.50 to Php 25 to Php 65 from Nichols to Alabang, tapos eto yung catch, nung Php 2.50 pa sha, minsan nakakalimutan ko mag tabi ng barya ng pang toll so uuwi ako na walang ka pera pera, sabi sakin ng cashier, "May kotse ka nga wala ka naman pang bayad ng toll!" :lol:

^^ SLEx, SLEx ext. and TR3 are under SLTC, all of these are under One system.

Para mas malinaw, SLEX from Alabang to Calamba and the extension to Sto. Tomas, hence the emphasis of SLTC in naming their concession area the ACTEx.

Petition against toll hike thrown out
By Marlon Ramos, Paolo Montecillo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:18:00 11/29/2010


MANILA, Philippines—The Supreme Court has thrown out Albay Gov. Joey Salceda’s petition questioning the authority of the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) to approve the 250-percent toll rate increase in the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) from Alabang, Muntinlupa, to Calamba, Laguna.

“Wherefore, the petition … is hereby dismissed for lack of merit. Accordingly, the TRO (temporary restraining order) issued by the court … with respect to this petition is hereby ordered lifted,” the court said in a Nov. 23 resolution.

The change in rates following the court’s decision may have to wait until late this month or early next year, the TRB and SLEx operator said Sunday.

While dismissing the Salceda petition, the high court did not rule on the immediate implementation of the toll increase.

Instead, the magistrates reiterated their position in the previous ruling on four similar petitions remanding to the TRB the issue of “propriety and reasonableness” of the toll increase in SLEx.

“Pursuant to our ruling in Francisco Jr. vs the (TRB et al.) the toll rates assailed in the instant petition… have already been remanded to the (TRB) for its review of the reasonableness thereof,” the court said in its decision.

The Supreme Court then directed the TRB to determine if the Malaysian contractor and toll operator, South Luzon Toll Corp. (SLTC), and subsidiary Manila Toll Expressway Systems Inc. (MATES) were “entitled” to ask for an increase in toll rates.

SLTC claims to have lost close to P1 billion in foregone revenue due to its inability to raise toll rates at SLEx. The firm wants to raise rates at SLEx by 250 percent to help recover the P14 billion it spent to rehabilitate and extend the superhighway.

SLTC’s case has become a source of embarrassment for the administration, which is trying its best to attract foreigners to invest in the country’s infrastructure sector.

Earlier this month, President Benigno Aquino III said the government would protect investors from the same legal issues faced by SLTC.

New set of rates

The TRB said SLTC would have to apply for a new set of rates for the recently completed road 7.5-kilometer link between SLEx and the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) known as Toll Road Project 3 (TR3).

“When the new rates were approved, it did not include toll for TR3 yet so I think they might have to apply again,” TRB spokesperson Julius Corpuz said Sunday.

He said this would require the SLTC to publish the new set of rates anew. Any change in toll will take effect 15 days after publication.

TR3 opening

SLTC president Isaac David welcomed the news, but said the new rates may not be implemented right away.

“It could take until early next year,” he said.

But David said the company may choose to open TR3, which has been kept closed because there were no approved rates for it, before Christmas to allow motorists to enjoy the benefits of the new road.

TR3 will let motorists go directly from SLEx to STAR without having to pass through congested national roads, which can take hours depending to traffic.

“I’ll try to convince my principals to approve the opening of TR3 next month, as long as we can get the assurance that we will be able to raise rates soon,” David said.

SLTC is the local subsidiary of Malaysian conglomerate MTD Capital Berhad.

In its ruling, the Supreme Court noted and granted six other pending motions for compliance regarding the case.

3 Marcos edicts

In his petition dated June 22, Salceda accused the TRB of violating certain provisions of three Marcos-era edicts pertaining to the operation of toll roads in the country.

The former economic adviser of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo claimed that the TRB committed grave abuse of discretion when it allowed the fixing of toll rates under its Supplemental Toll Operation Agreement (STOA) with SLTC.

Salceda added that the proposed toll increase was “unconscionable and exorbitant.”

Constitutional

In its Oct. 19 decision, the high court en banc upheld the constitutionality of the STOAs which the TRB entered into with the private operators of SLEx, North Luzon Expressway and the elevated toll road Skyway.

However, the tribunal declared as void and unconstitutional the TRB decision to extend for another 30 years the private contractor’s contract to operate SLEx.

It described as illegal the STOA provision allowing the private contractor to demand payment from the government should the proposed toll hikes are not implemented promptly.

The court then declined to discuss Salceda’s petition, saying it was not yet “ripe for adjudication.”

In its latest ruling, the high court said the TRB had the authority to approve initial toll rates even without conducting a public hearing.

“But as clarified in the tollway decision … an interested party, such as an expressway user, is not without recourse, as said party may file a petition before the TRB assailing the propriety of the said initial toll rates,” the tribunal said.

The TRB said SLTC would have to apply for a new set of rates for the recently completed road 7.5-kilometer link between SLEx and the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) known as Toll Road Project 3 (TR3).

“When the new rates were approved, it did not include toll for TR3 yet so I think they might have to apply again,” TRB spokesperson Julius Corpuz said Sunday.

He said this would require the SLTC to publish the new set of rates anew. Any change in toll will take effect 15 days after publication.

TR3 opening

SLTC president Isaac David welcomed the news, but said the new rates may not be implemented right away.

“It could take until early next year,” he said.

But David said the company may choose to open TR3, which has been kept closed because there were no approved rates for it, before Christmas to allow motorists to enjoy the benefits of the new road.

TR3 will let motorists go directly from SLEx to STAR without having to pass through congested national roads, which can take hours depending to traffic.

“I’ll try to convince my principals to approve the opening of TR3 next month, as long as we can get the assurance that we will be able to raise rates soon,” David said.



gawin nalang free muna pagdaan sa tr3 hangat wala pang approved toll rates for it. since pasko rin naman. :banana:

^^At anung sasabihin ng SLTC? Ayaw nyo ng pumayag ng toll fee increase, gusto nyo pa magamit ng libre ang TR3? Ano kayo, sinuswerte? :nuts:

^^ Tama, using TR3 for free is Very unfair for the investors, since I think 100% of the expenses for the construction of TR3 is from the SLTC and the foreign investors.

^^ hehe kasi di ba iconvince daw nya na iopen bago magpasko, e paano kung ala pang new toll rate tapos after publication 15 days pa. so i mean iopen na nila at habang wala pang toll rates for it eh di free na lang muna. like yung portion ng skyway naia

^^At anung sasabihin ng SLTC? Ayaw nyo ng pumayag ng toll fee increase, gusto nyo pa magamit ng libre ang TR3? Ano kayo, sinuswerte? :nuts:

^^ Tama, using TR3 for free is Very unfair for the investors, since I think 100% of the expenses for the construction of TR3 is from the SLTC and the foreign investors.

^Hindi nadapat nag pagawa ng TR3 kung di gagamitin, Gawin na nila ang lahat para Uhawin ang mga motorist, para maitaas ang toll fee para may TR3 use.:nuts:

Investors press opening of toll road linking SLEX, STAR (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=638660&publicationSubCategoryId=66)

By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio (The Philippine Star)
Updated December 13, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - A number of investors have started complaining because the government still has not opened the toll road that connects the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR).

“We have received a number of complaints from the investors because the government still has not opened the connection,” Board of Investments (BOI) managing head Cristino L. Panlilio told reporters.

According to Panlilio, there are a number of investors and Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) locators who use that road and are already complaining of the heavy traffic in the area.

Panlilio said that they do not know why the toll road remains closed even if the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the court has already been lifted.

Panlilio said that they have already informed the investors that the matter is within the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC). “We will relay the message to the DOTC because the matter is not in our hands,” Panlilio stressed.

The eight-kilometer TR3 extension of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) was unveiled last June by the Malaysian-backed South Luzon Tollways Corp. (SLTC).

The TR3 seamlessly links the SLEX to the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) toll road that cuts through the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon known as Calabarzon.

It is expected to be opened as soon as the project gets a safety certification for its independent consultant, said the SLTC. SLTC is the company which holds the 30-year contract to develop and operate the SLEX.

SLTC, which is controlled by Malaysian conglomerate MTD Capital, said the extension will allow the public “to travel all the way to the Batangas port at half the current travel time.”

When the SLEX-STAR connection is fully operational, a new four-lane road from Calamba City to Santo Tomas will be opened. Apolinario Mabini Highway will start at the existing Sto. Tomas interchange in Santo Tomas to Batangas City.

TR3 link to STAR tollway still closed to traffic
by Marlon C. Magtira http://philippinesgraphic.com

Despite its full completion in October, the new eight-kilometer South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) extension (also known as Toll Road 3 or TR3) that was designed to link the existing stretch of SLEX to the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) tollway remains closed to traffic.

The TR3 expressway, which stretches from Calamba, Laguna to STAR tollway in Sto. Tomas, Batangas is meant to provide an alternate route for motorists who travel from South Luzon to Manila and may ease the boiling traffic along the congested National Highway in Sto. Tomas.

But the South Luzon Tollway Corporation (SLTC), a consortium by Malaysian investor MTD Capital and the state-run Philippine National Construction Corporation (PNCC), the operator of SLEX TR3 cannot open this new road because the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has not yet approved its toll matrix.

TRO

In August 2010, the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the value-added tax (VAT) on tolls and the proposed new toll rates to recover the large investments made in constructing a new SLEX. The TRO was lifted on Oct. 22 but the SC asked the TRB to review the new toll fees before they are implemented.

According to TRB, the TRO that was issued and later lifted by the High Tribunal must be clarified. Meanwhile, SLTC officials said the non-implementation of the toll hike incurrs losses for them of about P6 million a day.

TRB officials said the SC needs to ensure that all petitions opposing the new toll fares are covered by their ruling before the court can conduct an evaluation of the toll hikes. As of press time, the SC has not yet provided any clarification on the issue of the increased toll. Without the toll matrix from TRB, SLTC cannot implement the new toll rates it is seeking for the new road.

In August, the SC issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the collection of a 12-percent value-added tax (VAT) and a 250-percent expressway toll fee increase, as a result of of petitions filed by lawyer Ernesto Francisco Jr., Albay Gov. Joey Salceda and Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos opposing the toll hike. The petitioners said that this increase in the SLEX toll rate results in exorbitant fees that violates the law because its implementation lacks due process. Francisco, Salceda and Marcos also said the hike in the existing toll will burden the public in the end.

SLTC’s response to these statements by the petitioners is that all the necessary legal steps were undertaken prior to the implementation of the proposed toll hike. They also said the overall benefits to the public will exceed the cost of the toll in the long run.

Better connection

The bottom line is that the increase in the SLEX toll will enable the opening the TR3 road, allowing a better connection between Southern Luzon and the capital. This new artery will decongest traffic and make the flow of goods and services between Metro Manila and the Southern Tagalog region. Good roads foster increased trade and better access to government services, creating increased income for all the communities linked by these arteries of commerce and trade.

Good roads also create a better means of travel for local and foreign tourists who wish to enter the Southern Luzon tourist belt and enjoy the beaches, mountains and attractions that this beautiful region of the Philippines has to offer. A good tourism industry generates jobs and income for the local folk who stand to benefit from this increase in tourist visits and the visitors will enjoy going to the Southern Tagalog region if there is a smooth flow of traffic to and from their destinations.

However, laying down and maintaining road networks that are secure and sturdy costs money, a lot of it. The SLEX toll hike, when seen in this light, is an ongoing investment for a world-class road, one that will benefit businesses large and small and open up good opportunities for the government and for the people it links.

The old SLEX of the 1980s was a traffic nightmare in more ways than one: It was poorly-lit and poorly-maintained, riddled with potholes that caused traffic snarls and damaged vehicles. What the motorists saved in toll payments went to frequent repairs on their vehicles and they had to spend more time stuck in traffic than was reasonable, to boot.

Overhauling and improving that primary artery to the southern reaches of Metro Manila and the Southern Tagalong region meant levying a toll hike, as well, and that toll hike pushed through in the mid-1990s. That was just the start, as the heavy congestion of traffic on the SLEX led to the construction of the Skyway where motorists do pay a higher toll for a quicker and less stressful drive.

The alternate artery to Southern Luzon called the TR3 is part of the improvement of the road system to the Calabarzon and it is meant to augment the improvements to the SLEX and the construction of the Skyway by further easing the flow of traffic so goods and services, as well as tourists and business investors, can travel between Metro Manila and the Southern Tagalog faster and more easily.

Delay causes suffering

Batangas 3rd district congressman Sonny Collantes championed the toll hikes in a recent privilege speech, saying that “Batangueños and those from provinces further south” suffer from delayed opening of the TR3 because of “heavy traffic that constricts services, goods and tourism flowing through Batangas.”

This situation has “irked investors,” Collantes said. Businesses have been affected because of the slowing pace of transport for goods and services along the eight-kilometer stretch of the national road in Sto. Tomas, with which travel time dropping from 30 minutes to a dismaying two hours. “The heavy traffic also (turns) away tourists who choose to avoid wasting precious time in uncomfortable traffic (when they travel) to scenic spots in the Southern Tagalog region,” Collantes said.

In a world where ease of access is the best way to boost economies, a road network that facilitates, rather than hampers, the flow of goods, services and people is necessary, even vital to continued growth and the spread of wealth to communities and, ultimately, people.

Batangas vice governor urges opening of SLEX-TR3 (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=639247&publicationSubCategoryId=67)
(The Philippine Star) Updated December 15, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Batangas Vice Gov. Marc Leviste yesterday made an urgent appeal for the immediate opening of the South Luzon Expressway extension – Toll Road 3 (SLEX-TR3) to ease traffic in the Southern Tagalog region.

Leviste also requested the Toll Regulatory Board and South Luzon Tollway Corp. (SLTC) to allow motorists to use the toll road for free for the first weeks from the soft opening, or for the duration of the holi*days as part of their “Christmas goodwill.” The free use will allow users to test the toll road facilities and operations, he said.

“On behalf of my constituents, various industries as well as the general public and together with Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto, I am appealing to the national government and the project proponent to open the toll road very soon. This will definitely foster business and tourism in the immediate environs,” said Leviste.

The seven-kilometer, P1.14 billion SLEX-TR3 project was inaugurated by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in June. The flagship roadwork was established to promote the business and industry centers in the southern corridor in an effort to decongest the metropolis. The road connecting SLEX and the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR Tollway) and developed by the Makati Development Corp. can lessen travel time by at least 30 minutes as motorists can bypass the heavily congested Turbina highway passing through the Laguna and Batangas industrial parks.

“Gov. Vilma and our provincial board have the support of the different businesses within our area of responsibility, industrial park associations, and different business organizations in our call for the full operation of SLEX-TR3. We are confident that its opening will pave the way for further progress and enhanced productivity in Batangas and neighboring provinces including the island provinces of MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marin*duque, Romblon, Palawan). For motorists, SLEX-TR3 will considerably lessen vehicle wear and tear brought about by poor roads,” Leviste said.

Under the rules, the TRB, which oversees the operation of toll roads and the imposition of toll fees, must approve the opening of SLEX-TR3. It can waive the exaction of fees during the soft opening and set the toll rates thereafter based on the proposed rates of the private deve*loper.

“SLEX-TR3 has been turned over as early as June and we see no reason to stall its actual opening. Since I am committed to look after the welfare of my constituent Batangueños, the toll road opening will complement the Batangas provincial government’s livelihood, infrastructure development, and tourism,” Leviste said.

I saw the big sign along the southbound lane of SLEX this afternoon, albeit fleetingly, that appeared to say TR3 Calamba is open! I had to be sure, so I called up MATES (0495087539) and true enough, it opened today and there is no additional fee in the meantime. So, southbound forumers and friends, it will indeed be a Merrier Christmas for us!!:banana:

magandang balita iyan Ser.:cheers:

Nakakadaan na rin ba diyan ang mga pampasaherong bus?

finally, no more turbina and the two traffic lights at sto. tomas !!
only 1 hour from quirino to lipa exit using the sky way and with e-pass this morning !!

finally, no more turbina and the two traffic lights at sto. tomas !!
only 1 hour from quirino to lipa exit using the sky way and with e-pass this morning !!

That's great! The south will keep growing now that the flow of goods has improved. :banana::banana::banana:

magandang balita iyan Ser.:cheers:

Nakakadaan na rin ba diyan ang mga pampasaherong bus?

Sa Turbina pa rin daan ng mga bus...

Sinu kaya makakapag upload ng pictures dito?

Is there an exit in Sto. Tomas coming from the North for those heading to San Pablo-Lucena?

finally, no more turbina and the two traffic lights at sto. tomas !!
only 1 hour from quirino to lipa exit using the sky way and with e-pass this morning !!

ang bilis mo naman.. kayang kaya ng makarating ng magallanes for 45 minutes????

^^:lol::bash::)

Passed by the Calamba to Sto Tomas link kanina. You can really feel the difference ng mga roads natin sa Pinas. Simula Skyway smooth pa ang takbo namin kasi nagrehab na sila ng asphalt overlays. Pag dating ng ACTEX (Alabang Calamba Sto. Tomas Expressway the new acroname of SLEX) medyo smooth siya di tulad ng NLEX at Skyway. Pero Pagdating nyo ng STAR. Parang ordinary road lang siya na maintained ng DPWH. Matalbog at di smooth ang ride nyo. Tapos ang mga shoulders nya sira sira. Kala ko ba kaya tayo nagbabayad ng toll fee para sa maintenance ng road. Lahat ng toll road ay nagbabayad tayo ng toll fee para maayos at safe ang biyahe natin. Pero sa STAR ay poor ang quality. Tapos wala pa sila Service Station going to Batangas. Paano kung naubusan ng gas ang motorist? Dugtong na from Skyway to STAR ang expressway pero kulang ang facilities. Calling TRB paki inspect naman ang STAR kung talagang nasa expressway standards ang road nila.

Passed by the Calamba to Sto Tomas link kanina. You can really feel the difference ng mga roads natin sa Pinas. Simula Skyway smooth pa ang takbo namin kasi nagrehab na sila ng asphalt overlays. Pag dating ng ACTEX (Alabang Calamba Sto. Tomas Expressway the new acroname of SLEX) medyo smooth siya di tulad ng NLEX at Skyway. Pero Pagdating nyo ng STAR. Parang ordinary road lang siya na maintained ng DPWH. Matalbog at di smooth ang ride nyo. Tapos ang mga shoulders nya sira sira. Kala ko ba kaya tayo nagbabayad ng toll fee para sa maintenance ng road. Lahat ng toll road ay nagbabayad tayo ng toll fee para maayos at safe ang biyahe natin. Pero sa STAR ay poor ang quality. Tapos wala pa sila Service Station going to Batangas. Paano kung naubusan ng gas ang motorist? Dugtong na from Skyway to STAR ang expressway pero kulang ang facilities. Calling TRB paki inspect naman ang STAR kung talagang nasa expressway standards ang road nila.



Provincial expressway, kaya ang magagawa ng DPWH ay I-maintain ang Road network ng STAR..


May point ka parin tutal nangongolekta sila ng Toll, bakit kaya hindi pa nila ginagawang aspalto ang STAR. :dunno:

^Nag-commute kami papuntang LIPA batangas from cavite kahapon, Mabilis ang biyahe dahil from SLEX, Dadaan ng LINK at STAR, ang pasahe ay nag-increase ng 15 pesos ngunit okay t mabilis ang biyahe.:cheers:

^^ Anung sinakyan nyo, approved ba yung fare increase ng LTFRB? Or colorum van?

taken last Dec. 18, 2010 aboard a coaster, we were going to San Pablo, Laguna

AnejIgpRUds

taken last Dec. 18, 2010 aboard a coaster, we were going to San Pablo, Laguna

Excellent Video! :cheers:

Huwaw, 7 mins from Calamba Turbina to Sto. Tomas STAR entry??? Posible! :D

Kitang kita yung road quality ng TR3 vs. STAR dun sa video :nuts:

Excellent Video! :cheers:

Huwaw, 7 mins from Calamba Turbina to Sto. Tomas STAR entry??? Posible! :D

Kitang kita yung road quality ng TR3 vs. STAR dun sa video :nuts:

Passing sto-tomas over pass the smooth road change to Tertiary road.:lol:

taken last Dec. 18, 2010 aboard a coaster, we were going to San Pablo, Laguna

AnejIgpRUds

Wala pa palang toll booth yung exit papuntang Maharlika Highway.

Dapat aspaltuhin ang STAR eh...

Hindi naman pala mahirap aspaltohin ang STAR, siguro naman may pondo ang DPWH jan sa income na kinita nila par mag-lagay ng aspalto sa kahabaan ng STAR kahit yung hanggang LIPA lang.

Hindi naman pala mahirap aspaltohin ang STAR, siguro naman may pondo ang DPWH jan sa income na kinita nila par mag-lagay ng aspalto sa kahabaan ng STAR kahit yung hanggang LIPA lang.

Actually, i noticed that there are new portions with asphalt overlay. Maybe DPWH is waiting for the road quality to get bad before they rehabilitate it with asphalt overlay

Sana nga i asphalt nila ang buong STAR tollways. At ang pinaka maganda gawin sa STAR ay gawing two lanes on each side ang stretch para wala na un takaw aksidente na merging to two lanes only stretch papunta ng batangas.

^^ Guys, hindi lang dapat mag asphalt overlay sa STAR. Kailangan ay ayos at maganda din ang quality ng concrete road bed. Kung hindi, wala din. Ika nga ni BF noon, "failed engineering".

^^Ang ganda naman ng TR3. At sana sumunod na ang STAR. Biruin ninyo kunektado na ang Skyway, SLEX, at STAR tapos ang STAR na lang ang walang aspalto.:ohno:

^^Ang ganda naman ng TR3. At sana sumunod na ang STAR. Biruin ninyo kunektado na ang Skyway, SLEX, at STAR tapos ang STAR na lang ang walang aspalto.:ohno:

Kung maisasaayos ang STAR, halos kamukha ito ng TR3 o ng SCTEX.

Sana.:ohno:

Kung maisasaayos ang STAR, halos kamukha ito ng TR3 o ng SCTEX.

Sana.:ohno:

^^ Guys, hindi lang dapat mag asphalt overlay sa STAR. Kailangan ay ayos at maganda din ang quality ng concrete road bed. Kung hindi, wala din. Ika nga ni BF noon, "failed engineering".

^^Ang ganda naman ng TR3. At sana sumunod na ang STAR. Biruin ninyo kunektado na ang Skyway, SLEX, at STAR tapos ang STAR na lang ang walang aspalto.:ohno:

Kapansin pansin kahit na-ka Van ka pa, tumatalbog parin dahil hindi talaga flat ang pagka semento ng STAR, kung maglalagay ng aspalto dapat hanggang second layer para maging smooth ang pag-ka flat.

Madadaig pa ng STAR ang SCTEx kapag naaspalto na ito.:nuts:

^^ Anung sinakyan nyo, approved ba yung fare increase ng LTFRB? Or colorum van?

^I think hindi yun colorum van, tsaka hindi ko lang alam kung approve na yung fare increasing nila, ang nagtataka lang ako nagtaas sila ng pasahe sa van kahit free pa dumaan sa TR3.

^^sumbong mo

^Halatang hindi pa iyun approve.:ohno:

7 killed in Star Tollway accident
Report from Sarita Kare, ABS-CBN Southern Tagalog; ANC

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sites/default/files/a_images/topics/tvpatrol/2011january/010211_startollwayaccident.jpg

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Seven people were killed while 4 others were injured in a vehicular accident along the Star Tollway in Batangas province on Sunday.

The accident involved a jeepney, a bus, and a car at the tollway in Ibaan town around 12:30 p.m.

Initial investigation disclosed that a Gasat bus heading to Iloilo from Manila tried to overtake a car in front of it.

The bus then tried to cross the other lane but hit a jeepney that carried a family heading back to Manila from a reunion in Batangas.

Seven of the jeepney’s 11 passengers, including the driver and 3 minors, were killed.

The drivers of the bus and the car are now under police custody for investigation.


^^This happened on the part where STAR merges from 4 lanes to a 2 lane road. Just like what happened before with another bus...

^^ Watching this on the news right now...Nalagas ang isang pamilya...RIP...:ohno:

Dapat ay magawan ng paraan na magawa na yung Southbound lane ng STAR.

Drove thru TR3 today northbound around 5pm. There was a 1 km queue to go thru the toll booths. Took 20 minutes to traverse...so much for not hitting traffic at Turbina.

^^ Watching this on the news right now...Nalagas ang isang pamilya...RIP...:ohno:

Dapat ay magawan ng paraan na magawa na yung Southbound lane ng STAR.

Kasisimula pa lang ng taon 7 kaagad ang patay. Ilan tao pa ba dapat ang mamatay dyan sa Star Tollway bago nila gawin ang Northbound lane? Nagbabayad ang mga motorista sa Star Tollway ng toll fee para safe sila dumaan dyan. Pero bakit puro accidente ang nangyayari. Di ba dapat managot din ang Star Tollway Management sa accidente na ito? Kasi sila na rin ang may kasalanan sa kapabayaan nila. Ilan tao na ang namatay sa Stage II na yan, wala pa rin action ang Management nila. Dapat pakulong na ang mga namumuno ng Star Tollway para matauhan naman sila. Sa mga namatayan, kami po ay nakikiramay. Ihabla nyo na po ang Star Tollway Management kasi po nagbayad kayo ng toll para safe ang travel ng mga kamaganak nyo.

^^ Nakakatakot talaga dumaan sa Lipa - Batangas City segment, lalo na pag gabi. Dumaan pa naman kami dito noong Dec. 31.

Yung bus ata na nakadale kanina ay GASAT Express, so ibig sabihin merong special franchise ito gawa holidays?

^^ ewan ko ba kung bakit ayaw ayusin yung Lipa-Batangas City segment. hindi naman siguro pwedeng i-katwiran ng STAR Tollway management na hindi mataas ang numero ng mga sasakyan na dumadaan sa parteng yun ng kalsada. :ohno:

Dapat pairalin ang defensive driving. Magovertake lamang pagka talagang safe, not with that split second chance. Iisa lang ang buhay natin at hindi dapat igamble.

7 killed, 4 injured in tollway mishap (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=644668&publicationSubCategoryId=67)

By Arnell Ozaeta (The Philippine Star) Updated January 03, 2011

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/419/nat1photohires.jpg
Paramedics attend to one of the victims (inset) of the three-vehicle smashup involving a passenger jeepney, a passenger bus and a car along the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road in Ibaan, Batangas yesterday. ARNELL OZAETA (http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/419/nat1photohires.jpg)


BATANGAS, Philippines – Seven people, including a couple and their two sons aged two and 10, were killed and four others were injured when a passenger bus smashed into a Nissan Sentra and a passenger jeepney along the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) in Ibaan town this province yesterday afternoon, police said.

Meanwhile, two other road fatalities were reported in Sariaya, Quezon when a van rammed into a motorcycle along the Maharlika Highway. 

Senior Superintendent Alberto Supapo, Batangas police director, identified the fatalities in the three-vehicle smashup as couple Francisco and Joselyn Festijo and their sons Laurenz, two, and Jermel, 10; Elizardo Festijo, Maricris Festijo and jeepney driver Zosimo Festijo, all residents of Rizal, who were on board the passenger jeepney.

Injured were Frank Ace Festijo, Marilyn Festijo, Annabel Festijo, and Aaron Festijo. They were rushed to the Batangas Regional Hospital in Batangas City.

The Nissan Sentra’s driver, lawyer Genalyn Bagun, of the Laguna vice governor’s office, escaped unscathed from the accident.

SPO4 Nelio Lopez, chief investigator of the Ibaan police, said the southbound Gasat Express bus (with license plate TYK-287) was cruising the STAR tollway when its driver, Aurelio Doctora, tried to overtake Bagun’s car at Km 98 in Barangay Quilo, Ibaan town at around 12:30 p.m. yesterday.

The bus hit the rear of Bagun’s car and subsequently smashed into the oncoming passenger jeepney, killing six of its passengers on the spot.

The car and bus fell into a five-foot deep canal after the collision.

One of the bus passengers, Daniel Malicsi, he said their bus was cruising on average speed when their driver tried to overtake Bagun’s car which he said seemed to be having mechanical trouble.

Malicsi said they were en route to Iloilo from Cubao via the nautical highway when they met the accident.

Martin Bagui, a relative of the Festijos, said the victims celebrated New Year with them in Barangay Tingga Itaas, Batangas City, as they did every year, and were on their way home. 

The bus driver, Aurelio Doctora, was brought to Ibaan police station for investigation and could face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and multiple serious physical injuries and damage to property.

In Sariaya, Quezon, two motorcycle riders were killed and a third one was seriously injured in a collision with a van.

Police identified the fatalities as Pablo Medrano and his cousin Kim Medrano, both 17, and the critically injured as Leo de Villa. – With Ed Amoroso

Marami talagang bus drivers feeling hari sa mga expressways. Delikado mag overtake sa lugar na yon ang mga pa southbound dahil palusong. Meron same accident before at parehong lugar ang binagsakan ng bus, mabuti noon walang nabanggang pa northbound.

Ininterview yung driver sa TV Patrol, kasalanan daw nung jeepney driver kaya nangyari yung trahedya.

Paano magiging kasalanan nung jeepney yun, eh nag OVERTAKE yung bus driver doon sa single carriageway sa Ibaan section, hinagip pa yung black Nissan Sentra Exalta (Red Plate)...:bash:

Kasisimula pa lang ng taon 7 kaagad ang patay. Ilan tao pa ba dapat ang mamatay dyan sa Star Tollway bago nila gawin ang Northbound lane? Nagbabayad ang mga motorista sa Star Tollway ng toll fee para safe sila dumaan dyan. Pero bakit puro accidente ang nangyayari. Di ba dapat managot din ang Star Tollway Management sa accidente na ito? Kasi sila na rin ang may kasalanan sa kapabayaan nila. Ilan tao na ang namatay sa Stage II na yan, wala pa rin action ang Management nila. Dapat pakulong na ang mga namumuno ng Star Tollway para matauhan naman sila. Sa mga namatayan, kami po ay nakikiramay. Ihabla nyo na po ang Star Tollway Management kasi po nagbayad kayo ng toll para safe ang travel ng mga kamaganak nyo.

Relax ka lang kasi di mo naman alam lahat ng facts. Ang gobyerno ang nagsabi na 2 lanes lang muna ang Lipa - Batangas until umabot sya sa capacity. Baka 30 years pa bago umabot sa capacity.

If the government will request the Star Tollway owners to build the northbound lanes and allow the tolls to be increased (the toll is half of the SLEX toll and the lowest in the Philippines), gagawin agad yun. The cost of those 20 km of 2 additional lanes may reach a total of P2 billion. Right now, the net income of Star is barely able to cover its debt amortization kasi nga sobrang baba ng toll rate.

^^ Sakin, wala naman problema ang toll fees kahit aray. Basta maganda ang daan. Pero kung magtataas sila sa lagay ng STAR ngayon, ala eh hinde ko gusto iyan.

Relax ka lang kasi di mo naman alam lahat ng facts. Ang gobyerno ang nagsabi na 2 lanes lang muna ang Lipa - Batangas until umabot sya sa capacity. Baka 30 years pa bago umabot sa capacity.

If the government will request the Star Tollway owners to build the northbound lanes and allow the tolls to be increased (the toll is half of the SLEX toll and the lowest in the Philippines), gagawin agad yun. The cost of those 20 km of 2 additional lanes may reach a total of P2 billion. Right now, the net income of Star is barely able to cover its debt amortization kasi nga sobrang baba ng toll rate.


Still, dapat talagang gawin na un kabilang side ng STAR para iwas aksidente na. SCTEX nga hinde parin mah reach full capacity and yet, kumpleto ang buong stretch. STAR pa kaya?

Still, dapat talagang gawin na un kabilang side ng STAR para iwas aksidente na. SCTEX nga hinde parin mah reach full capacity and yet, kumpleto ang buong stretch. STAR pa kaya?

The current toll rate of SCTEX is about double that of STAR. Also, the SCTEX toll escalation formula is such that in just a few more years' time, their toll rate will be triple that of STAR. Kung ganun ang toll rate ng STAR, walang problema na gawin kaagad ang additional 2 lanes.

Ulitin lang natin -- Kung ang gobyerno ang mag-request na gawin ang additional 2 lanes and pataasin ang toll rates, gagawin kaagad yun.

By the way, kapag nalaman niyo ang buong storya ng ginawa ng bus driver (at pati ang driver ng unang binangga nyang kotse), magugulat talaga kayo. Mukhang binangga ng bus na sadya ang kotse, di naiwasan ang jeep na paahon tapos bumangga pa sya sa sign na "No Overtaking".

diba meron ding ganyang section ang NLEX... mula 4 lanes naging 2 lanes na lang at single carriageway din.. may naaksidente ngang FemEx Bus dun dati kaso sabi ng NLEX di daw nila basta basta pwedeng dagdagan ang lanes kasi di pa ganun kataas ang traffic...

The current toll rate of SCTEX is about double that of STAR. Also, the SCTEX toll escalation formula is such that in just a few more years' time, their toll rate will be triple that of STAR. Kung ganun ang toll rate ng STAR, walang problema na gawin kaagad ang additional 2 lanes.

Ulitin lang natin -- Kung ang gobyerno ang mag-request na gawin ang additional 2 lanes and pataasin ang toll rates, gagawin kaagad yun.

By the way, kapag nalaman niyo ang buong storya ng ginawa ng bus driver (at pati ang driver ng unang binangga nyang kotse), magugulat talaga kayo. Mukhang binangga ng bus na sadya ang kotse, di naiwasan ang jeep na paahon tapos bumangga pa sya sa sign na "No Overtaking".

Hahaha :lol:


Anyway, bakit ba hinde kinasuhan ng mga pamilya un bus company? Yan tuloy, balik sa kalye un killer na bus driver na yan. :bash:

...Hinde na ako pupunta sa south dahil puro killer ang mga bus driver dyan. :banana:

WTF, akala ko naman merong special permit tong GASAT Express, wala daw sabi ng LTFRB??!!

-----

Bus in tollway crash outside own route – LTFRB (http://manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/36932-bus-in-tollway-crash-outside-own-route--ltfrb)

Tuesday, 04 January 2011
BY JEFFERSON ANTIPORDA REPORTER

THE passenger bus that figured in the bloody Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) tollway mishap in Batangas that killed seven people, including three minors was found to have been illegally operating outside its designated route, an official of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said Monday.

Lawyer Manuel Iway, LTFRB board member, disclosed that based on their initial investigation the Batangas City bound Gasat Express bus that collided head-on with a Manila bound jeepney is only authorized to travel within Metro Manila.

Iway said the Gasat bus (TYK-287) is only authorized to travel the Grotto-NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) via Edsa-Fairview route.

The LTFRB official added that the said bus also has no special permit on the time of the incident for it to operate legally outside its designated route.

Special permits are issued by the LTFRB during special holidays to be able to provide enough number of bus units to serve commuters that will be traveling to their respective provinces.

The recent findings could put the operator of Gasat—Rosalinda Valisno—in serious trouble and apart from possible cancelation of franchise, she could also face criminal complaints.

Seven people were killed and four others were injured in the incident Sunday afternoon near the Ibaan exit of the Star tollway.
All the dead and injured were passengers of the jeep (PET-814) bound for Manila.

Batangas Provincial Director Senior Supt. Alberto Supapo identified the fatalities as couple Francisco and Joselyn Festijo, their two sons Laurenz, 2 and Jermel, 10; Elizardo Festijo, Maricris Festijo and jeep driver Zosimo Festijo, all residents of Rizal.

Supapo also identified the wounded as Frank Ace Festijo, Marilyn Festijo, Annabel Festijo and Aaron Festijo who are now undergoing treatment at the Batangas Regional Hospital in Batangas City.

It was learned that the Batangas bound passenger bus—driven by Aurelio Doctora—tried to overtake another car but did not notice the approaching jeep of the victims, which led to the collision.

A 30-day preventive suspension and a show-cause order have already been issued by the LTFRB against Gasat Express grounding 17 of its bus units while investigation is being conducted.

The incident is the first bloody vehicular crash that happened this year but only five days after the incident in Quezon wherein a passenger bus fell into a 50-foot ravine killing four persons and injured several others.

^^Bakit kaya wala sa balita ang plano na palaparin ang STAR Tollway?:ohno:

Puro pagpapakansela ng prangkisa ng GASAT ang nababalitaan ko.:bash:

Nakakapanghinayang lang talaga.:ohno:

Ilan pa kaya ang magbubuwis ng buhay sa mga susunod pang mga araw?:ohno:

Still, dapat talagang gawin na un kabilang side ng STAR para iwas aksidente na. SCTEX nga hinde parin mah reach full capacity and yet, kumpleto ang buong stretch. STAR pa kaya?

Batangas port starts handling international shipments (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=642853&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio (The Philippine Star) Updated December 27, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - After being underutilized for some time, the international shipment for the Batangas port has started after the Regional Container Lines (RCL) started docking in the port this month, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) reported.

Japanese firms located in PEZA zones have been pressuring the government to open the port to international shipment because the ports of Manila are already congested. In fact, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines planned to include the opening of this port in the renegotiation of the Japan Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) next year.

PEZA director general Lilia B. De Lima said that PEZA firms located in Batangas and other surrounding provinces have been waiting for the port and the opening of international shipment bodes well for business.

Five companies have already used the port so far. They are Maxim Philippines located in Batangas, Pazar, Dole Philippines and Coral Bay in Cotabato and Estephan Philippines Inc.

“We have been working on this since last year because we were trying to get shipping lines to operate and we wanted the PEZA firms to use the port,” De Lima said.

De Lima explained that it was difficult to convince the first liner to locate in Batangas but now that international operations have started other firms are expected to follow. In fact, she said they are in the final stages of the negotiation for another shipping line. “Now there will be volume,” she said.

De Lima said that it is advantageous to use the Batangas port versus the ports in Manila. “In Batangas there is no color coding and there is a lot of space. It is not congested like Manila.” Mostly, she said the firms that will use the ports are those in the Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Quezon area.

Many auto manufacturers are in Laguna and she said it is perfect for auto and parts shipment.

The Batangas Port has a newly operational international container terminal equipped with two ship-to-shore cranes and other modern cargo stacking equipment. It has an annual throughput capacity of 400,000 TEUs.

Aside from conventional port services, ATIB provides logistics services for leading energy exploration companies operating in offshore Palawan through the Batangas Supply Base.
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Reasonable na palaparin na ang STAR Tollway. Mas lalong dadami ang gagamit ng Batangas Port bilang isang international seaport kung mapapalawak at mapapaganda ang STAR.:okay:

Mula sa mga economic zones ng Cavite, Laguna, at Batangas, dadaan ang mga trak na may dalang mga export products and goods sa SLEX-TR3-STAR-Diversion Road-Batangas Port.:cheers:

Eto pa ang balita.

As RCL begins port calls, exporters shift to Batangas port (http://www.mb.com.ph/node/294898/a)
By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT
December 26, 2010, 1:14pm

BATANGAS CITY, Philippines — Locators in the country’s various economic zones are now starting to ship through the Batangas international port following the call of ocean-going vessel RCL (Regional Container Lines).

Philippine Economic Zone Authority director-general Lilia B. De Lima said that RCL called on the Batangas port two weeks ago bearing the shipments of eight PEZA zone locators.

The ecozone locators that are now using Batangas port include Epson, Coral Bay Nickel of Palawan, Estepan Oleochemicals of Batangas, Maxim Philippines of Batangas, Dole Philippines of Cotabato, PASAR of Leyte, American Power of Cavite Economic Zone, TIPCO of TECO-SEZ in Pampanga, and Marzell of Laguna Technopark.

De Lima said this breakthrough was a result of extensive discussions between shipping lines, ecozone locators, the Philippine Ports Authority, brokers and port operator Asian Terminals Inc.

“Starting two Sundays ago, eight PEZA locators have shipped through the Batangas port using RCL shipping line,” she said.

De Lima explained that the use of the Batangas port by PEZA locators would mean cheaper cost of doing business and would improve the competitiveness of exports.

“There is no number coding, no traffic, no long queues, and cheaper cost of using the Batangas seaport,” she added.

The non-patronage before of the Batangas port by ecozone locators was largely due to the issue of volume.

International shipping lines also said they could not call on the port because of the viability issue due to the low volume of cargoes, which they blamed to the exporters who in turn said that foreign ships should come first.

“We were caught in a chicken and egg situation,” she said.

Now, with the operation of RCL more ecozone exporters would be encouraged to shift shipments from the Manila port to the Batangas port.

De Lima even revealed that she was scheduled to meet another international shipping line to encourage another line to also call in the Batangas port.

De Lima said there is enough volume for the Batangas port. PEZA locators account for the bulk of the country’s biggest exports and the Calabarzon is home to most of PEZA ecozones.

For the January-November period this year, PEZA exports jumped 24.05 percent to $36.996 billion compared to the full year 2009 exports of $29.824 billion.

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:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

Palaparin na ang STAR Tollway. Ngayon na!!!:D:D:D

^^ Para sa akin, mainam na ayusin na ASAP yung Batangas branch line ng PNR.

^^ i agree, pero ngayon pa lang ay sinasabi ko na sa iyo na medyo pahirapan ang mangyayaring clearing ng PNR Batangas Line ROW dahil sa dami ng mga nakatayong structures dito.

still, i hope that the Ibaan-Batangas City segment of STAR will be completed soon. darating din talaga ang panahon na tataas ang traffic sa lugar na yan, especially kapag naging full blast na ang paggamit ng Port of Batangas for international operations.

Another carriageway will only be built if:
1: The first carriageway exceeds the designed volume
2: People are willing to pay a larger toll fee.

The first one will probably be accomplished because of the volume of cars from Batangas Port and the newly opened TR3. However, the second one will be a lot more difficult to carry out since motorists are still angry about the toll hikes in most of the expressways :nuts:.

^^Para sa akin, walang problema ang pangalawang dahilan. Kung sa ikagaganda at ikakaligtas ng maraming mga buhay ang pagpapagawa ng bagong kalsada, e wala na dapat ikagalit ang mga tao.:okay:

Batangas governor to hold talks with tollway officials (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=644953&publicationSubCategoryId=67)
By Arnell Ozaeta and Paolo Romero (The Philippine Star)
Updated January 04, 2011 12:00 AM

BATANGAS , Philippines – Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan once again will call for a dialogue with the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) Tollway officials to mop out plans in implementing additional safety features, following the vehicular accident that killed seven people on Sunday.

In a text message sent by Santos-Recto to The Star, she said she was saddened by the incident and will immediately call for a meeting with Star Tollway officials, Philippine National Police (PNP), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB).

“They have to add safety nets such as visible speed limits. But sometimes accidents cannot be avoided because a big part of that is the responsibility of the drivers,” Santos-Recto said adding, “they drive like kings of the roads, mas mabigat na batas at parusa dapat sa mga irresponsible and reckless drivers.”

She said she will call for a meeting within a week-“Even that’s a Startoll, we have a responsibility to call their attention and plan a more concrete matrix of program for our motorists’ protection.”

Vice Gov. Marc Leviste lashed out the Star Tollway for the inaction on the SP’s recommendations.

“Despite the numerous and constant reminders to Star Tollway management to basically at least put up safety signages such as speed limits, no overtaking, proper use of seatbelts, prohibiting the use of cellphone while driving and apprehension of drunk drivers but they never implemented it,” Leviste said through a text message.

He added that installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera would somehow prevent the recurrence of accidents in the tollway.

Adolfo Dioquino Jr. general manager of Star Tollway Corp., however, insisted that Sunday’s accident was caused by human error and not from the tollways structure.
:bash::bash::bash: INSISTED - DEFENSIVE yung manager ng STAR Tollway. Guilty.:ohno::ohno::ohno:

Moreover, Batangas Rep. Hermilando Mandanas filed yesterday a resolution urging the TRB to immediately review the compliance by the concessionaire of the STAR Tollway of its obligations on the operation and maintenance of the highway.

Mandanas filed the measure in light of what he said were “the frequent vehicular accidents occurring at the said toll facility.”

He said the TRB by law exercises close supervision, monitoring, and regulation of the construction, operation, and maintenance of toll facilities, and the collection of toll fees as well as the rate that will be charged for the use of these toll facilities.

He said the concession with regard to the construction, operation and maintenance of the STAR Tollway of a four-lane 42-kilometer expressway was awarded to STAR Infrastructure Development Corp. (STAR-IDC).

He said only two lanes of the STAR Tollway II have been constructed by STAR-IDC since it opened in 2008.

“Due to the existing two-way traffic and alleged poor road condition along STAR Tollway II caused by the non-completion of the other two lanes, collision among passenger buses and other vehicles frequently occurs at the stretch of the said tollway,” Mandanas said.

He said in the Vehicular Accidents Report submitted by the Batangas Provincial Police Office, from January to October 2010, a total of 135 vehicular accidents transpired at the STAR Tollway.

Of the total of 135 reported vehicular accidents, 82 occurred along STAR Tollway II, he said.:ohno:

STAR Tollway’s negligence caused New Year road crash (http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/36934-star-tollways-negligence-caused-new-year-road-crash)

Tuesday, 04 January 2011 00:00

THE Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) Tollway should also take the blame for the road mishap over the first weekend of the year which left seven people dead, a lawmaker said Monday.

Rep. Hermilando Mandanas of the Second District of Batangas noted that while STAR Tollway 2 is designed to be a four-lane expressway, only two lanes of the STAR Tollway 2 have been constructed by STAR-Infrastructure Development Corp.

“Collision between passenger buses and other vehicles frequently occurs at the stretch of the said tollway because of the existing two way traffic and alleged poor road condition along STAR Tollway 2,” Mandanas stated in his House Resolution 785.

He urged the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) to immediately review the STAR Tollway concessionaire’s compliance with its obligations—the construction, operation and maintenance of STAR Tollway 2 (Lipa City to Batangas City Section).
He also asked the TRB to investigate the frequent vehicular accidents occurring at the said toll facility.

An immediate TRB action against the STAR Tollways, Mandanas said, could not be more urgent considering that at least 135 vehicular accidents have already transpired in the STAR Tollway from January to October 2010 based on the Vehicular Accidents Report of the Batangas Provincial Police Office. Of the said 135 mishaps, 82 occurred along STAR Tollway 2.

According to Mandanas, the TRB is tasked to closely supervise, monitor and regulate the construction, operation and maintenance of toll facilities, as well as the collection of toll fees and the rate that would be charged for their use.

The concession with regard to the construction, operation and maintenance of STAR Tollway or Calabarzon Expressway was awarded to STAR-IDC. The 42-kilometer STAR Tollway 2, which was opened in 2008, passes through the Lipa City and the municipalities of San Jose, Ibaan and Batangas City.

^^ Hmm, para sa akin, mas poor ang road condition ng Sto. Tomas - Lipa than Lipa - Batangas City segment.

Though FAR more dangerous ang Star Phase II talaga, kaya ingat tayo lagi.

^^Para sa akin, walang problema ang pangalawang dahilan. Kung sa ikagaganda at ikakaligtas ng maraming mga buhay ang pagpapagawa ng bagong kalsada, e wala na dapat ikagalit ang mga tao.:okay:

Batangas governor to hold talks with tollway officials (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=644953&publicationSubCategoryId=67)
By Arnell Ozaeta and Paolo Romero (The Philippine Star)
Updated January 04, 2011 12:00 AM

BATANGAS , Philippines – Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan once again will call for a dialogue with the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) Tollway officials to mop out plans in implementing additional safety features, following the vehicular accident that killed seven people on Sunday.

In a text message sent by Santos-Recto to The Star, she said she was saddened by the incident and will immediately call for a meeting with Star Tollway officials, Philippine National Police (PNP), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB).

“They have to add safety nets such as visible speed limits. But sometimes accidents cannot be avoided because a big part of that is the responsibility of the drivers,” Santos-Recto said adding, “they drive like kings of the roads, mas mabigat na batas at parusa dapat sa mga irresponsible and reckless drivers.”

She said she will call for a meeting within a week-“Even that’s a Startoll, we have a responsibility to call their attention and plan a more concrete matrix of program for our motorists’ protection.”

Vice Gov. Marc Leviste lashed out the Star Tollway for the inaction on the SP’s recommendations.

“Despite the numerous and constant reminders to Star Tollway management to basically at least put up safety signages such as speed limits, no overtaking, proper use of seatbelts, prohibiting the use of cellphone while driving and apprehension of drunk drivers but they never implemented it,” Leviste said through a text message.

He added that installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera would somehow prevent the recurrence of accidents in the tollway.

Adolfo Dioquino Jr. general manager of Star Tollway Corp., however, insisted that Sunday’s accident was caused by human error and not from the tollways structure.
:bash::bash::bash: INSISTED - DEFENSIVE yung manager ng STAR Tollway. Guilty.:ohno::ohno::ohno:

Moreover, Batangas Rep. Hermilando Mandanas filed yesterday a resolution urging the TRB to immediately review the compliance by the concessionaire of the STAR Tollway of its obligations on the operation and maintenance of the highway.

Mandanas filed the measure in light of what he said were “the frequent vehicular accidents occurring at the said toll facility.”

He said the TRB by law exercises close supervision, monitoring, and regulation of the construction, operation, and maintenance of toll facilities, and the collection of toll fees as well as the rate that will be charged for the use of these toll facilities.

He said the concession with regard to the construction, operation and maintenance of the STAR Tollway of a four-lane 42-kilometer expressway was awarded to STAR Infrastructure Development Corp. (STAR-IDC).

He said only two lanes of the STAR Tollway II have been constructed by STAR-IDC since it opened in 2008.

“Due to the existing two-way traffic and alleged poor road condition along STAR Tollway II caused by the non-completion of the other two lanes, collision among passenger buses and other vehicles frequently occurs at the stretch of the said tollway,” Mandanas said.

He said in the Vehicular Accidents Report submitted by the Batangas Provincial Police Office, from January to October 2010, a total of 135 vehicular accidents transpired at the STAR Tollway.

Of the total of 135 reported vehicular accidents, 82 occurred along STAR Tollway II, he said.:ohno:

Hindi ako naniniwala sa pagkakamali ng tao kaya ngkaroon ng aksidente doon, ang road condition ay di maganda kaya kasalanan yun ng STAR..:bash:

D ko maintindihan ang logic ng mga poster sa thread na ito. Klaruhin na nga natin kung ano talaga ang nangyari:

During interviews, the driver of the bus keeps mumbling and complaining about the driver of the Sentra. There is a reason for this. The driver of the Sentra was harassing the driver of the bus. She was deliberately slowing the car down and when the bus would try to overtake on her left, she would veer the car to the left to block the bus. Di maintindihan kung bakit ito ginawa ng Sentra. A theory is that pinahirapan siya ng bus na mag-overtake. Once naka-overtake siya, pinahirapan naman niya ang bus.

THIS WAS GOING ON FOR A FEW KILOMETERS, until both vehicles neared the southbound approach of Sabang bridge. This section has a pretty steep grade so the northbound part actually has an extra lane for overtaking. At this point, the bus DELIBERATELY bumped the rear of the Sentra, causing it to veer right. The bus then tried to overtake the Sentra and speed away but there was a jeepney on the northbound lane. The bus driver probably expected the jeepney to veer right kasi nga maluwag ang northbound doon but the jeepney was going too slow (paakyat kasi) so it was unable to avoid the bus. The bus smashed the jeepney and then ran over the "No Overtaking" sign.

The Star management met with the Batangas provincial officials and all agreed that this was caused by the recklessness of the bus driver, although it is unclear as to whether the driver of the Sentra should also carry some of the liability.

So anu yung sinasabi ni bus driver na kasalanan daw ng jeepney driver yung aksidente? Anu yun, kasalanan gawa hindi sha nag veer right to avoid the rampaging bus?

So anu yung sinasabi ni bus driver na kasalanan daw ng jeepney driver yung aksidente? Anu yun, kasalanan gawa hindi sha nag veer right to avoid the rampaging bus?

Its common practice here in the Philippines where lanes are ignored and that vehicles move out of the way if there's room even though the approaching driving car is breaking the traffic law by counter flowing.

You see this practice daily of counterflowing in heavily congested areas and in traffic jams. Jeepney drivers and tricycle are usually the culprits. I really don't know why they are thinking when doing this since it just makes the traffic worse and the opposing lane becomes completely blocked and traffic can't flow.

The bus driver probably thinks he had every right to counterflow since the jeep had room to move out of the way.

Unfortunately, nobody is enforcing especially in the provinces. :ohno::ohno::ohno:

No giant fonts please. Please edit your posts and reduce the size of the giant fonts.

Anyway, Star Toll should be implement stricter rules from now on, parang ang daming aksidente jan sa star tollway. This incident was probably caused by road rage and this would have been avoided if everybody drove with more courtesy due to the stricter implementation of rules.

I also passed the slex star toll connection yesterday, it cut travel time to Lipa by about 30 minutes which is great, no need to pass by the congested Turbina area.

^^ Majority of the road accidents occurs at the Lipa - Batangas City segment. Katakot naman kasi talaga dun.

SIDC should not let more accidents to happen on their jurisdiction... They should now construct and improve the lanes if not the whole stretch of Star Tollway.

D ko maintindihan ang logic ng mga poster sa thread na ito. Klaruhin na nga natin kung ano talaga ang nangyari:

During interviews, the driver of the bus keeps mumbling and complaining about the driver of the Sentra. There is a reason for this. The driver of the Sentra was harassing the driver of the bus. She was deliberately slowing the car down and when the bus would try to overtake on her left, she would veer the car to the left to block the bus. Di maintindihan kung bakit ito ginawa ng Sentra. A theory is that pinahirapan siya ng bus na mag-overtake. Once naka-overtake siya, pinahirapan naman niya ang bus.

THIS WAS GOING ON FOR A FEW KILOMETERS, until both vehicles neared the southbound approach of Sabang bridge. This section has a pretty steep grade so the northbound part actually has an extra lane for overtaking. At this point, the bus DELIBERATELY bumped the rear of the Sentra, causing it to veer right. The bus then tried to overtake the Sentra and speed away but there was a jeepney on the northbound lane. The bus driver probably expected the jeepney to veer right kasi nga maluwag ang northbound doon but the jeepney was going too slow (paakyat kasi) so it was unable to avoid the bus. The bus smashed the jeepney and then ran over the "No Overtaking" sign.

The Star management met with the Batangas provincial officials and all agreed that this was caused by the recklessness of the bus driver, although it is unclear as to whether the driver of the Sentra should also carry some of the liability.

From your description above it is really the bus driver's fault. Not the car, even if the lady driver was "harassing" the bus by shifting lanes. If the bus hit the jeepney which was in the proper lane, then it is the fault of the vehicle which is out of lane, which is the bus.

Driving a bus is a big responsibility. Especially at high speeds the bus is like a huge projectile. More so on a declining slope. More so if overtaking. And more so because it is a public conveyance.

The bus driver should be imprisoned to the maximum for each count of homicide due to reckless imprudence! :bash:

I think it is really the time to construct the northbound carriageway of the Lipa-Batangas segment of STAR Tollway. SANA sa lahat ng mga aksidenteng nangyari sa segment na ito ay maisipan din ng SLTC na gawing 4 lanes ang SLEX TR4 from their initial plan of 2 lanes. That also goes to PIDC, the concessionaire of TPLEX because their plan is just to construct a 2 lane expressway and once traffic increases they will construct another carriageway.

^^ Kaya naman yun eh, but the problem is the massive cost, not unless merong subsidy from the goverment (kaso walang pera).

The accidents along STAR can be lessened if there is enough traffic enforcer visibility (including speed cameras near interchanges/intersections), sufficient lighting, road signs warning of danger and speed limits, and so on.

You don't need to spend hundreds of millions to implement my suggestions above. One hindrance to this happening is that STAR toll fees are peanuts and not even enough for their maintenance and other regular activities, what more expansion. They should also be allowed to increase toll rates to a reasonable level so they will have funds to make our proposals realities.

^^ No problem if they increase the toll rates for me.

Pero bago naman yun, AYUSIN muna nila ang STAR.

SIDC should not let more accidents to happen on their jurisdiction... They should now construct and improve the lanes if not the whole stretch of Star Tollway.

I agree, but first thing first. They have to first repair the Stage I pavement. Talagang matagtag na yung portion nila. Di ba sila nahihiya dyan na sila na lang ang pinaka pangit na tollroad sa Pinas. Ang kawawa ay ang mga motorista tulad ko, kasi nagbabayad tayo ng toll fee pero saan pumupunta yung bayad natin. Dapat kasi sa operation and maintenance punta yung toll fee na binayad natin. Pero parang gobyerno na rin ang SIDC sa bulsa nila pumapasok ang dapat na para sa maintenance ng kalsada.

Good evening all. Just got word that something good will happen na sa Star Tollway pretty soon. My source wont tell me the whole story. Lets just wait if this will really materialize. Dapat matagal na nila ginawa ang move na yun.

^^ Parang blind item ah. :D

Sana nga magandang balita.

^^ prang ganun na nga..


sabi sa mga balita. "sa kasalukuyan ginagawa ang northbound lane ng STAR Tollway".. e wala ngang pagbabago.. kitang kita sa mga damo.. walang progress.. tapos kung kailan may mababalitang pito ang namatay saka sila kikibo sa kanilang upuan.. ano ba yan??

pasakop nyo na STAR sa SLTC..

^^ prang ganun na nga..


sabi sa mga balita. "sa kasalukuyan ginagawa ang northbound lane ng STAR Tollway".. e wala ngang pagbabago.. kitang kita sa mga damo.. walang progress.. tapos kung kailan may mababalitang pito ang namatay saka sila kikibo sa kanilang upuan.. ano ba yan??

pasakop nyo na STAR sa SLTC..

Agree, sa SLTC nalang nila ito ibigay ng masimulan na..

^^ Irerehab nga nila STAR, tapos pahirapan na naman sa pagsingil ng Toll...:D

^^ Irerehab nga nila STAR, tapos pahirapan na naman sa pagsingil ng Toll...:D

Hindi siguro, kelan lang naman binuksan ang STAR at kung magrerehab malamang ang gubat at shoulder lane ang tatangalin at aspalto lang ok na then after mag-increase ng Toll Fee.:lol:

I agree, but first thing first. They have to first repair the Stage I pavement. Talagang matagtag na yung portion nila. Di ba sila nahihiya dyan na sila na lang ang pinaka pangit na tollroad sa Pinas. Ang kawawa ay ang mga motorista tulad ko, kasi nagbabayad tayo ng toll fee pero saan pumupunta yung bayad natin. Dapat kasi sa operation and maintenance punta yung toll fee na binayad natin. Pero parang gobyerno na rin ang SIDC sa bulsa nila pumapasok ang dapat na para sa maintenance ng kalsada.

Stage I (Sto. Tomas to Lipa) was built by the government and turned over to the private operator of Star. From the time it was built, Stage I has always been "matagtag". The quality of the pavement is actually pretty good. Matibay sya but it is a very uncomfortable ride, especially in the section from Malvar to Lipa.

The problem is that this is not a simple "maintenance" issue. To give you an idea, in order to fix this problem, the ENTIRE 2010 revenue of Star is not even sufficient.

To make this even clearer ... the private investors in Star put up equity of more than P800 million. If they are lucky, they will get some dividends in 2014 or 2015. Till that time, they will not receive a single centavo. ALL the revenues are captured by the lender and only a limited amount is given to the operator for the operations and maintenance - that's called project finance. It's very unfair to say that "parang gobyerno na rin ang SIDC sa bulsa nila pumapasok ang dapat para sa maintenance ng kalsada."

Ulitin natin for the nth time: If the government (not some anonymous forum poster but rather, the government as represented by DPWH or TRB) requires Star to improve Stage I and widen Stage II and then allows toll rates to be increased (AFTER the construction), the Star owners are prepared to immediately invest the required funds (which could be as high as P2 billion).

Stage I (Sto. Tomas to Lipa) was built by the government and turned over to the private operator of Star. From the time it was built, Stage I has always been "matagtag". The quality of the pavement is actually pretty good. Matibay sya but it is a very uncomfortable ride, especially in the section from Malvar to Lipa.

The problem is that this is not a simple "maintenance" issue. To give you an idea, in order to fix this problem, the ENTIRE 2010 revenue of Star is not even sufficient.

To make this even clearer ... the private investors in Star put up equity of more than P800 million. If they are lucky, they will get some dividends in 2014 or 2015. Till that time, they will not receive a single centavo. ALL the revenues are captured by the lender and only a limited amount is given to the operator for the operations and maintenance - that's called project finance. It's very unfair to say that "parang gobyerno na rin ang SIDC sa bulsa nila pumapasok ang dapat para sa maintenance ng kalsada."

Ulitin natin for the nth time: If the government (not some anonymous forum poster but rather, the government as represented by DPWH or TRB) requires Star to improve Stage I and widen Stage II and then allows toll rates to be increased (AFTER the construction), the Star owners are prepared to immediately invest the required funds (which could be as high as P2 billion).

In the first place bakit inaccept ng STAR management ang Stage I kung may mga defect naman ito. As I recall, ng pumasok sila ay nag asphalt overlay sila in some portion ng Stage I. That only means na sila na mismo ang nag aayos ng STAR kasi they have already started collecting toll fees. After the initial asphalt overlays along some portion of STAR tumigil na sila improve ang riding quality kasi maypumapasok na pera sa bulsa nila. Since pumasok na sa bulsa nila ayaw na nilang mag improve ng road way.

Tulad lang ng mga accidents sa STAR. Pag may mga property damages due to accident ay pinapabayaran nila sa naka accidente. Pero what do they do. They just left the damage property as it is. Ni di man lang nila replace or repair yung na damage na property. Pero nabayaran na ito ng mga naka accidente. They should also report to the reporting agency kung magkano ang nakokolekta nila sa mga payment ng property damage at mag account sila kung na repair or replace yung mga na damage.

Just look doon sa recent accident sa may bandang sabang wherein 7 people died. Nabanga daw ng bus yung no overtaking na signages. Ngayon since na banga na yun at na damage, di na nila pinalitan. Ganyan sila ka concern sa mga gumagamit ng STAR. Alam nila na delikado yung area na yun bakit di nila agad ginawan ng paraan para ma balik ang simpling signage lang na no overtaking.

Yung inbang mga operator ng tollway makikita mo na nag rerepair or replace agad sila ng mga na damage na property along the expressway kasi alam nila na kailangan ito as a safety device para sa mga motorista.

What do you think???

In the first place bakit inaccept ng STAR management ang Stage I kung may mga defect naman ito. As I recall, ng pumasok sila ay nag asphalt overlay sila in some portion ng Stage I. That only means na sila na mismo ang nag aayos ng STAR kasi they have already started collecting toll fees. After the initial asphalt overlays along some portion of STAR tumigil na sila improve ang riding quality kasi maypumapasok na pera sa bulsa nila. Since pumasok na sa bulsa nila ayaw na nilang mag improve ng road way.

Tulad lang ng mga accidents sa STAR. Pag may mga property damages due to accident ay pinapabayaran nila sa naka accidente. Pero what do they do. They just left the damage property as it is. Ni di man lang nila replace or repair yung na damage na property. Pero nabayaran na ito ng mga naka accidente. They should also report to the reporting agency kung magkano ang nakokolekta nila sa mga payment ng property damage at mag account sila kung na repair or replace yung mga na damage.

Just look doon sa recent accident sa may bandang sabang wherein 7 people died. Nabanga daw ng bus yung no overtaking na signages. Ngayon since na banga na yun at na damage, di na nila pinalitan. Ganyan sila ka concern sa mga gumagamit ng STAR. Alam nila na delikado yung area na yun bakit di nila agad ginawan ng paraan para ma balik ang simpling signage lang na no overtaking.

Yung inbang mga operator ng tollway makikita mo na nag rerepair or replace agad sila ng mga na damage na property along the expressway kasi alam nila na kailangan ito as a safety device para sa mga motorista.

What do you think???

Your argument about STAR "accepting" the road is typical of engineers who don't understand the nuances of this particular BOT project. If you read the Toll Concession Agreement for Star, you will understand.

Tungkol doon sa nabangga na "No overtaking" sign, the sign showed the international symbols. The Batangas provincial government has now requested that the sign be in words. The sign should be installed soon. In any case, there is already a double yellow line sa pavement.

What do I think? I think that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. When you don't see the whole picture, you should be a little more careful. The arguments you raise can only come from a very few number of insiders. Please ask your inside agent if the "penalties" collected from damages for one whole year is enough to pay for even one day of the interest expense of the company's loan.

The ride quality from Sto Tomas to Lipa is not good - but is 1000% better than taking the National Road.

Similalry, the 2- lane section from Lipa to Batangas is not ideal, but it does provide a faster link than the National Road - and despite the recent accident is probably safer as well (but accepted that it would be significantally improved if dualled properly)

^^ Ang hirap lang pag naulan doon sa 2-lane section, just like what I experienced yesterday...Ingats lang tayo lagi sa pagdrive.

Tungkol doon sa nabangga na "No overtaking" sign, the sign showed the international symbols. The Batangas provincial government has now requested that the sign be in words. The sign should be installed soon. In any case, there is already a double yellow line sa pavement.


Let me correct this.

The accident happened on Jan. 2. On Jan. 3, nabalik na ang nabanggang "No overtaking" sign with international symbols.

On Jan. 10, 10 additional large "No overtaking" signs (with words, not symbols) were installed, 5 sa southbound and 5 sa northbound.

^^ The latest accident happened on a curve portion of the highway, a good driver with good sense knows its prohibited to overtake at a blind curve, these drivers lacks this common sense part. :bash:

Therefore its not a fault on the tollway!!!!

Let me correct this.

The accident happened on Jan. 2. On Jan. 3, nabalik na ang nabanggang "No overtaking" sign with international symbols.

On Jan. 10, 10 additional large "No overtaking" signs (with words, not symbols) were installed, 5 sa southbound and 5 sa northbound.

I think that your information is not correct. I remember when I last passed by STAR Stage 2 that was January 4, 2011, the no overtaking sign that was destroyed by the Gasat Bus Line in the accident that occurred last January 2, 2011 was no where in sight. I saw some TV news crew on the site and you can check with there coverage if indeed the "No Overtaking" sign was restored on January 3, 2011.

Anyway I heard that another head on collision again occurred on Stage II. This time involving a tanker truck and a Honda just this week. The driver of the Honda was DOA.

Hope that drivers using the STAR should be careful so that this kind of accidents can be prevented.

We only have to wait a little while, because SMC has already took over the STAR operation. With the acquisition of new patrol vehicles now roving along STAR, this is already an indication that they have started taking over the management of STAR Tollway. I think that this is a good move by SMC to take over the management of the STAR Tollway.

Is STAR setting the record for the most accidents these days? I think it all depends on management, NLEX used to be terrible, but now they have radars and the inner lane is strictly for overtaking, I think the management is a lot better than SLEX where there is still that "free for all culture". Well we all know that most Pinoy drivers don't know the road rules and simply just know how to drive, but when there is strict implementation, we follow rules. We should demand safety because its our lives at stake when we go out there on the road, if better management means higher toll fees, then so be it, what's the use of a better economy if you die along the way.

And yeah, the ride quality in the Sto Tomas and Lipa portion is terrible, I saw a car that turned turtled once probably due to the bouncy ride of the highway. :ohno:

Is STAR setting the record for the most accidents these days? I think it all depends on management,

With all due respect, I don't think we should jump to hasty conclusions. The latest head-on accident happened at 3:30 a.m. and was caused by the driver of the tanker who slept while driving, thus causing his truck to veer to the opposite lane and hit an oncoming car head-on.

This kind of accident cannot be solved by any improvement in operations. It can only be solved by building the northbound carriageway so that we have a divided 4-lane expressway.

I think that your information is not correct. I remember when I last passed by STAR Stage 2 that was January 4, 2011, the no overtaking sign that was destroyed by the Gasat Bus Line in the accident that occurred last January 2, 2011 was no where in sight. I saw some TV news crew on the site and you can check with there coverage if indeed the "No Overtaking" sign was restored on January 3, 2011.

Anyway I heard that another head on collision again occurred on Stage II. This time involving a tanker truck and a Honda just this week. The driver of the Honda was DOA.

Hope that drivers using the STAR should be careful so that this kind of accidents can be prevented.

We only have to wait a little while, because SMC has already took over the STAR operation. With the acquisition of new patrol vehicles now roving along STAR, this is already an indication that they have started taking over the management of STAR Tollway. I think that this is a good move by SMC to take over the management of the STAR Tollway.

1. Let's agree to disagree on the signages.

2. As mentioned in the previous post, the driver of the tanker fell asleep. The only real solution to these accidents is to build the northbound carriageway.

3. Now, how did you come to this conclusion about SMC and STAR operations? The new patrol vehicles had long been part of the plans of STAR and they were only implemented recently, after a new contract was signed for the patroling along STAR. There is no connection whatsoever with SMC.

TBSqieMG6iM

Some portions have asphalt overlays. Still, the ride is bumpy.

The Sto. Toribio Exit is substantially complete but no tollgates yet.

The road approaching the roundabout now has a cement pavement (even the roundabout itself), diba aspalto iyon dati base sa mga nakita kong mga photos nito years ago?

STAR Tollway 01.15.11 (Continuation from my TR3 post (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=71322379&postcount=345))

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9551.jpg
^^ End of SLEX, Start of STAR junction point

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9552.jpg
^^ Sto. Tomas exit southbound

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9553.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9554.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9555.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9556.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9557.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9559.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9560.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9561.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9562.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9563.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9564.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9566.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9569.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9570.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9571.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9572.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9573.jpg

Part II

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9575.jpg
^^ Some of the asphalted section

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9576.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9577.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9578.jpg
^^ Future Sto. Toribio Exit

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9579.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9580.jpg
Petron Service Station Northbound

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9581.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9582.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9583.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9584.jpg
^^ Lipa Exit Southbound

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9585.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9586.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9587.jpg
^^ Start of 2-way traffic

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9588.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9589.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9590.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9591.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9594.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9595.jpg
^^ Pedestrian overpass

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9597.jpg

Last Part

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9598.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9599.jpg
^^ Bayad ng toll :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9600.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/cogiebaby/SLEX%20-%20STAR/IMG_9601.jpg
^^ End of my trip

Sorry dami pics :D

ayus nga ehh feeling ko nakapunta na din dyan

wala bang planong i-modernize ang star?

^^May pag-asa pang ma-modernize ang STAR Tollway. Huwag mawalan ng pag-asa.:D

hindi pa naman kasi sya ganun ka utilized by the public ehh pero maluwang sya in case of congestion

Nice pics, maraming part na pala ng STAR ang may aspalto.:)


Nakakatakot lang yung two way traffic, diyan madalas magkaroon ng salpukan..

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/1959/19526092.jpg (http://img253.imageshack.us/i/19526092.jpg/)
Early 2008.
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/2766/26196911.jpg (http://img407.imageshack.us/i/26196911.jpg/)

2010 pics.

http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/6876/28452803.jpg (http://img203.imageshack.us/i/28452803.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
http://img806.imageshack.us/img806/8941/41626821.jpg (http://img806.imageshack.us/i/41626821.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/5679/malvarexit.jpg (http://img526.imageshack.us/i/malvarexit.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

wala bang planong i-modernize ang star?

Merong plano yan, pero sa tingin ko private na ang mag-aayos nito parang sa NLEX.

[QUOTE=absinthe_888;71322653]Part II

Wow, thanks for the pics. Now I know how to get to Lipa. Those shots are awesome.

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/1959/19526092.jpg (http://img253.imageshack.us/i/19526092.jpg/)
Early 2008.
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/2766/26196911.jpg (http://img407.imageshack.us/i/26196911.jpg/)

2010 pics.

I like your photo,

Sa 2008 pics, medyo malinis pa ang STAR ngunit sa 2010 pics parang kumapal ang GUbat at damohan along the ROW.

Sa 2008 pics, medyo malinis pa ang STAR ngunit sa 2010 pics parang kumapal ang GUbat at damohan along the ROW.

Mas ok yan. The trees along the ROW act as a wind breaker. Otherwise, kapag malakas ang hangin sa expressway at magaan ang kotse mo, sasayaw ang kotse.

Ang kasamahan ko, nasa SLEX during the height of Milenyo. Nakita nya ang delivery van sa harap nya na basta't dahan-dahang tumagilid at nahulog dahil sa lakas ng hangin.

http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/6876/28452803.jpg (http://img203.imageshack.us/i/28452803.jpg/)



Lay-by ba tawag doon sa left side ng STAR based in the picture.

1. Let's agree to disagree on the signages.

2. As mentioned in the previous post, the driver of the tanker fell asleep. The only real solution to these accidents is to build the northbound carriageway.

3. Now, how did you come to this conclusion about SMC and STAR operations? The new patrol vehicles had long been part of the plans of STAR and they were only implemented recently, after a new contract was signed for the patroling along STAR. There is no connection whatsoever with SMC.

SMC pursues record P250-billion share sale
By Zinnia B. Dela Peña (The Philippine Star) Updated January 27, 2011 12:00 AM Comments (0) View comments

MANILA, Philippines - Diversifying conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) is pursuing its planned equity offering this quarter to mark the nation’s biggest ever share sale with proceeds estimated to reach as much as P250 billion.

On the sidelines of the launch of the Philippine Stock Exchange’s new trading system yesterday, San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang said the company has already tapped Credit Suisse Group and Standard Chartered Bank as joint lead underwriters for the proposed share sale.

Ang said the shares might likely be sold at a price ranging from P150 to P250 apiece, depending on market conditions. San Miguel shares closed flat yesterday at P160.50 each.

San Miguel’s share price has more than doubled since late October last year, hitting a high of P189.50 early this month.

Ang earlier said the company was looking to issue up to one billion common shares as part of efforts to boost its public float and bankroll new acquisitions and its diversification into heavy industries. The shares to be issued will come from San Miguel’s existing holdings as well as from other major stockholders.

The terms of the offering are still being firmed up, Ang said.

At the same time, Ang said San Miguel is in talks with operators of the Skyway tollroad linking Metro Manila to the southern provinces and the STAR tollroad connecting Batangas to Manila. He did not divulge other details but said he expected to close a deal soon.

STAR Tollways operates the 19-kilometer Southern Tagalog Arterial Road from Lipa to Batangas City and is San Miguel’s partner in its bid for the operation of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway north of Manila.

On the other hand, the 13-kilometer Skyway is operated by Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corp.

“We are in talks with Skyway and STAR for a possible acquisition. I think a deal will be done in a week or two,” Ang said.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which operates the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), and Citra had earlier submitted separate unsolicited proposals for the STAR project.

San Miguel has been shifting focus from its traditional food and beverage businesses as it aggressively expands to power, infrastructure, mining, and telecommunications to fuel faster growth.

The group is planning to participate in all the projects the government would offer under its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program for infrastructure as it sees enormous opportunities in this sector to cut its reliance on food and beer.

Among these PPP projects, San Miguel is most interested in the construction of the 100-kilometer Batangas-Manila (Batman 1) natural gas pipeline project.

Batman 1 is targeted to be built next year in time for the planned construction of several liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects in Luzon.

San Miguel, which makes nine out of every 10 beers sold in the Philippines, began selling parts of key businesses in 2007 to fund a shift into energy and infrastructure. Among its investments include a joint venture with Qatar Telecommunications Co., a stake in power distributor Manila Electric Co., and a majority stake in top local oil refiner Petron Corp.

The company is also in talks to buy stakes in railways, tollroads, airport projects and coal mines.

Wow, Buendia to Batangas in minutes? Now that's an excellent deal!! Can't wait!

Guys, I discovered that STAR Tollway finally have its own website, here's the link: http://www.startollway.com/

You can send your feedbacks in its "Contact Us" section in lower right portion.

SMC pursues record P250-billion share sale
By Zinnia B. Dela Peña (The Philippine Star) Updated January 27, 2011 12:00 AM Comments (0) View comments

MANILA, Philippines - Diversifying conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) is pursuing its planned equity offering this quarter to mark the nation’s biggest ever share sale with proceeds estimated to reach as much as P250 billion.

On the sidelines of the launch of the Philippine Stock Exchange’s new trading system yesterday, San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang said the company has already tapped Credit Suisse Group and Standard Chartered Bank as joint lead underwriters for the proposed share sale.

Ang said the shares might likely be sold at a price ranging from P150 to P250 apiece, depending on market conditions. San Miguel shares closed flat yesterday at P160.50 each.

San Miguel’s share price has more than doubled since late October last year, hitting a high of P189.50 early this month.

Ang earlier said the company was looking to issue up to one billion common shares as part of efforts to boost its public float and bankroll new acquisitions and its diversification into heavy industries. The shares to be issued will come from San Miguel’s existing holdings as well as from other major stockholders.

The terms of the offering are still being firmed up, Ang said.

At the same time, Ang said San Miguel is in talks with operators of the Skyway tollroad linking Metro Manila to the southern provinces and the STAR tollroad connecting Batangas to Manila. He did not divulge other details but said he expected to close a deal soon.

STAR Tollways operates the 19-kilometer Southern Tagalog Arterial Road from Lipa to Batangas City and is San Miguel’s partner in its bid for the operation of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway north of Manila.

On the other hand, the 13-kilometer Skyway is operated by Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corp.

“We are in talks with Skyway and STAR for a possible acquisition. I think a deal will be done in a week or two,” Ang said.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which operates the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), and Citra had earlier submitted separate unsolicited proposals for the STAR project.

San Miguel has been shifting focus from its traditional food and beverage businesses as it aggressively expands to power, infrastructure, mining, and telecommunications to fuel faster growth.

The group is planning to participate in all the projects the government would offer under its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program for infrastructure as it sees enormous opportunities in this sector to cut its reliance on food and beer.

Among these PPP projects, San Miguel is most interested in the construction of the 100-kilometer Batangas-Manila (Batman 1) natural gas pipeline project.

Batman 1 is targeted to be built next year in time for the planned construction of several liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects in Luzon.

San Miguel, which makes nine out of every 10 beers sold in the Philippines, began selling parts of key businesses in 2007 to fund a shift into energy and infrastructure. Among its investments include a joint venture with Qatar Telecommunications Co., a stake in power distributor Manila Electric Co., and a majority stake in top local oil refiner Petron Corp.

The company is also in talks to buy stakes in railways, tollroads, airport projects and coal mines.

Kita mo, mas magaling pa pala ang source ko kaysa kay motorist103. Kasi di pa lumalabas sa newspaper ay alam ko na. Kasi naman kalat na kalat na yan sa buong STAR Tollway community. Aywan ko lang kung saan kinukuha ni motorist103 ang mga sources nya. Pero doon kasi sa STAR kumalat na yan last year pa.

Kita mo, mas magaling pa pala ang source ko kaysa kay motorist103. Kasi di pa lumalabas sa newspaper ay alam ko na. Kasi naman kalat na kalat na yan sa buong STAR Tollway community. Aywan ko lang kung saan kinukuha ni motorist103 ang mga sources nya. Pero doon kasi sa STAR kumalat na yan last year pa.

I suggest you read my post more carefully. Unang una, ang sinabi mo ay ang mga bagong patrol ay bunga ng take-over ng operations by SMC. E wala namang kinalaman ang SMC sa bagong patrol ng Star. Kaya nga sinabi ko na mali ka.

I don't deny or confirm that SMC has taken over Star. However, I suggest you also read the newspaper article carefully. Wala pang confirmation from Ramon Ang.

Kita mo, mas magaling pa pala ang source ko kaysa kay motorist103. Kasi di pa lumalabas sa newspaper ay alam ko na. Kasi naman kalat na kalat na yan sa buong STAR Tollway community. Aywan ko lang kung saan kinukuha ni motorist103 ang mga sources nya. Pero doon kasi sa STAR kumalat na yan last year pa.

Kung babasahin mo yung news article, nakalagay na ang SMC ay engaged in exploratory talks for a possible acquisition stake palang, nothing final has been announced. At yung acquisition ng bagong patrol cars ng STAR management, walang kinalaman ang SMC doon.

Kung babasahin mo yung news article, nakalagay na ang SMC ay engaged in exploratory talks for a possible acquisition stake palang, nothing final has been announced. At yung acquisition ng bagong patrol cars ng STAR management, walang kinalaman ang SMC doon.

Tama, let's not jump into conclusion yet. Kasi one to two weeks pa naman ang sabi ni Mr. Ang. And may I quote him in the news article “We are in talks with Skyway and STAR for a possible acquisition. I think a deal will be done in a week or two,” Ang said.

Napansin namin pag uwi last Jan 29, 2011 na may civil works na ginagawa sa bawat overpass sa Star Tollway. Meron bang me alam kung para saan ang mga ito. Pansin ko para kasi siyang isang dagdag na lane sa gitna. Can anyone confirm this? Thanks!

Napansin namin pag uwi last Jan 29, 2011 na may civil works na ginagawa sa bawat overpass sa Star Tollway. Meron bang me alam kung para saan ang mga ito. Pansin ko para kasi siyang isang dagdag na lane sa gitna. Can anyone confirm this? Thanks!

Ganon ba. Cge, I will ask around sa mga taga STAR na contact ko. Will update you tomorrow

Napansin namin pag uwi last Jan 29, 2011 na may civil works na ginagawa sa bawat overpass sa Star Tollway. Meron bang me alam kung para saan ang mga ito. Pansin ko para kasi siyang isang dagdag na lane sa gitna. Can anyone confirm this? Thanks!

There is a huge machine (5.2 meters diameter) presently at the Batangas port which was supposed to be transported to a factory in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. Since the clearance of the overpasses at Stage I (Sto. Tomas - Lipa) is only 4.28 meters, hinukay ang median para doon dumaan.

Unfortunately, the operation has been cancelled because the owner (a Japanese company) has decided to cancel the Philippine factory and transfer to China. No idea why this happened. A bit sad because it's a big investment and would have employed up to a 1000 Filipinos but on the other hand, it was for a cigarette factory.

speaking of that balete exit ang tagaaaaaaaaaaal na nun di na rin natapos. para namang hindi ginagawa.

Above was posted Jan 7, 2010.:ohno:

It's been 13 months since this was posted and still... ang tagaaaaaaal nga!!!:bash: What are they waiting for?

Above was posted Jan 7, 2010.:ohno:

It's been 13 months since this was posted and still... ang tagaaaaaaal nga!!!:bash: What are they waiting for?
Another toll hike:)

There is a huge machine (5.2 meters diameter) presently at the Batangas port which was supposed to be transported to a factory in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. Since the clearance of the overpasses at Stage I (Sto. Tomas - Lipa) is only 4.28 meters, hinukay ang median para doon dumaan.

Unfortunately, the operation has been cancelled because the owner (a Japanese company) has decided to cancel the Philippine factory and transfer to China. No idea why this happened. A bit sad because it's a big investment and would have employed up to a 1000 Filipinos but on the other hand, it was for a cigarette factory.

Bummer!!! Well, 1000 Jobs off to China again!!! :bash: Thanks for the info though!

Bummer!!! Well, 1000 Jobs off to China again!!! :bash: Thanks for the info though!

It appears that the factory may not have been moved to China. It seems that the equipment at the Batangas port will only be stored in a warehouse, pending the resolution of some major issues at their proposed factory in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. I think the project will still push through but it will likely be delayed by several months.

In the meantime, the excavations at the median under the overpasses have been restored.

It appears that the factory may not have been moved to China. It seems that the equipment at the Batangas port will only be stored in a warehouse, pending the resolution of some major issues at their proposed factory in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. I think the project will still push through but it will likely be delayed by several months.

In the meantime, the excavations at the median under the overpasses have been restored.

Hope the factory comes on line soon and STAR is ready for it..... If this derails i'm sure it is related to corruption again.

Above was posted Jan 7, 2010.:ohno:

It's been 13 months since this was posted and still... ang tagaaaaaaal nga!!!:bash: What are they waiting for?

oo nga ang tagal na... pero once matuloy yung planong paglalagay ng grand central terminal (where the bus stop will be situated) sa may bulacnin, tiyak mabubuksan na yan. so magiging dalawa ang entrance/exit to and from lipa.

Hope the factory comes on line soon and STAR is ready for it..... If this derails i'm sure it is related to corruption again.

Actually, ang balita namin is corruption nga ang problema ... corruption in the private sector, not the government.

It seems to be quite at the STAR Tollway ngayon. Effective na siguro mga measures nila regarding traffic discipline. So far wala akong naririnig ng untoward incidents sa area. After the traffic and safety issues, dapat gawan na ng paraan ng STC Management ang construction ng Stage II Phase 2 and the asphalt overlay sa Stage I. Keep up the good work guys. And keep safe.

^^ Quiet po?

New thread! (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1333223) :colgate:




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