New motoring laws that everyone needs to know

There are presently three new laws that concern motoring. These were three bills that were approved by both houses, the Congress and Senate that were not signed by outgoing President Aquino, which automatically lapsed into law 30 days after they were submitted for the President’s veto or approval but not acted upon.

It is best that the public especially the motorists are apprised of these new laws lest they violate them and when caught try to invoke innocence of the law, “which is no excuse.” And by the way, these new laws carry stiff penalties and heavy fines.

First is the “Anti-Distracted Driving Act,” which prohibits drivers from using cellphones or other similar gadgets while driving, even while stopped in traffic or in a red light. Private vehicle drivers who violate will be slapped with a P5,000 - P15,000 fine and a possible suspension of license for 3 months upon third offence, while a P30,000 fine and a similar 3-month suspension of license will be imposed on violators driving public utility vehicles, school buses or carriers of flammable or toxic materials within a 50-meter radius from school premises.

Now there’s the obligatory installation of speed limiters on all public utility vehicles (PUVs) and certain type of vehicles that’s mandated by the “Speed Limiter Act” where violators would be prohibited to register or receive a franchise permit with a P50,000 fine on top. Also the license of the driver using a PUV without a speed limiter will be suspended or even revoked. Those who tamper speed limiters face a jail term of 6 to 36 months and a fine of P30,000.

Now carnappers beware, the new “Anti-Carnapping Act” makes the offence non-bailable with increased jail terms from a maximum of 17 years and 4 months to 20-30 years. Violators who resort to violence could get a longer sentence of 30 years and one day to 40 years. If the victim was raped or killed, offenders can get life. And those proven to have been involved in the concealment of the crime face 6-12 years imprisonment plus fine.

Don’t say you weren’t told.

Jeep’s 75 years

Felix Ang’s flagship firm, Auto Nation Group has a treat coming up for 4x4 enthusiasts and all those who have been aspiring to own one of the leading brands in this automobile genre—Jeep.

To celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the brand, Jeep Philippines is thrilled to announce “funtastic deals” to bring enthusiasts to owning their favorite Jeep vehicles by way of Great Deals for the Jeep Brand’s 75 Years.

From August 19, this Friday up to Sunday, August 21 only, Jeep Philippines offers the rare chance to own any of the much sought-after Jeep models—Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Jeep Wrangler for as low as P1,990,000.

If you find this of great interest, drop by Bonifacio High Street during the dates mentioned. On-site test drives will also be offered.

If you’re a 4x4 enthusiast or somebody who’s been salivating to drive and own a Jeep, perhaps you shouldn’t let this opportunity pass. At the very least, test drive one.

Good news for Isuzu truck owners

For the longest time, whenever owners of Isuzu trucks needed servicing or repair, it would have to be done at their premises.

Well, Isuzu Philippines (IPC) would have none of that any longer with the recent inauguration of Isuzu Manila, a dedicated service shop that is specifically designed to accommodate Isuzu F-Series, C-Series and E-Series truck models.

According to an IPC release, the introduction of the new facility is their proactive response to present its clients the option of having their medium and heavy-duty truck models maintained and repaired at a dedicated service center.

IPC further said that Isuzu Manila’s newly opened dedicated service facility also keeps in stock an inventory of parts and components for their trucks, a move that would cut the possible downtime caused by delays in the delivery of required parts to customers as against having on stock only parts for Preventive Maintenance Service.

Honda’s Auto Expo

One thing nice about having a impressively developing economy, which arguable we are having now, is having a vibrant auto industry, which has been long considered one of the most telling barometers in determining a country’s economic state of health.

And Honda Philippines, being in the midst of the fray in getting a fair share of the country’s automotive market is coming up with the Honda Auto Expo, which is a display of their impressive array of models.

During its week-long display of an impressive line up of models at the SM Mall of Asia from August 11 to 17 and at the Trinoma Mall from August 26 to 28, Honda Philippines shall offer Low Cash Out and All-in Bundle Packages for select models like as low as P60,000 for the Honda City, P66,000 for the Mobilio and the CR-V for P50,000.

Representatives from Honda Philippines’ bank partners will have their representatives will be present at the Honda Auto Expo to assist customers with Auto Loan inquiries, computations and possible on the spot loan approvals.

An aid to car buyers’ decision-making process

If you are presently in a bind as to what vehicle to consider buying or which between two available models you should pick on, the Auto Focus website (www.autofocus.com.ph) is just a click away from helping you decide.

The ‘Head-to-Head’ page contains feature-to-feature comparisons of a whole slew of models that belong to the same category, while there is also a dedicated page for reviews of almost all the models available in the country presently.

Another feature of the website is that you have a choice of getting all these information in print or with video, your choice.

And if you are a regular viewer of the TV show, Auto Focus and missed an episode, the website contains a whole inventory of all the features of past episodes archived. And all these are just a click away in the internet.

Auto enthusiasts’ viewing haven

Tomorrow at 10 o’clock in the evening car enthusiasts can again feasts their eyes for 60 minutes on anything that’s about the automobile and its industry as the country’s premier auto TV magazine features a review of the Suzuki Ertiga and trains the spotlight on the 2016 Volkswagen Amarok and the 2017 Hyundai Genesis G80.

And for those in the market for vans, the SsangYong Rodius and the Peugeot Expert Teepee go head-to-head for a feature-to-feature comparison of these two remarkable people carriers. And aside from the latest news and developments in the local automotive industry the show will also have a special feature spotlighting the recent launch of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Auto Focus, the weekly automobile show airs on Solar Sports, Channel 70 on Sky Cable and Channel 35 on the Destiny Cable Network.

Happy Motoring!!!

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