- Gasoline up by as much as ₱3.50 a litre from today, diesel and kerosene down
- Two jeepney operators must explain why their units skipped Libreng Sakay passengers
- Undas fires in Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu leave one dead and hundreds displaced
- Afternoon thunderstorms likely, no storm threat for Cebu
Gasoline up by as much as ₱3.50 a litre from today, diesel and kerosene down
The Department of Energy allowed oil companies to raise gasoline by up to ₱3.50 a litre from Tuesday, 3 November, and to cut diesel by ₱1.00 and kerosene by ₱1.90. The adjustments run from 3 to 9 November. The DOE linked the move to events in the Middle East that are affecting world supply. It is gasoline's first increase after two weeks of small rollbacks; last week diesel rose ₱1.20. Actual changes depend on each retailer, so pump prices will differ from station to station.
Motorcycle, tricycle and car owners on gasoline pay more this week, while jeepneys, buses and trucks on diesel get a small break. Compare prices between stations along the highway in Carcar before filling up, since retailers do not all move by the full amount.
Two jeepney operators must explain why their units skipped Libreng Sakay passengers
LTFRB 7 has issued show cause orders to two operators whose modern jeepneys on the 01K route allegedly drove past commuters waiting at a designated stop in Mabolo, Cebu City, during rush hour while taking part in the government's free-ride program. The orders, dated 31 October, followed a public complaint and a viral video, and came on the instruction of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon. The operators have five days to explain why their franchises should not be suspended or revoked, and they and their drivers must attend a hearing at LTFRB 7 on 12 November.
This involves a Cebu City route, but it shows the LTFRB acts on commuter complaints. If a jeepney in the Libreng Sakay program refuses to take you, note the plate number, route, place and time, and report it to LTFRB 7.
Sources: The Freeman, GMA Regional TV
Undas fires in Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu leave one dead and hundreds displaced
Four fires hit Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City on All Saints' Day, 1 November. The biggest, in Sitio Lawis, Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City, destroyed 63 houses and affected 128 families, or 513 people, according to the city government, and Mayor Nestor Archival said a candle lit as an offering for the dead is the likely cause. In Barangay Looc, Lapu-Lapu City, a late-night fire destroyed two homes; one man died and two others were hurt. Displaced families in Cebu City are staying in evacuation centres.
Candles for the departed are still burning in many Carcar homes this week. Never leave one lit in an empty room, keep it on a stable plate away from curtains, and put it out before bed. With the dry El Niño months ahead, fires will spread faster.
Sources: The Freeman, SunStar
Afternoon thunderstorms likely, no storm threat for Cebu
PAGASA's Visayas forecast for Tuesday, 3 November, calls for partly cloudy to cloudy skies with rain showers or thunderstorms, light to moderate winds from the northeast, and slight to moderate seas. A thunderstorm watch issued on Monday night included Cebu. There is no heavy rainfall warning. Severe Tropical Storm In-Fa is outside the Philippine area of responsibility, about 1,870 km east of extreme northern Luzon, and PAGASA has raised no wind signal.
Bring an umbrella if you travel in the afternoon, and stay off open fields when there is lightning.
