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The Land Transportation Office will implement strict enforcement to prevent schemes of fixers in processing driver’s license applications.
One of the dangerous possibilities of getting involved with a fixer is to be scammed.
LTO Transportation Officer Jerome Rodriguez cited a case where someone paid ₱3,500.00 to a fixer in exchange for skipping the seminar.
Drivers who skip these examinations demonstrate an incomplete understanding of traffic laws, which may compromise public safety.
Rodriguez emphasizes that LTO has repeatedly warned applicants not to deal with fixers; but some drivers still admit they gave money to someone.
“We reiterate several times ang dami pang nakapaskil na huwag makipag-connive outside and then doon umaamin yung mga driver na Sir nagbigay ako ng ganito kay ganyan, so technically wala kaming alam kung sino yung tao na iyon.” he said
“We reiterate several times, and many posted notices about not to connive outside,e and then the driver will admit, “Sir, I gave money to this person, and such, so technically we have no idea who that person is.”
The LTO will ensure that applicants will not skip theoretical and practical exams during the driver’s license applications.
With reports from JP
LTO Transportation Officer Jerome Rodriguez confirms that some drivers become complacent with the Pakiusap System, a scheme used to escape from liability linked to traffic violations.
“Masyado tayong nanghawak doon sa tinatawag na pakiusap system. Kasi po, nagkakaroon po ng entitlement ‘tong ibang driver na pwede namang paki-usapan,” he said
[“We have relied too heavily on the so-called “Pakiusap System.” This creates a sense of entitlement among certain drivers, leading them to believe that they can simply negotiate,”]
Violators are reportedly resorting to the Pakiusap System to avoid being ticketed.
However, if the favor was not given, they would make violent reactions towards the enforcer or on social media.
“May mga driver tayo na kapag hindi napaki-usapan, nagkakaroon ng violent reaction, nagkakaroon ng mga violent comments, even ‘yong iba pino-post pa sa social media pero they are disregarding the fact na lumabag sila.”
[“We have some drivers whose favor was not given, they’ll have violent reaction, violent comments, some will post on social media, but they are disregarding the fact that they violated.”]
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) admitted that the system for getting a driver’s license was easier in the past.
“Noong mga unang panahon, napakadaling kumuha ng lisensya, napakaraming nakakuha ng lisensya na hindi naman talaga qualified,”
[“Before, it was easy to get a license. Many get the license even though they are not actually qualified.”]
The LTO is currently working to distinguish drivers who are holding a license despite lacking necessary qualifications, such as passing the theoretical and practical examinations.
Rodriguez further stated that individuals who are confirmed unqualified will face a show-cause order and investigation.
With reports from Benedict Samson
Blood as a selfless gift
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines blood as the "gift of life", the most precious present you can give to another person.
A single donation can be separated into three vital components: the red blood cells, platelets, and plasma, potentially allowing a single donor to save more lives.
“Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person – the gift of life. A decision to donate your blood can save a life, or even several if your blood is separated into its components – red cells, platelets and plasma – which can be used individually for patients with specific conditions,” WHO stated.
Blood cannot be synthetically formed in laboratories
Despite medical advancements, the blood cannot be synthetically manufactured in laboratories.
As UNTV-BPMI President Kuya Daniel Razon said, “Ang dugo ay hindi nagagawa sa laboratoryo,”.
[“The blood cannot be formed in laboratories,”]
This statement is supported by different medical institutions.
The Mayo Clinic asserts that “there is no substitute for human blood. All transfusions use blood from donors.”
The Makati Medical Center also explained that there are 10 pints of blood in the human body. In a single donation, you’ll lose 1 pint of your blood, but it can be restored in the next days.
The human body has the capacity to produce new blood cells after blood donation.
“The human body has the capacity to compensate with the new fluid volume. Further, the bone marrow is stimulated to produce new blood cells which in turn makes the blood forming organs function more effectively.” according to the statement of the Philippine Red Cross
Blood donation lowers the health risk for donors
If blood donation can save more patients’ lives, blood donors may also experience the health benefits through this philanthropic effort.
These are the following key benefits according to Makati Medical Center and St. Luke’s Medical Center:
1. Iron Regulation
Blood donation helps maintain balanced iron levels in the human body.
A blood donor can lose 225 mg to 250mg of iron, which is good to save your body from iron overload.
Individuals with iron overload can be prone to chronic diseases like liver cirrhosis, cancer, and heart attack because the excess iron tightens your blood vessels in the heart and liver.
2. Lowers Cholesterol Level
Blood donation also lowers cholesterol level as it removes an excess amount of lipids and fatty substances from the blood.
3. Burning Calories
Our body uses energy in red blood cell restoration, which burns 600-640 calories per donation.
Regular blood donors are allowed to donate every three months.
The health benefits may apply to both first-timers and regular donors.
Why red when orange shines brighter?
Wish 107.5 stayed true to its signature style by rolling out the Orange Carpet for the 11th Wish Music Awards on January 11, 2026. The vibrant welcome set the tone for a night where OPM's brightest stars showcased not just their talent, but their fashion and flair.
The night's biggest winner arrived with his wife KZ Tandingan, and sweetly called her “baby girl” as he received his awards. TJ secured four awards this year, including:
A Filipino legendary band, Apo Hiking Society, also joined the WMA. Jaime Paredes and Roberto Garrovillo received the KDR Icon of Musical Excellence Award on stage.
The Wish Group of the Year, Cup of Joe is here for their Joewahs!
Their track, Multo receives two awards, including Wish Rock/Alternative Song of the Year and Wishclusive Rock/Alternative Performance of the Year.
Multo is also included in Bronze Wishclusive Elite Circle, which garners more than 10-M views on their performance music video on Wish Bus.
Rob Deniel, in his simple, elegant look, with his black suit. He was nominated for Wish Pop Song of the Year for his track, “Happy Ending”.
They came, they performed, they captivated.
IV of Spades performed their hit “Aura” and “Monster”. Aura is nominated for Wish Rock/Alternative Song of the Year.
Jay R, in his brown tweed jacket, was here to receive the Wishclusive R&B Performance of the Year for a track with Lil Eddie, “Statue (Tagalish version).”
Arthur Nery, in his long black OOTD, performed with Loonie and Frizzle Anne at the awards night. He was nominated for Wish R&B Song of the Year for his track, “Ayaw Baya”.
The one and only Hari ng Tugma.
Loonie brings an impressive performance together with Frizzle Anne and Athur Nery. This power collab gives fans a memorable experience before the WMA ends.
Earl Agustin gets the Wish Contemporary R&B/Neo-Soul Song of the Year for “Tayong Dalawa” and is awarded as “Wish Breakthrough Artist of the Year”.
Folk music never sounded so fresh. Amiel Sol earned the Wishclusive Contemporary Folk Performance of the Year for "Sa Bawat Sandali," capturing hearts with his soulful storytelling and acoustic sound.
James Reid, with his girlfriend Issa Pressman, joined the Orange Carpet. Together with TJ Monterde, he received the Wishclusive Collaboration of the Year for the track, “Pahinga.”
Want to see the complete list of WMA winners? Click here!
The Michelin Guide recognizes the Philippines as one of the most exciting foodie destinations for this year, recognizing the local young chefs who are creating recipes with a balance of traditional and international influences.
“While the hotel and dining scenes here are already buzzing, a host of local young chefs with independent styles are now leading an emerging wave of food culture steeped in balancing traditional and international techniques,” they said in a statement
The guide also recognized the savory local recipes including including sisig, sinigang, inasal, and adobo, commending the balance of sweet, salty, and sour flavor.
According to the Michelin Guide, Manila’s food scene reflects the diverse culinary traditions of the Philippines, while Cebu was recognized for its seafood recipes, as the province is known for beaches and resorts.
With reports from Zarah
