ANTIPOLO CITY, Philippines — Concerned residents, many of them senior citizens, are urging the city government to go after violators of existing laws on the privileges of the elderly.

It was learned from a number of senior citizens that many restaurants and public utility vehicles – particularly FX taxis – have not been complying with the Expanded Senior Citizens Act or the Republic Act 9257.

Small food stores in the city which are located a few steps away from the city hall, do not afford the elderly their due 20 percent discount on meals.

FX taxi drivers in the city not only refuse to give discounts on fares but also exhibit arrogance toward elderly passengers, as claimed by a group of morning joggers at the Capitol plaza. (Nel B. Andrade)

P37 M for new Pilar hall

PILAR, Bataan — All is been set for the construction of new municipal hall here after the Sangguniang Bayan approved recently the request of Mayor Charlie Pizarro to allocate P37 million for the project.

Pizarro said the new building will be constructed soon after a go-signal from Land Bank of the Philippines, which has taken cognizance of Pilar’s capability to repay a loan.

Aside from the soft loan, Pizarro said Governor Enrique “Tet” Garcia and 2nd District Rep. Abet S. Garcia will also provide additional funds for the project. (Mar T. Supnad)

AIDS concert set in Angeles

ANGELES CITY – Officials of the Angeles City AIDS Council (ACAC) announced Monday the holding of a fundraising concert on May 21 at the Bayanihan Park in Barangay Balibago, here, for the benefit of HIV/AIDS patients.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan assured organizers, led by Heriberto Canlas, of his full support for the concert, aimed at raising consciousness on the disease and help fund treatment for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).

Another activity tied to the event is the AIDS Candlelight Memorial (ACM) with the theme “Touching Lives.” (Franco G. Regala)

Mariveles wants an LTO center

MARIVELES, Bataan — In his bid to help local tricycle drivers and operators, Mayor Jesse I. Concepcion is seeking the establishment of a Land Transportation Office (LTO) processing center here.

Concepcion said he has already asked Reynaldo J. Cortez, newly-designated chief of LTO-Registration section-Bataan, to consider the proposal of setting up an extension office to save time and money for tricycle operators and drivers who have no other route but the hour-long ascent along the zigzag road to the LTO Office in Pilar.

The mayor proposes a one-day schedule, perhaps a Saturday, for the LTO to register vehicles in this town. (Mar T. Supnad)

Media group holds 'Operation Tule'

MALOLOS CITY — The Bulacan Media Investigative Reporters (BMIR) group in Central Luzon sponsored a free circumcision activity last Sunday in Barangay Calanate, here.

Supported by Mayor Christian D. Natividad, the BIMR enlisted 20 children to benefit from the project.

The BMIR is a group that promotes good governance and public service in Region 3.

Parents of the children, who benefitted from the free circumcision procedure, thanked Drs. Balagtas dela Rosa and Ervin dela Rosa, who have been supporting the endeavors of the BMIR. (Freddie C. Velez)