GREEN GSM TAXI

THIS EARLY (or this late?), we would like to wish all our friends – close or mere acquaintances, and even those who consider us their “enemies” because of the nature of our job as a media person – a Very Merry Christmas!

This we do in spite of the current situation of our country, which is wracked with political squabbles and corruption in some government agencies, the worst of which is in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Yes, we who are not directly or indirectly involved in the very disturbing issues in government must endeavor to help our country and society become as normal as possible. Let those who are pursuing the truth about the anomalies and positively identifying those actually involved do their thing.

We, the ordinary citizens, however, should continue to make our lives as normal as possible by enjoying the whole of the holiday season.

Nonetheless, in the midst of our celebration, let us not forget that we have the duty to support those who are working to draw the true corrupt in government and outside so they can be meted the appropriate penalties for their wrongdoings.

Again, our wish for a Merry Christmas to our friends and everyone!

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So Davao City is now home to the transport business venture, the Vietnam-based Green GSM!

No, it is not the GSM Blue that is manufactured in the Philippines. And NO again if asked whether the Green GSM is something that can intoxicate when drunk by aficionados.

This Green GSM is a transportation company operating public utility vehicles with the mentioned color. The Vietnamese-owned transport firm is now fielding a number of units in the city, starting on Dec. 15, 2025.

But only after three or four days, the operation of all-electric public utility vehicles was flagged down by the City Government of Davao for lack of the necessary permits and clearances. While the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) claimed the public transportation firm complied with all the requirements of the agency, it now appears that it has not acquired the necessary permit from the local government.

Meaning, as a business, the Green GSM has not secured a business permit to operate from the city. It also does not have a locational clearance as well as building permit for its headquarters or office.

But if it is true that the LTFRB has reminded the management of the company to comply with the requirements from the city government, then it is possible that some wise Davao-based consultants could have advised the management of Green GSM to simply “go ahead” and deal with any problem later.

Now this case of the Vietnam-owned transport business is worth the City Council’s scrutiny. We are certain that whoever gave the company management the assurance that it can proceed with operations even without first securing the necessary approval of the local government must have a connection with decision makers in the local government.

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The military, the police, and even the officials of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) are very vocal in their reaction to reports that the attackers of beachgoers in Bondi, Australia, are members of a known terrorist group who stayed in a hotel in Davao City before proceeding to their target area.

The officials of these instrumentalities of government were denying the report, further claiming that Mindanao – or Davao City, for that matter – is not and will never be a training ground or hiding place of terrorists.

Personally, we believe they were correct insofar as Davao City is concerned, and as far as the issue of the city as a training site for the terrorist organization recruits. But possibly they are wrong when it comes to the whole of Mindanao Island. Let us not forget the Malaysian terrorist bomb expert identified as alias Marwan. How many could have been trained by him in the fastness of Maguindanao forest, or in the sanctums of private homes?

But maybe those who attacked the beach bathers in Bondi did not undertake any training in the city. But who could prevent them from coming to Davao as “terrorists” and checking into one of the city’s hotels as tourists for as long as they want? After all, the city is strongly campaigning for visits by local and international tourists.

Now, had the Ordinance authored by Councilor Bonz Militar taken effect and sophisticated cameras been installed in the hotel the alleged terrorists had checked in, would they have been apprehended before they could do their thing in Australia?