‘Online means no line’

Per Filipino tradition, we observe tomorrow All Saints’ Day, a time to pay respects to our deceased loved ones.

- MARICHU A. VILLANUEVA

But even days before Nov. 1, all roads lead to the cemeteries for this yearly observance in Metro Manila and elsewhere all over the country.

Today, eve of All Saints’ Day, Oct. 31 falls on a Friday. Thus, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM) applied the “holiday economics” law that allows it to be observed as an extra nonworking holiday. PBBM issued last year Proclamation No. 727 declaring All Saints’ Day eve as one of the additional special holidays for 2025.

Many people will spend the long weekend in vacation trips to the countryside. Definitely, the latest “holiday economics” will boost our domestic tourism.

While everyone is on holiday mode, Department of Transportation (DOTr) “acting” Secretary Giovanni “Vanoy” Lopez reassured the public that all concerned government authorities will remain visible, especially around busy areas during Undas. At the Kapihan sa Manila Bay news forum last Wednesday, Lopez underscored the “whole-of-government” directives of the President to ensure strict compliance with safety in road, sea and air travels in all kinds of public conveyances.

Now assisting Lopez in these inspection checks is undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, newly appointed Office for Transportation Security (OPS). Cruz joined Lopez at the DOTr just five days ago. A DOTr-attached agency, the OTS is the sole authority responsible for the security of transportation facilities in the Philippines, from civil aviation, maritime, rail system, land transport and related infrastructure. Cruz was moved over to OTS which has, in the past, been notoriously associated with “tanim-bala” airport security personnel.