Welcome to Cebu City

Mandaue, Lapu Cities mayors back large infrastucture proposal ‘Mega Cebu’

2011-11-10T19:56:00.000+08:00

11/10/2011- MAYORS of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu City said they support the Mega Cebu idea proposed by business and other parts of the private sector, but are concerned about its sustainability.

They also asked whether their cities would be included in the Mega Cebu plans.

One of the proponents of the Mega Cebu project said the proposal is assured of sustainability, considering it will be run by the private sector. This will make it less vulnerable to changes whenever new leaders are chosen in local elections.

But in a text message, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza expressed doubts the Mega Cebu proposal will work, given the present political set-up in Cebu.

While they are being urged to join, Radaza said her main concern is whether the proposals will lead to projects that will benefit her constituents.

“Wa man mi naki’g ija-ija (We don’t intend to be isolated and do things only on our own). What is important to me is how it will benefit our constituents,” she added.

Challenges like urbanization and the quality of life, as well as inadequate infrastructure and declining competitiveness, are among the areas a plan for Mega Cebu should address, business leader Roberto Aboitiz said in a forum last month.

The idea, he said, is to plan not just for Metro Cebu, but a larger region, possibly up to the cities of Carcar in the south and Danao in the north.

The plan would be good for the next 30 years, he added, and address challenges that cross boundaries, like reducing the risk of disasters and adapting to climate change.

Fear

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes said that while he supports the Mega Cebu project, he fears the proposal might end up like the now-defunct Metro Cebu Development Projects (MCDP).

He said that when MCDP was disbanded, infrastructure projects that were supposed to be place in Mandaue City also stopped. It was then the flooding worsened in the city over the years, he said.

Cortes said the succeeding development boards have not entirely solved problems in the local government units, such as traffic.

“Nindot ang atong damgo (That is a grand dream), but how can we expect cooperation, how can we have a unified traffic system if ang mga jeepneys sa Mandaue dili pasudlon sa Cebu City (Mandaue City’s jeepneys aren’t allowed into Cebu City)?” he added.

The mayor referred to the Cebu City Government’s decision to prevent Mandaue jeepneys from entering main roads, including downtown.

Cortes said that some mayors are considering the idea of letting national agencies, instead of politicians, the task of creating a good developmen handlet plan for Cebu.

These agencies include the National Economic and Development Authority and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Assurance

Businessman Bunny Pages, one of the members of the Metro Cebu Development Coordination Board (MCDCB), said there is an assurance of sustainability and permanence in the “Mega Cebu” plan, because members of the private sector will keep it together.

He said the project is not political, and thus less vulnerable to term limits imposed on local government officials.

Pages also said the Mega Cebu project is envisioned to remove the focus from individual local governments, and to encourage planners and officials to plan for Cebu as a whole.

“The project is aimed at contributing the expertise of the business and private sector in helping to improve Cebu,” Pages added. (Sun Star)

Tabloid legislation renamed

2011-11-10T19:53:00.001+08:00

11/10/2011 - CEBU, Philippines - The committee on laws of the Provincial Board has renamed the proposed anti-tabloid ordinance to “Anti-Obscenity Ordinance of 2011” and has set the same for second reading during its regular session on Monday.

The principal author of the proposed ordinance, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, said the word “tabloid” has been omitted from the original title.

The proposed ordinance “prohibits the sale, distribution, or exhibition of obscene printed or written materials within the Province of Cebu.”

Under the new proposal, obscene is defined as something lewd, impure, or indecent and is calculated to shock the moral senses of man by a disregard of chastity or modesty.

It also refers to some conduct that tends to corrupt the public morals by its indecency or lewdness.

Printed or written materials include but are not limited to magazines, books, newspapers, tabloids, brochures, pamphlets, leaflets, flyers, tarpaulins or posters and their content whether of local, national, or international coverage and circulation.

The original proposal has met opposition from Cebu news media practitioners and the Cebu Media Legal Aid, which is composed of lawyers who are in media, for being “unconstitutional, unnecessary, and dangerous.”

Committee chairman PB Member Peter John Calderon earlier said the ordinance will not cover radio programs because these already have a self regulating organization, the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster sa Pilipinas.

Movies are also being taken care of by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, he said.

The committee also added a provision for the creation of the Provincial Anti-Obscenity Board under the proposed ordinance.

The proposed creation of PA-OB gets the support of Dr. Rene Josef Bullecer, national director of Aids-Free Philippines.

Delighted by the proposal, Bullecer offered his voluntary assistance to Magpale.

“The fight against all forms of indecency in the society is a concern for everybody especially if the church fails to do its part, the government is expected to do its share,” Bullecer said in his letter to Magpale dated November 3, 2001.

Magpale expects that the committee on Monday will recommend for the public hearing of the said proposed ordinance. (Freeman)

Female traffic enforcer slaps jeepney driver

2011-11-04T20:48:00.000+08:00

11/04/2011 - BARELY two weeks after the opening of the Capitol compound as diversion route for lightweight public vehicles, a driver complained that she was slapped by a female traffic enforcer in a traffic altercation yesterday morning.

Rogel Dinaguit, driver of a 07B jeepney, alleged that Cebu Traffic Operations Management (Citom) Officer Imelda Sabellano slapped him during an argument after he was apprehended for violating the No Loading, No Unloading policy inside the compound.

Dinaguit admitted that a Capitol employee requested that she be allowed to disembark near the Legislative Building since the designated jeepney stop is already outside the compound.

He stopped at the area, alerting Sabellano who called his attention.

Dinaguit said he apologized but Sabellano insisted on getting his driver's license leading to an argument.

“I was about to remove my seat belt but she slapped me in the face. It still hurts,” a teary-eyed Dinaguit told Cebu Daily News.

But Sabellano denied the allegations saying she was calm when she approached Dinaguit.

She said she put her arm through the window of the driver’s seat while asking for Dinaguit’s license.

Sabellano said Dinaguit stepped on the gas, causing the vehicle to move forward and dragging her along.

She said she accidentally hit Dinaguit's head. Sabellano said Dinaguit tried to kick her but missed.

Capitol Security Consultant Cesar Veloso said they are investigating the incident.

He said they had already reprimanded Sabellano but gave the Citom office a free hand in imposing sanctions on her.

“The driver was very arrogant. But still, she should not have done that,” Veloso said.

They are also trying to locate the employee who disembarked from the jeepney.

“We will definitely warn that employee. Nobody is exempted from the implemented rules. Not even Capitol employees. Not even lawyers. I myself follow those rules,” he said.

The Capitol Compound was opened as diversion route last Oct. 24 for vehicles from Escario Street heading to M. Velez Street.

The opening was expected to ease the traffic congestion brought about by the ongoing widening project on Don Gil Garcia Street. (Cebu Daily News)

Rama says Palace, DPWH heeded city on flyover feud

2011-11-04T20:47:00.000+08:00

11/04/2011 -There were no victors or losers in the flyover debate as far as Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is concerned.

“It’s not winning. It only means that the President is listening to the people. It only means this current administration has the ear to listen to the cry of the people,” Rama said.

His predecessor, Rep. Tomas Osmeña of Cebu City’s south district, disagreed.

“In my point of view, it’s a loss for Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama ’cause it only means less accomplishment from him and a loss for Cebu since we lost a flyover,” Osmeña said.

Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson earlier placed on hold two flyover projects in in Gorordo Avenue and M.J. Cuenco in Cebu City.

The projects were suspended pending a review from the Regional Development Council’s (RDC) technical working group.

Singson ordered the suspension of the flyover projects in response to protests from businessmen, religious groups and other stakeholders.

The secretary said he will wait for the completion of a master plan before deciding whether or not to proceed with the projects.

Last Oct. 1, nuns belonging to the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul joined a multisectoral movement in organizing activities aimed at building public opposition to the projects.

Flyover opponents said part of the compound of the Asilo de la Milagrosa at Gorordo Avenue, the nuns’ home, sits on the path of the flyover projects.

DPWH officials earlier said they would redesign the projects to spare the the Asilo compound.

Osmeña said the suspension came because the Palace listened to the mayor’s request.

He said he agreed with the plan to first widen the road at the intersection in the area where the flyovers are supposed to be built.

“It’s not really in conflict with our stand because they are going to widen the road. I am even happy they will widen it. You’ll have to widen it first anyway before constructing the flyover,” Osmeña said.

Rama said he will write the Palace and Singson to personally thank them for suspending the flyover projects in his capacity as mayor and RDC chairman.

Rama has proposed a P10 million appropriation in his 2012 budget for the conduct of a traffic master plan.

He was confident that the private sector would also contribute financially help the city finish its traffic master plan.

Rama said the city's master plan could later be incorporated as part of a Metro Cebu master plan, a precursor to the proposed Mega Cebu program.

For their part, the Movement for a Liveable Cebu ( MLC) wants a permanent seat in the Regional Development Council (RDC).

Joel Lee, one of the proponents of MLC formerly known as the Stop Cebu Flyovers Movement, said they would conduct information dissemination on the barangay level on their proposals for a sustainable and livable Cebu.

“It has become a broad community topic. We want to prepare the people for greater awareness in the aspects of liveability and on what kind of participation we can have,” Lee told Cebu Daily News.

Lee said they will register their group with the Securities and Exchange Commission to give their group a legal personality.

He said public officials should actively consult the public in developing the city’s traffic master plan.

“ It can't be done with local government initiative alone. Trending environment, economy should also be analyzed not just the flyovers (Cebu Daily News)

Province wants to develop Gorordo property

2011-11-02T19:30:00.001+08:00

11/02/2011 - A RELOCATION site may soon be needed for several units housed inside the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) compound, because the Provincial Government intends to use one of its properties for a revenue-raising project.

Criminal and Investigation Detection Group (CIDG) 7 Director Jose Pante told Sun.Star Cebu the plan is still in the works and will likely materialize next year.

“Wala na tayong magagawa diyan kasi pag-aari naman nila ito (We can’t do anything about it because the Province owns this lot),” he said when sought for comment.

The plan is to use a Provincial Government-owned lot near Asilo de la Milagrosa Church, about 6,000 square meters going in the direction of the CCCPO compound.

Aside from the CIDG 7 office, the plan may also affect the Highway Patrol Group and the CCPO compound’s entrance.

“Despite this, we we’re assured we’d be relocated properly,” Pante said.

In a separate interview, CCPO Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe said he has yet to be informed about the project and declined to comment.

Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia confirmed the plan last week, during a meeting with CIDG officials in her office.

Paul Entera, head of Capitol’s real estate and properties division, said in an interview that lot is beside Asilo de la Milagrosa.

He also said there are three lots that have already been sold to some individuals. He could not yet say exactly how many establishments or residences will be affected because he had no access to records during the interview yesterday, a holiday.

On the part of the CCPO, only the gate and a building near the road will be affected, said Entera. He said the CCPO already knew about this.

The CIDG currently shares a lot with the Mobile Patrol Group, Crime Laboratory and CCPO.

“Lahat siksikan kami doon (We’re all crammed there),” Pante added. The compound also includes a ten-bed regional hospital.

Capitol officials, though, have not mentioned when the development will start.

When the governor met recently with CIDG 7 Chief Pante, they discussed the Province’s plan to give the unit a building situated in a Capitol property in Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City.

The governor reportedly explained the Capitol intends to develop the commercially viable property along Gorordo Ave. using a public-private partnership.

A restaurant, among many other possible establishments, may be built there.

“We would be willing to relocate all of you,” the governor assured the CIDG.

She mentioned a plan to build an anti-crime community on the Province’s property in Sudlon, where the provincial police office is already based.

Law enforcers can coordinate better if related agencies, like the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the justice department’s National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are also placed there.

Helping build offices for the law enforcement agencies like PDEA and NBI, the governor added, is the Province’s “contribution to the effort to fight” crime and make Cebu more attractive to businesses and tourists.

Entera added that the Province already sent letters to some occupants of the property who did not pay the Capitol rent. He said his office received only verbal responses, so far, acknowledging that the Capitol owns the lot.

“Nahibawo na na sila.(They already know that). (Sun Star)

Long weekend thins out crowd in Cebu cemeteries

2011-11-02T19:26:00.001+08:00

11/02/2011 -

CEBU CITY -- A long weekend allowed visitors to head for the cemeteries a day or two early and made Tuesday’s crowds, though still large, easier for the police and other authorities to manage.

All Saints’ Day proceeded without major incidents in Cebu’s cemeteries that what stood out, instead, was an infraction by a handful of policemen.

Out of some 3,000 law enforcers and soldiers fielded Tuesday, about five were told they will probably be transferred because they failed to wear their proper caps.

CEBU. Soldiers and police patrol the Pardo cemetery to keep petty thieves from taking advantage of the crowd. (Amper Campaña)

“I am very hard on this order. The police must be seen as being prim and proper,” said Police Regional Office (PRO)-Central Visayas Director Marcelo Garbo, referring to the Tamang Bihis Program of the police.

At the Queen City Gardens in Cebu City, the police confiscated a hunting knife and other dangerous weapons, as well as beer and a plastic bottle filled with gasoline.

Overall, it was peaceful, police and local government authorities said.

“From what I have seen, everything was managed well. The police and everyone involved in Oplan Kalag-Kalag were visible inside and outside the cemetery. I’d like to tell everyone that we are the only ones who can keep our cemeteries secure and safe,” said Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

He commended the police and other offices involved in the Oplan Kalag-Kalag for keeping the city secure and safe since Friday.

CEBU. At the Queen City Gardens in Cebu City, a boy samples the skin from a lechon his family prepared for a get-together. (Alex Badayos)

Peaceful

After visiting 11 cemeteries on Tuesday, Rama said he was satisfied with the security provided by the police and the barangay officials, as well as with the traffic plan of the City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

Citom Board Chairman Sylvan Jakosalem said the roads were not as congested as in the previous years, perhaps because of the long weekend that allowed the public to visit their loved ones ahead of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.

Traffic signs such as “no entry” and “no parking” signs were also displayed prominently.

“Peaceful” was also how Senior Superintendent Patrocinio Comendador Jr. described Tuesday’s situation in Cebu Province.

“(There were) no celebration-related incidents,” said the director of the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) who inspected some police stations in the north.

The major cemeteries that the provincial police focused on were the ones in Talisay City, Consolacion, Balamban, Toledo City, Daanbantayan, Minglanilla and Liloan.

In Cebu City, no crimes related to the celebration were reported.

Deterrent

Senior Superintendent Melvin Ramon Buenafe credited the 400-strong police force that patrolled cemeteries and other public spaces.

“The presence of the police is a deterrent to the criminals who would take advantage of the celebration,” Buenafe said.

About 600 volunteers from the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT), non-government organizations and civic groups were also positioned.

“I commend the police for doing their job and maintaining peace and order,” Buenafe said.

With the cemeteries generally safe and orderly, Mayor Rama had the chance to visit the graves of loved ones in the Queen City Gardens Tuesday morning.

“Despite my busy schedule, I still find time to visit because this is the least that I can do for them,” Rama said.

“Even if they are already dead, I know that they will help me in times of trouble.”

The Queen City Gardens was also the last stop for PRO-Central Visayas Chief Garbo, who, together with several top officials, checked and visited the two biggest cemeteries in Cebu City: Calamba and Carreta.

Although thousands filed into these cemeteries to offer flowers, pray, and light candles, no disorder or violence was observed.

Examples

But the five policemen who failed to wear the prescribed police caps now face the prospect of being transferred to Negros Oriental or Siquijor. Some may be sent to Bogo or the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit.

The policemen, who were not named as Garbo requested, came from the Cebu and Mandaue City Police Offices.

He said the police must set an example as enforcers of the law.

“Sagot ito sa mga kalokohan at mandarayang pulis (This is how I wish to deal with the shenanigans of some policemen),” he said.

Two days prior to the celebration, he ordered police supervisors to inspect cemeteries in their areas.

The PRO-Central Visayas received hourly reports from all over Central Visayas.

Chief Superintendent Jaime Calungsod of the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (Dipo) in the Visayas remarked on the effective security preparations in Cebu.

“The public was very cooperative and organized. This can be attributed to the police who implemented these measures. (Sun Star)

Cebu reports P2.6-B revenue collection

2011-10-19T20:07:00.000+08:00

10/19/2011 - CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines (PNA) — The Cebu City Treasurer’s Office has collected over P2.6 billion in revenues as of October 15 this year.

With the inclusion of the close to P930 million shares from the Internal Revenue Allotment, Cebu City currently has a total revenue of P3.585 billion, about a billion short of its expected income this year.

The biggest income from the city comes from business taxes and community tax certificates that reached P1.17 billion.

Another source of income is the collection of real property taxes, including garbage fees and penalties amounting to P601.6 million.

Cebu City Treasurer Tessie Camarillo also expects real property tax collection to increase in 2012 from the over 30 hotels, condominiums and commercial establishments that were built in the city this year.

When some of these establishments start to become operational, Camarillo said he expects the collection of real property tax to contribute substantially to the proposed 2012 budget for the city, which is P11.8 billion.

The Cebu City government is also entitled to the collection of business taxes in those said properties.

Regulatory fees from the Cebu City Traffic Operations Management, City Health Department, Civil Registrar Fees and the City Environmental Sanitation Enforcement Team (Ceset) came to P71.2 million so far.

Also earning for the city are seven economic enterprises under the City Government, namely the Market Authority, Cebu City Abattoir, Fort San Pedro, Cebu Zoo, City Condominium, Tubig Project and the Cebu City Medical Center which, altogether, posted gains of almost P111 million.

Camarillo said collection in the markets is expected to increase next year with the new market code and its amendments.

Meanwhile, receipts from SM Prime Holdings Inc. and Filinvest Land Inc. in the South Road Properties came to almost P700 million. (Manila Bulletin)

Giant crocodile captured alive in Philippines

2011-09-06T19:39:00.004+08:00

09/06/2011 -

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Villagers and veteran hunters have captured a one-ton saltwater crocodile which they plan to make the star of a planned ecotourism park in a southern Philippine town, an official said Monday.

Mayor Edwin Cox Elorde said dozens of villagers and experts ensnared the 21-foot (6.4-meter) male crocodile along a creek in Bunawan township in Agusan del Sur province after a three-week hunt. It could be one of the largest crocodiles to be captured alive in recent years, he said, quoting local crocodile experts.

Elorde said the crocodile killed a water buffalo in an attack witnessed by villagers last month and was also suspected of having attacked a fisherman who went missing in July.

He said he sought the help of experts at a crocodile farm in western Palawan province.

"We were nervous but it's our duty to deal with a threat to the villagers," Elorde told The Associated Press by telephone. "When I finally stood before it, I couldn't believe my eyes."

After initial sightings at a creek, the hunters set four traps, which the crocodile destroyed. They then used sturdier traps using steel cables, one of which finally caught the enormous reptile late Saturday, he said.

About 100 people had to pull the crocodile, which weighs about 2,370 pounds (1,075 kilograms), from the creek to a clearing where a crane lifted it into a truck, he said.

The crocodile was placed in a fenced cage in an area where the town plans to build an ecotourism park for species found in a vast marshland in Agusan, an impoverished region about 515 miles (830 kilometers) southeast of Manila, Elorde said.

"It will be the biggest star of the park," Elorde said, adding that villagers were happy that they would be able to turn the dangerous crocodile "from a threat into an asset."

Despite the catch, villagers remain wary because several crocodiles still roam the outskirts of the farming town of about 37,000 people.

They have been told to avoid venturing into marshy areas alone at night, Elorde said. (news@yahoo.com)

Hundreds lose homes in Cebu fire

2011-07-12T12:46:00.000+08:00

7/12/11 - CEBU CITY -- A two-hour blaze that struck Barangay Tejero, Cebu City Saturday afternoon displaced hundreds of individuals, and authorities declared it one of the worst fires to hit the city this year.

As of 10:30 p.m., Barangay Tejero Captain Jessielou Cadungog said that about 109 families or 484 individuals were affected by the fire.

Cebu City Bureau of Fire Protection Commander Anderson Comar was still investigating how much property damage the fire caused.

The flames broke out at 5:30 p.m. and forced residents to scamper for safety. Strong winds fanned the inferno that snaked into neighboring houses in the densely populated area. Most of the houses made of light materials were wiped out.

It took firefighters almost two hours, even with the help of fire trucks and volunteer brigades from different cities, to stop the flames from spreading.

Crowds of onlookers clogged the roads. A number of explosions stunned families lining up in the streets as they watched the blaze level their homes. Several residents were seen bringing Sto. Niño icons to pray the flames would die soon and spare their homes.

At 7 p.m., with power lines cut off, the neighborhood was almost pitch dark, except for the flames that glowed and the clouds of smoke.

A couple of civilian volunteers swam in the river in Barangay Tejero to bring hoses closer to the fire scene.

The blaze spared the Blessed Sacrament Parish Church situated a few meters away from the flames.

Residents noticed the fire team suffered ran short of water supply because the fire was huge.

The affected families will be temporarily housed in the barangay’s sports complex.

Barangay chief Jessielou Cadungog told Sun.Star Cebu the barangay will declare a state of calamity to speed up the release of calamity funds to help the victims.

Former congressman Raul del Mar also said he will give aid to the fire victims. “Our priority is to give them food and shelter for now. We will also help in rebuilding their lives,” he said.

Initial information gathered by fire officials revealed that the fire allegedly started in the house of Itsoy Dela Cruz.

A liquefied petroleum gas tank was believed to have exploded, after catching fire.

At the fire scene, 60-year-old Teresita Mariano begged for divine providence to stop the flames.

“Maluoy intawn ka, Ginoo. Hunong na intawn. Ipalayo mi sa dautan (Have mercy on us, Lord. Please stop. Keep us away from danger),” she said.

Mariano told Sun.Star Cebu she has been praying every day that a disaster like Saturday won’t strike her barangay.

“Dako nuon kayo ang sunog. Akong mga apo luoy kayo kay wala’y katulgan karon (But the fire was big. I feel sorry for my grandchildren, who won’t have any place to sleep),” she said. She can’t look forward to celebrating her birthday next week.

Another resident, Alicia Mendez, was being rescued by her relatives when she suffered an anxiety attack.

Relatives tried to console her as she was dismayed by the loss of her family’s belongings.

“Butang rana, Ma. Makita ra na ang kwarta (Those were just things, Ma. We can still find money),” her daughter said.

Another woman in her 40’s, who asked not to be named, said the fire was like a punishment to them. “Silot na ni sa Ginoo. Daghan kayo ug mga pinusilay diri. Gamay ra ganing bikil, magpinatyanay dayon (This is punishment from God. So many shootings have happened here. People try to kill one another at the slightest offense),” she said.

But Josephine Limpago, 39, who was left empty-handed as the fire quickly devoured her house, still felt happy that her family was away.

Limpago, who worked as a manicurist, had just come from work to cook food for dinner when the fire broke out.

“Maayo na lang akong mga anak wala diri. Kuyaw sila mamatay kung naa pa sila (Good thing my children were not here. They could have been killed by the fire),” she said. (Sun.Star Cebu)

Unity is the call

2011-07-03T16:18:00.001+08:00

07/03/11 - Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama finally delivered his State of the City Address before a mammoth crowd including city and provincial officials led by Gov. Gwen Garcia at the Plaza Sugbo.

I was looking forward to attend the Soca and see who would be there to listen to what the mayor had to say, but my school responsibility barred me as we had Mass at the university for the first time under the School of Law and Governance at 4 p.m. last Friday.

Nevertheless, I saw to it that I would get feedback from relatives who attended and supported the mayor. I got the report when I attended the wake of my uncle, the late Miguel Rama, at his residence in the Rama Compound in Basak-San Nicolas. My youngest sister Chingbee reported to me what transpired during the speech of Mike Rama.

Not satisfied with the report I got from her and other relatives, I woke up early yesterday morning to grab a copy of CDN to get feedback from a neutral source. I saw the front page photo and was elated by what had developed. Cebu City Vice Mayor Joy Young and some city council members attended the affair contrary to their initial decision not to attend.

Last Thursday I happened to drop by the office of Mayor Mike as I accompanied Rotary Club incoming president Gilbert Cabatana to the mayor’s office for official business. I saw for myself the staff preparations for the Soca and was confident that Mayor Mike’s address would go through with flying colors given his background in the private sector and training. What was most important in the mayor’s message was his admonition to the city council to work together. After all, the next election is still far off in 2013. I think this is what Cebu City residents want from their public officials.

While we welcome checks and balances in the city government, we also wish for unity among city officials especially in serving the interest of the public. We are praying that officials, while belonging to different political affiliations, will show respect for one another instead of being hostile. I think the mayor was correct in stating that before his performance in his first year in office could be graded, he should be heard first. The mayor emphasized his message of work, work, and work. I think that is what people expect from their local officials.

What prodded the city councilors to change their minds and attend the mayor’s Soca in Plaza Sugbo? I think they were left with no choice but to attend otherwise they would be left out and become irrelevant in the near future.

Perhaps they feared suffering the fate of hostile members of the former council in Mandaue City. (The entire council was annihilated in the 2010 election won by Mayor Jonas Cortes.)

The huge crowd last Friday was a clear message to politicians to work together for the welfare of the people and to set aside politics for now. And many are hoping that Cebu city officials heed the call of the people and work together now until 2013 election.

* * *

As chairman of the Department of Political Science of the University of San Carlos, I am proud to report that the student population has increased to 395.

The dean of the College of Law also informed me that their enrollment went up as well to more than 600 students even as other law schools showed a decline. This makes a total population of about a thousand for the new School of Law and Governance, which is an upbeat development for the university’s recent merger of both departments.

Last month the law school announced through dean Alex Monteclar and assistant dean Joan Largo that starting next school year, graduates of the Department of Political Science can be admitted to the law school without an entrance examination. This makes it more challenging for the political science department to produce highly qualified students. (Inquirer)

Couple in Cebu cybersex pleads innocent

2011-06-22T20:00:00.000+08:00

06/22/2011 - The couple who were arrested for using their own children and a niece in cybersex transactions pleaded innocent to charges filed against them Wednesday.

During the arraignment at the Lapu-Lapu City-based Cebu Regional Trial Court (RTC) branch 27 presided by Judge Toribio Quiwag on Wednesday morning, the couple entered not guilty plea to child abuse, three counts of child pornography and qualified human trafficking charges lodged against them.

The husband and the wife, who is pregnant, were arrested after the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) raid that caught them presenting three of their own children -- three sons and three daughters, aged three to 15 -- and their 16-year-old niece naked in front of a computer-mounted camera.

"The spouses were arrested while they were caught in the act of exploiting their minor children by making them engage in explicit sexual activities and obscene acts before the webcam of their home computer and transmitting the captured images of the children to their clients abroad for a fee via the Internet," said NBI-Central Visayas Director Edward Villarta said.

Sun.Star is withholding the names of the couple in compliance with Republic Act 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, and to protect the identities of their children.

The raid was authorized by a warrant issued by RTC Judge Meinrado Paredes.

The pregnant woman, interviewed at the NBI stockade, admitted being engaged in online pornography but denied involving her children in any of her transactions.

"They were in my room just to change. They had just showered," she said in Bisaya, adding that she and her husband were good people who just found themselves without work, forcing her to engage in online pornography.

"We even send all of them to school," she said.

The two are now held without bail at the Lapu-Lapu City Jail.

The couple's six children and one niece are in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) - (Sun Star)

PAGASA warns of landslides, flashfloods as Falcon enters Phl

2011-06-22T19:57:00.000+08:00

06/22/2011 - CEBU, Philippines - As tropical depression Falcon entered Philippine area of responsibility, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration-7 warned of possible landslides and flashfloods.

PAGASA alerted the residents in areas identified as landslide prone amidst the expected rains brought about by the tropical depression Falcon.

"Humok na man ang atong yuta hilabi na kanang duol sa sapa tungod kay last week pa ni ang atong pag-ulan tungod sad sa bagyong Egay. So, mag alerto lang gyud ta," said weather observer Al Alcazar.

Although Falcon was spotted 670 km East of Borongan, Eastern Samar as of yesterday, Cebu we will continue to experience scattered rainshowers because of southwest monsoon or "Habagat".

Alcazar said Falcon has a maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near its center and is forecasted to move west northwest at 19 kph.

Falcon is also forecasted at 440 km east of Virac, Catanduanes this morning; 420 km east northeast of Casiguran, Aurora by Thursday morning; and by Friday morning at 350 km east of Basco, Batanes.

PAGASA said coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough. (Freeman)

Proposed cemetery: City legal officer asked for comment on issue

2011-06-22T19:56:00.000+08:00

06/22/2011 - Cebu, Philippines - Mayor Michael Rama yesterday ordered Cebu City Legal officer Joseph Bernaldez to make a legal opinion about the controversial plan to build a cemetery in Barangay Kalunasan for members of the Evangelical Christian Coalition of Cebu Inc.

Being a lawyer, Rama explained that while he is willing to abide by the axiom “vox populi, vox dei” or the voice of the people is the voice of God, he said it must be in compliance with the rule of law.

The residents of Kalunasan and some nearby places strongly objected to the plan to allow the Evangelical Christian Coalition of Cebu Inc. to build a cemetery at the lot that was donated to them by the City of Cebu last May.

The property, which is part of the so-called Osmeña Shrine, was donated to the ECCCI, a coalition of 23 non-Catholic churches in Cebu, while Cebu City south district Rep. Tomas Osmeña was still the city mayor.

Osmeña said while in a democratic country the majority will rule, he understands that the minority also has the right to be assisted by the government.

Lahug Councilwoman Mary Ann delos Santos asked the members of the city council to rescind the deed of donation entered into by Osmeña and the ECCCI.

Delos Santos had claimed that the Osmeña Shrine is still part of Lahug and it is subject to the boundary conflict between her barangay and Barangay Kalunasan.

Rama refused to comment on the issue until after he receives the opinion of the city legal office.

The residents of Beverly Hills also protested the proposed conversion of the property into a cemetery because they are afraid that it will affect the source of their water. Many of the residents in the area depend on deep wells and pumps as their source of water.

It was learned that the homeowners association within the area in Kalunasan are afraid that a cemetery near their place will pose serious health hazards to them. (Freeman)

Car-less Osmeña Blvd, railway system pushed

2011-06-14T19:30:00.001+08:00

06/14/2011

Can Osmeña Boulevard be declared car-free every Sunday?

That’s what ecology advocates asked Cebu City officials after last Sunday's “Road Revolution” left the boulevard free for pedestrians in order to advocate a redesign of public roads to add bicycle lanes and wide sidewalks, and to shift to the use of environment-friendly transportation.

The whole-day event drew several text complaints to City Hall about the road closure and traffic congestion on detour roads, said City Information Officer Carlo Duga-Duga.

Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young said they will study the proposal of environmental lawyer Antonio Oposa Jr.

“Despite the complaints of the motorists, it went well but to close it every Sunday is a different matter. We have to study that,” Young said.

He said if ever the plan is approved, the road would be closed only after 4 p.m. until midnight on Sundays.

“Based on last Sunday’s experience, the influx of people happens after 4 p.m. when the sun is about to set,” the vice mayor said.

Duga-Duga said it's normal for city residents to complain about last Sunday's road closure.

“But if we could see that it is in fact giving more positive benefits to many, then why not implement it,” Duga-duga said.

Oposa, a Ramon Magsaysay awardee for his environment crusade, and several supporters yesterday submitted to the Cebu City Council a petition to overhaul the city's road use system to prioritize pedestrians and bicycle riders.

Their proposal calls for devoting 30 percent of the road for sidewalks, 30 percent for bicycle lanes, 30 percent for mass transport that is “Filipino-made” and pollution-free, and 10 percent for a greenbelt of gardens and trees.

Oposa later appeared in a Provincial Board (PB) session to promote the establishment of a bamboo railway system and solar energy “train.”

Oposa gathered 20,000 signatures for the petition that seeks a pollution-free transportation system in Cebu.

“Our mode of transportation is totally wrong. We need to change it,” Oposa said in last Sunday's opening program of the Road Revolution, which was timed for Independence Day.

Vice Mayor Young said the city government will study Oposa's proposal to close Osmeña Boulevard every Sunday.

Oposa pushed for the use of solar, wind and pedal trains as a long-term mode of mass transport in Cebu.

The 20,000 signatures was in keeping with a Local Government Code provision requiring 1,000 voters or 100 voters in each town to initiate a petition for local legislature to propose or amend an ordinance.

Oposa said Cebu City Hall and the Capitol could invest in a railway while the transport sector can form a cooperative to manage the franchise for the railway roads.

He said jeepney and bus drivers should schedule their trips to free the roads for pedestrians and bikers.

Oposa said he already promoted his plan in Puerto Princesa, Marikina, Iloilo and Davao but he wanted Cebu to be the pioneer of the project.

“Cebu is the perfect case study because it is located in the central part of the country,” he said.

He said an eco-friendly mass transportation system will make Cebuanos less dependent on toxic and expensive motor vehicles.

Architect Joy Martinez said they will also coordinate with the Cebu City council on a road network system that will “work” for Cebu city.

“We should push for bigger sidewalks and plant more trees,” Martinez said.

At the PB, Oposa said the “self-contained renewable energy train” developed by Cebuano engineer Brian Yuson can be implemented in Cebu.

The “train” was made of a donated golf cart powered by six batteries that can be recharged with a windmill, a solar panel and a pedal system.

PB Member Sun Shimura invited Oposa to explain his plans to the Daanbantayan municipal council in Malapascua Island since they enforce a no-motorized vehicle policy there.

PB member Arleigh Sitoy said he wanted the bamboo railway system tried in Cordova town.

PB Member Wilfredo Caminero said Oposa's proposal should be presented to the Cebu Provincial Reclamation Authority while Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale said she will raise this proposal to the Cebu mayors. (Cebu Daily News)

SAMBAG BLAZE RAZES 20 HOMES

2011-06-14T19:27:00.002+08:00

06/14/2011 -A total of 122 persons, mostly student boarders, were displaced in a fire that broke out in a boardinghouse in Urgello Street, barangay Sambag I, at dawn yesterday.

The fire destroyed 20 houses and damaged four others.

It then spread to the nearby Southwestern University, damaging six rooms in the second and third floors of its Maria Guerrero building.

A resident, Boboy Gacasin, was rushed to a hospital for slight burns.

Senior Fire Officer Jimmy Layao of the Cebu City Fire Department said property damages was estimated at P2 million since houses were made of light and concrete materials.

Layao said the fire broke out at 2:40 a.m. in a boardinghouse owned by 61-year-old Rosie Lambo Barrientos.

Lorie Lucban, a student boarder, said she heard an explosion and saw a wall-mounted electric fan burst in flame.

When the flames spread to the wall and ceiling, she went outside and called for help.

Mark Similong, one of the student boarders, said he and his friends were drinking at the ground floor when the explosion occurred.

He went upstairs to save his belongings. He suffered minor burns on his left arm.

Layao said the electric fan may have been left on and overheated.

He said the fire was so intense it spread to the SWU school building, whose fire wall didn't protect some of its floors.

Firefighters positioned their trucks inside the school compound allowing them to put out the fire easily.

Layao said the damage in the building wasn't serious since the floors were not occupied at the time.

The ground level that housed the laboratory rooms was spared.

Jason Paragele of the SWU graduate school department said classes were suspended because of the fire. But other departments continued their regular classes.

Yesterday’s fire took place on the day students in private schools in Cebu were resuming classes after the summer break.

Despite the congested area, Layao said firefighters reached the area since there were enough access roads and put out the fire at 6:30 a.m. or 30 minutes after they arrived.

Cathy Yso, head of the Cebu City Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS), said they initially listed 144 persons, mostly students, who were displaced.

She said the students chose to look for another boardinghouse rather than stay in tents set up as shelter. Yso said the city government will provide food relief starting yesterday.

Affected residents will receive construction materials and other goods from Cebu City Hall.

“Most of the affected persons here are boarders and they want to protect their belongings,” said Alvin Santillana, chief of the Cebu City anti-disaster council.

He said four big tents were set up on both streets near the affected area. Eight portable toilets were also stationed in the site.

Sodium lights will also be installed in Barkadahan and Plaza de Goma Streets, he said.
(Cebu Daily News)

Creek settlers and Compostela

2011-06-01T19:37:00.001+08:00

06/01/2011 - Finally a Cebu City Police team arrested Joavan Fernandez near a courthouse when he was about to post bail. Joavan spent the night at the Cebu City Police detention cell. Mayor Soc Fernandez went to the police office hoping that his son Joavan will not spend the night in a detention cell.

But because Joavan had his own brushes with the police, many believed that the police made sure that Joavan will spend the night in jail. Luckily for Joavan, nothing untoward happened to him while under the custody of the police. I think the delay in the release of Joavan from jail can be considered as the handiwork of the police. Well, it is unfortunate because in this case, it was Soc Fernandez who went to jail to visit his son in a crash helmet.

I am very happy with the way that Mayor Mike Rama is handling illegal occupants of the Mahiga River. Our city hall employees started demolishing the structures when Councilor Alvin Dizon went there to criticize Rama for not providing relocation sites.

But remember, the illegal occupants rejected it because they would rather stay where they had their illegal structures. While we empathize with the situation of the illegal occupants, the time has come for them to demolish their structures because they are living in a very dangerous location. No. 1, these people have already taken advantage of the government by occupying the area for a long time without paying the proper authorities. I think these squatters were aware that they are staying in a dangerous zone. Luckily for them, Mayor Rama is right in reminding them that they are endangering themselves and the other residents of the city. I think they should not get mad or angry at Mayor Rama because what Rama is doing is for their own good and the for city’s welfare. I think Councilor Alvin Dizon should support the position of Rama’s position because if not, then he should shut up.

In the National Basketball Association (NBA), some of the teams are showing unexpected strengths in the playoffs. The Dallas Mavericks ousted the favorite LA Lakers 4-0. The Chicago Bulls ousted the Atlanta Hawks; then the Miami Heat ousted early favorite Boston Celtics. Well, I hope in the end, the NBA will have an exciting finals between two equal teams.

As an update about our enrollment at the Department of Political Science under the School of Law and Governance as of yesterday, we have admitted about 90 freshmen students and are aiming at three blocks for the first year. Enrollment is still going on. They can call us at 253-1000 local 211.

What happened to the town of Compostela last week was not necessary if it was only to call the attention of the Comelec. The forcible entry by Mayor-elect Quinio and his supporters just showed how irresponsible are we as Filipinos.

I think the political conflict in Compostela had been with them for the longest time, thanks to the 2nd division of the Comelec.

It is best for the Comelec to come up with a final decision to resolve the conflict in the said town. (Cebu Daily News)

Cebu Directory Hotline

2011-05-31T21:15:00.002+08:00

ERUF
166

FIRE DEPARTMENT

160

SWAT

166

REACT (Regional Emergency Assistance Communications Team)

5154455

VECO

2308326 / 230VECO

MCWD

4121836

Hospitals

Argao District Hospital

3677500

Argao Rural Unit

3677331

Balamban District Hospital

3332273

Banilad Health Center

3440259

CCMC (Cebu City Medical Center)

2557141

Cebu Doctor's University Hospital

2555555

Chong Hua Hospital

2539409 / 2543228 / 2541461

Cebu Velez General Hospital

2531871

Isidro Kintanar Memorial Hospital

3677500

Katipunan City Health Department

2612680

Lapu-Lapu District Hospital

3400248

Mactan Doctor's Hospital

3410000

Mactan Doctor's Community Hospital

3403721

Magallanes City Hall Clinic

2532192

Mandaue City Hospital

3459739 to 42

Miller Hospital

2612100

North General Hospital

3437777

Pantinople Medical Clinic

3677342

Perpetual Succour Hospital

2338620

Philippine National Red Cross

2534611

Quiot Health Center

2727319

Sacred Heart Hospital

4188411

South General Hospital

2722222

Talisay District Hospital

2738785

Tojong Hospital

3408101

Toledo City Hospital

3225584 / 3225881

VCMC (Visayan Community Medical Center)

2531901

Vicente Sotto Medical Hospital

2551591 / 4124104 / 2539891

Vicente Gullas Memorial Hospital

3469292

Paramedics

Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF)

166

REACT (Regional Emergency Assistance Communications Team)

5154455

Police Stations

Police Hotline (Cebu/Mandaue/Talisay/SWAT)

166

3rd Street

2341229

ACERT

4202868

Argao Police Station

3677166

B Ceniza Station 1 Police Office

3446221

Canduman Police Station 6 (H Abellana Mandaue City)

3444428

Carbon Police Station

2652192 / 2548635

Cebu North Road Mandaue City (Police Station 3)

3439891

Cebu City Mobile Group

2330202

Cebu City Police Office

2315802

Fuente Osmeña

2562194 / 2557350

G Ouano Mandaue City

3465948

Gorordo Avenue

2315801

Guadalupe Police Station

2562193

Liloan Police Station

5642200

M L Quezon Hi-way Lapu-Lapu City

3415703 / 3415704

Ma. Gochan Precint 11

2619804

Mabolo Police Station

4128262

Mambaling Police Station

2619804

Mandaue City Police Station

3441200

Mandaue PNP Police (A Soriano Avenue)

3446314

Marigondon Road Lapu-Lapu City

3428123

Minglanilla Police Station

2726662

Mobile Patrol Group(Admin)

2320289

Mobile Patrol Group

3411311

N Bacalso Avenue

2539211

Naga Police Station

4898808

PNP Pardo Cebu South Road

2733642

PNP Police Assistance

3677166

Punta Princessa Police Station

2617507

Pusok Lapu-Lapu City

3411311

Response Emergency Anticrime Camp Sotero Cabahug

2333712

San Nicholas Police Station

2619788

SWAT

3411311

Theft and Robbery Section

2336703 / 3411311

Tres de Abril

2617507

Talamban Police Station

3447400

Talisay Police Station

2733636

V. Rama

2562193

Waterfront Police Station

2546968

Fire Department

Hotline

160

Argao

3677680

Communication Fire Department

2560541 - 42

Mandaue

3444747

Mandaue (Hotline)

3443364

Minglanilla

2732830

Naga

2726410

Talamban

3449200

Talisay City

2728277

Cebu City Fire Department

2560541

Gorordo Avenue

2330501

Guadalupe

2539474

Juan Luna Avenue

2331510

Labangon Fire Substation (Katipunan)

2610911

Liloan Fire Department

5643781 /5643131

M C Briones Fire Department

3462397

N Bacalso Avenue

2560542 / 2548342

Pahina Central Fire Station

2560543

Talisay Fire Department

2738393 / 2728277

Zulueta Fire Substation

2550785

VECO

24-hour Info Service

2308326 / 230VECO

MCWD

Direct Number

4121836

Danao dads reject Don

2011-05-27T16:30:00.001+08:00

05/27/2011 -DANAO City Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III has endorsed to the office of Mayor Ramon “Boy” Durano Jr. a copy of the City Council resolution rejecting the appointment of their brother Jesus “Don” Durano as city administrator.

The City Council rejected former mayor Don Durano’s appointment as city administrator because the appointment violates the Local Government Code (RA 7160). The council also said that Don concealed a material fact in his personal data sheet.

Nito endorsed Resolution No. 112-11 to the Office of the Mayor for Boy to sign.

In his personal data sheet (Civil Service Form 212), Don declared that he ran for city mayor during the local elections on May 10, 2010.

The Council cited paragraph B, Section 94 of the Local Government Code, which prohibits a candidate from being appointed to any government post within one year after the election.

Don also declared in his data sheet that he has not been formally charged with any case in court.

But the City Council obtained records from the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) in Danao City, which showed that Don has three pending criminal cases for grave coercion, obstruction of justice and resistance and disobedience to persons in authority.

Incident

The cases stemmed from an incident during the 2007 local elections, involving members of the Danao City police.

Among other documents, the council got a certification issued by MTCC Clerk of Court Cheryl Bulalague dated May 10, 2011, stating that according to the records available in their office, a person named Jesus “Don” Durano, et al, of National Road, Poblacion, Danao City has been charged.

The cases were filed by Danao City policemen led by SPO1 Ramerito Ramoneda last July 16, 2007.

Concealment

In the resolution, the councilors said that Don’s declaration under oath constitutes concealment of a material fact.

Ironically, Don was appointed by incumbent Mayor Boy Durano, who defeated him in the last election.

Don, Nito and Boy are brothers, and sons of the late Rep. Ramon “Mano Amon” Durano Sr., who was considered a political kingpin during his time.

Don replaced his nephew Oscar “Boying” Durano Rodriguez who was city administrator from July 1, 2010 to March 2011.

Boying said he was replaced after he criticized his uncle Boy for delaying the implementation of the Danao City Bulk Water Project for months, resulting in the loss of millions of pesos in interest payments for the P30-million loan for the water project.

Sun.Star Cebu tried to interview Boy and Don but they could not be reached for comment yesterday afternoon. (Sun Star)

Housing program

2011-05-26T23:37:00.001+08:00

CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines (PNA) — Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has suggested to Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia a joint housing program for informal settlers in the city.

Rama said this is more viable than the “Balik Lungsod,” a program the governor announced earlier this year encouraging migrants to go back to their hometowns. He said informal settlers, including those along Mahiga Creek, already earn a living in the city and should be given housing.

Capitol spokesperson Atty. Rory Jon Sepulveda said Garcia was very interested with Rama’s proposal but will wait for a more specific plan.

U.S. Embassy official visits IloIlo

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo, Philippines (PNA) — United States embassy official, Deputy Economic Counselor Brent Christensen, visited Iloilo last Monday to be familiarized with the economic situation of areas outside Metro Manila.

The official met with top city and provincial officials including business leaders here.

He said Iloilo has huge potentials with its vibrant economy and was impressed with its airport “of international standards,” but that there is need to improve power and infrastructure for a more conducive investment climate.

Boracay has new cop chief

BORACAY ISLAND, Malay, Aklan, Philippines — Police Supt. Samuel C. Nacion is the new Boracay Special Tourist Police Office chief, replacing Police Supt. Rolando Villar who has been designed Aklan Provincial Police Office deputy director.

A native of Iloilo, Nacion holds a master degree in Local Governance.

Under him will be a force comprised of only 46 men, from a previous total of 120. Local civic group, Boracay Foundation Inc. is asking Nacion to exert effort in restoring the number of men in the local police force to 120 so as to effectively maintain peace and order in the country’s premier holiday destination. (Diego Cagahastian)

Traffic Workshop

DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Philippines (PNA) — The Dumaguete city government, through its Human Resource Office, conducted a four-day seminar-workshop for traffic enforcers.

The activity was divided into four batches and two sessions, the first was on May 25 and May 27, and the second will be on June 1 and June 3, so all 94 traffic enforcers here can attend the workshop without compromising traffic law enforcement on those dates, said City Information Officer Steve Gabriel.

Complaints have been received by motorists on seemingly arrogant attitude of some traffic enforcers here.

B.H.C. to check boarding houses

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo, Philippines (PNA) — The Boarding House Commission (BHC) has set up a series of inspections to monitor the quality of boarding houses here to determine if they have permits to operate and adhere to guidelines as the school opening is almost near.

BHC chairman, Marieta Geremias said the inspection will continue until all boarding houses, registered and unregistered, are fully inspected. She said illegal boarding houses will be closed and their permits suspended.

Some 477 registered boarding houses here have already renewed their permits to operate.(Manila Bulletin)

Housing program

2011-05-26T23:33:00.003+08:00

CEBU CITY, May 26 (PIA) - “Help fight illegal drugs.”

This one can do by becoming a member of the MAD Movement Against Illegal Drugs, said Cebu City Police Director S/Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe

In the recent ‘Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis’ (TSIP) Forum, Buenafe called on media reporters to help the police in the campaign against illegal drugs by becoming members of the movement.

“We will soon be distributing membership forms to interested parties who want to help us in virtually eradicating the social problem of illegal drugs in society,” Buenafe disclosed.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7 Regional Director Adrian Alvariño previously said that after Metro Manila, the huge market for illegal drugs is in Cebu.

“Although there have been attempts to manufacture illegal drugs here by big-time syndicates, but our consistent efforts to prevent such a thing from happening have deterred them from their objective,” Alvariño further said.

The MAD Task Force that has recently been organized is a mutli-agency body with the basic aim of fighting the war against illegal drugs. The body is composed of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), Police Coordinating and Advisory Council of Cebu City, PDEA-7, local National Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-7, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Association of Barangay Captains – Cebu City and the Armed Forces of the Philippines – Central Command.

Three hotline numbers and two cell phone numbers of Smart and Globe have been allocated by the CCPO where the public can reach the police to report illegal drug activities. Such data is contained in posters posted in every police precinct in the city to hike public awareness and to recruit members to the movement.

“We have been asking our media friends to disseminate our contact numbers to report any illegal drug activities and we are very happy to inform the public that people from other provinces like Tacloban City in Region 8 have contacted us to report illegal drug activities in their areas,” according to Buenafe.

The city police chief said the media’s help has been tremendous in reaching out to the public about our cause. “Those people outside Cebu City that have contacted us heard it over the radio so they report to us anything suspicious in their areas,” Buenafe added.

“What we do with the reports coming outside Cebu on illegal drug activities is refer it to the concerned agency with jurisdiction of the place where the report came from,” Buenafe ended. (PIA 7-Cebu)

P-Noy, Roxas pay their final respects to Cebu vice-governor

2011-05-06T07:05:00.000+08:00

05/06/11 - CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III, accompanied by Liberal Party (LP) leaders led by LP President, Manuel A. Roxas II and other allies, were here yesterday morning to pay their final respects to the late Cebu Vice-Governor, Gregorio Sanchez Jr., a LP stalwart, who passed away Friday last week due to lung cancer complications.

The President and his entourage arrived at the Crystal Palace, a complementary facility of the Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes at exactly 9:56 a.m...and stayed long enough to view Sanchez’s remains and condole with members of the late Vice-Governor’s family in a private room.

Aside from Roxas, Aquino’s entourage also included Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes who were both Sanchez’s good friends and political allies. Cebu’s Fourth and Sixth district

Representatives, Benjur Salimbangon and Luigi Quisumbing, respectively, were also spotted during the event.

In a press conference following President Aquino’s visit, Grecilda Sanchez- Zaballero, eldest child of the late Vice-Governor welcomed questions from the media.

When asked what the President shared with her and the rest of the family, Zaballero replied that he had only expressed his condolences with the family and had avoided discussing political issues. She did say that she had given the President some documents and a personal three-page letter from her father.

Other than her father’s letter, she said the documents her father had instructed to be given to the President included details of a trans-axial highway and compiled copies of the controversial Balili lot purchased by the province.

Zaballero disclosed that the President promised to review the documents she handed over to him.

It can be recalled that the late Vice-Governor, who was also an engineer by profession, had been lobbying for the construction of a trans-axial highway that would traverse Cebu’s mountains and reach all the way to Santander town in the south and Daanbantayan municipality in the north.

Final necrological rites for Sanchez will take place today, Friday evening, with his personal driver and members of his staff, among others, will share some of their memories of the late Vice-Governor.

(manila bulletin)

‘Sanchez wanted road project done’

2011-05-03T11:01:00.000+08:00

05/03/11 - ONE thing that Cebu Vice Gov. Gregorio Sanchez wanted to see before his untimely death was the implementation of his pet trans-axial road project.

The Sanchez family relayed his wish to the Provincial Board (PB) members who attended his wake at the Crystal Palace-Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes in upland barangay Lahug, Cebu City, yesterday.

“We will look forward to the day for the implementation of this project. His dreams are slowly coming into place as nobody can put a good man down,” said Sanchez's daughter Grecilda “Gigi” Sanchez-Zaballero.

Sanchez was a proponent of the P45-billion project that seeks to connect Cebu's southern portion to its northern part.

The project languished at the Capitol's Economic Enterprise Council after Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia showed little interest in supporting it.

The project was one of several sore points between Sanchez and Garcia that led to the dissolution of their political alliance.

Despite this, Gigi said her father was a man who placed the welfare of the public above his own.

“He was a good man. He was a good public servant…. He placed the welfare of the public… this extends beyond politics. He stood tall and fought for it,” a teary-eyed Gigi said.

A religious song “Amazing Grace” performed by Grace Girzola, Sanchez’s former employee, caused most of the people present teary-eyed.

Before her performance, Girzola shared how the late vice governor would ask for her to sing.

Former vice governor Democrito Barcenas recalled his years with Sanchez during the Marcos dictatorship while former vice governor Enrique Rama recounted how his friendship with Sanchez began in the 1984 elections.

He said he and Sanchez both ran under the party called “Panaghiusa.”

Esther Velasquez, a member of the Provincial Women’s Commission (PWC), thanked the vice governor for giving them an hour of free slot at his Bantay Radyo (dyDD) station.

Sanchez's PB ally Arleigh Sitoy said he will miss Sanchez despite their short time together.

The PB passed a resolution extending their sincerest condolences to Sanchez's family, a copy of which was given to Gigi after the eulogy.

The Mass and necrological service was sponsored by the Cebu Provincial government and was attended by PB members and Capitol employees.

Fr. Dan Delos Angeles, last night’s officiating priest in his homily, said the vice governor has now finally laid to rest.

Cebu police secured Sanchez's wake even as they paid their last respects to him. (Inquirer)

Cebu bids Sanchez farewell

2011-05-03T10:58:00.000+08:00

05/03/11 - CEBU CITY, Cebu (PNA) – Cebu Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr., 68, succumbed to lung cancer at 2:40 a.m. Friday in the intensive care unit of Chong Hua Hospital this city.

He died less than two weeks after he was first confirmed suffering from stage four lung cancer.

Provincial Board Member Agnes Magpale, who had been acting Vice Governor since two weeks ago when Sanchez went on sick leave, will succeed the latter as Vice Governor.

The wake for Sanchez will be at the Crystal Palace, a complementary facility of the Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes in Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City.

Doubts on recall poll move

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo – Former Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr. is suspicious about the petition for recall election against Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog. Gonzalez, who lost the mayoralty race to Mabilog in last year’s election, said he is not encouraging the petition initiated by Atty. Romeo Gerochi.

“It is difficult for me to support it without knowing the real motive,” he said.

The petition is grounded on the alleged loss of public trust and confidence in Mabilog after failing to enforce the demolition of structures along Iloilo River, particularly Barbecue Park, the restaurant owned by Councilor Edward Yee. (Tara Yap)

E. Visayas T.E.S.D.A. graduates

TACLOBAN CITY Leyte (PIA) – About 50,835 Eastern Visayans graduated from TESDA accredited and monitored training programs in 2010.

This is a 155.5 percent accomplishment from the annual target of 32,696, said Director Johnny Sabulao of TESDA 8. During the DoLE RCC-media partners forum last week, Sabulao said TESDA Leyte had the biggest number of graduates with 18,930 with Northern Samar coming in second with 10, 974 actual graduates.

P.N.P. chief cities Pro-7 cops

CEBU CITY, Cebu (PNA) – Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Raul Bacalzo visited the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 office here last week to award policemen for their successful operations against drugs and other illegal activities. The “Medalya ng Kagitingan” was awarded to Lapu-Lapu City police officers who conducted a buy-bust last April 16 which led to the seizure of R20 million-worth of cocaine and arrest of suspected drug pushers.

The Mandaue Police was also given the same award for similar anti-drug operation last March and for rescuing 146 women from Club Jaguar KTV Bar in Barangay Kasambagan last April 11. For their part, police officers in Punta Engano in Lapu-Lapu City were awarded the Medalya ng Papuri” for their recovery of corals worth R1 million last March 30.

O.F.W.S join consultation

NAVAL, Biliran (PIA) – Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Biliran will attend a provincial consultation to be conducted by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)-8 regional at 8 a.m.. May 3, at the Almeria Multi-Purpose Hall in Almeria, Biliran.

The consultations will assess OWWA’s inputs and outputs to determine issues, concerns and problems affecting OFWs in Biliran. It will also formulate recommendations for OWWA’s program development and policy directions in supporting OFWs in the provinces. (Manila Bulletin)

Eatery owner killed, 3 hurt in Cebu City grenade blast

2011-04-27T21:38:00.000+08:00

04/27/2011 - CEBU CITY, Philippines—An eatery owner was killed while three other members of his family were injured, including a child, when two persons lobbed a grenade at his canteen in Gen. Maxilom Avenue this city at 1:20 p.m. Wednesday.

The police identified the fatality as Eduardo Gaviola Natividad, in his 60s, and owner of the Cita's Kan-anan (Eatery), located in Ponce 2 compound in General Maxilom Ave., Barangay Carreta, Cebu City.

Carreta Barangay (Village) Chairman Eduardo Lauron, whose house was located several meters from Natividad's eatery, said he heard a loud explosion. “I thought that a tire had burst but when I checked, a commotion had erupted,” Lauron said.

He added he heard that Natividad’s family had been under threat but the village chairman could not elaborate.

Lauron said he learned from witnesses that Natividad, upon seeing the grenade thrown at his eatery, immediately hurled his body onto it to save his family from the explosion.

Natividad was brought to the Cebu City Medical Center but he was pronounced dead on arrival.

A staff of Barangay Carreta identified the injured victims as Natividad’s wife, Cita; their son-in-law Raymond; and grandson named Mark, 3. They were brought to another hospital.

The homicide section of the Cebu City Police Office said a suspect was arrested and police, as of Wednesday afternoon, were still pursuing another suspect. (Inquirer.net)

Motorcycle rider killed in crash with bus in Cebu town

2011-04-27T21:36:00.001+08:00

04/27/2011 - CEBU CITY, Philippines—A 27-year-old woman was killed while her female companion was injured when the motorcycle they were riding was bumped by a mini bus at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in Compostela town, 25.3 kilometers north of this city.

SPO3 Wilfredo Caturza, desk officer of the Compostela police station, said Cheryl Cabarubias, 27, of Sunrise Village, Pardo, Cebu City was pronounced dead on arrival at the Danao City District Hospital.

Cabarubias was the back rider of the Honda Wave motorcycle (with plate number 6799-GO) driven by Marlou Domugho Abrenica, 28, of Saavedra, Moalboal town. Abrenica was also brought to the same hospital for treatment of her injuries.

The police said the El Niño mini bus (plate number GWV790) and the motorcycle were both traveling along the national highway in Barangay (village) Guiwanon, Compostela, going towards Cebu City.

The motorcycle, which was in front of the bus, suddenly stopped when a passenger jeepney it was following stopped to unload a passenger, Caturza said.

The driver of the mini bus, which was running at maximum speed, failed to apply the brakes before it could hit the motorcycle, he added.

Caturza said Cabarubias was thrown under the mini bus and died of fatal injuries in the head.

The driver of the mini-bus, Clint Bryan Paran, 33 of Bagatayam, Sogod town, was detained at the Compostela Police Station.

Caturza said they were waiting for the relatives of the victims to decide if they would file reckless imprudence charges against Paran. (Inquirer.net)