Cebu Circle | Cebu City, Philippines

Man, whose face was wrapped in duct tape and shot in the head, still unidentified

2022-05-30T08:31:00.003+08:00

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Consolacion police are calling on the public to coordinate with them should they have relatives, who are missing, so that they can check and verify if the unidentified dead man, whose face was wrapped in duct tape and shot in the head and whose body was found on May 28 in Barangay Sacsac, Consolacion town, is their missing relative.

Police Master Sergeant Ramon Chinel, desk officer of the Consolacion Police Station, who described the unidentified dead man as an alleged salvage victim, had remained unidentified as of this posting.

Chinel said that it was around 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 28, when the information about the alleged salvage victim was forwarded to them by the Canduman Police Station in Mandaue City.

Chinel said that Canduman policemen first responded to the area when they initially received information that a dead person was found in Barangay Casili in Mandaue City.

Later, Canduman police find out that the the area that the body was found was inside the boundary of Barangay Sacsac of Consolacion town.

Barangay Casili of Mandaue City and Barangay Sacsac of Consolacion town are neighboring barangays bordering Mandaue City and Consolacion town.

For now, Chinel said that they were coordinating with the neighboring police stations to check if there were reported missing persons there.

The dead man has remained unidentified and is currently placed in a funeral parlor in the town.

“Naay mga tattoo siya but so far wa koy mahatag kaayo kay mostly ingun ana nga information naa na sa imbestigador,” Chinel said.

(The dead man has tattoos, but I could not give you details because that information is with the investigator of the case.)

Police Staff Sergeant Ken Villaruel, desk office of Canduman Police Station, said that the victim’s face when found at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday May 28, was covered with a duct tape.

He also had a gunshot wound on his head.

Aside from that, both his hands were also tied.

Villaruel said that he could not also tell if the victim had other wounds other than the gunshot that they visibly saw from his head.

Villaruel added that they also recovered two empty shells of an unknown firearm in the crime scene.

He also said that they believed that the victim was killed in Barangay Casili and left there in Barangay Sacsac.

“Naka T-shirt syag (fraternity) but na respondehan 4:30 a.m. pag agi sa mga tawo,” Villaruel said.

(He was wearing a T-shirt with (a name of a fraternity printed on it), but we only responded when passersby saw the body at 4:30 a.m, and reported this to the police.)

Villaruel further said that the dead victim’s body was found beside a road in Barangay Sacsac visible to passersby. So individuals who passed by the area made the call and reported this incident to them.

Source: CDN

Labor row forces temporary shutdown of maternity hospital

2016-02-05T12:41:00.004+08:00

Cebu Puericulture and Maternity House Inc., however, still offers outpatient services

A labor dispute has prompted the management of the Cebu Puericulture Center and Maternity House Inc. (CPCMHI) to temporarily cease hospital operations except for its outpatient services.

Even those who availed of its service packages have also been given reimbursement, said lawyer Cornelio Mercado, the hospital’s chief legal officer.

18 Year Old Girl Rescued from Robber

2016-02-05T09:42:00.001+08:00

An 18 year old girl was rescued after being held hostage by a robber at barangay Maguikay, MC Briones Street in Mandaue City at 5:45 pm Thursday.

Mandaue City police said the victim Jeah Mae Carnillas got off a jeepney with her 58-year-old grandmother Guillerma Carnillas when she was held hostage by 37-year-old Anicito Laranio who poked a knife at her.

Carnillas managed to resist long enough for the mobile patrol group and SWAT to arrive and arrest Laranio.

"Ruby" no longer a "supertyphoon"

2014-12-05T18:02:00.001+08:00

MANILA – Two meteorological agencies have downgraded the category of typhoon ''Ruby'' (international name: Hagupit).

The Hawaii-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) of the US Navy, has downgraded Ruby from the maximum ''super typhoon'' category to ''typhoon'' status.

The Japan Meteorological Agency also downgraded the typhoon from the maximum ''violent'' to ''very strong''.

The JTWC, in its advisory issued 11 a.m. Friday (Manila time), said Ruby was packing one-minute average maximum sustained winds of 231 kilometers per hour (125 knots) and gusts of 277 kph (150 knots) as of 8 a.m. Friday.

The JTWC had earlier upgraded Ruby to super-typhoon status after its wind strength reached around 300 kph, matching those brought by super typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

The weather bureau forecasts the typhoon to grow weaker as it approaches the Philippines. The expected weakening of the weather disturbance is attributed to its interaction with land.

Based on its forecast track for the typhoon, the JTWC said Ruby's wind strength could decrease to 120 kph (65 knots) by the time it reaches the vicinity of Metro Manila.

''Hagupit will maintain a generally west to west- northwestward trajectory under the steering influence of the subtropical ridge,''the JTWC said.

The sub-tropical ridge is a large belt of high pressure system in the northern hemisphere that is referred to as an anti-cyclone system. This system has prevented the upward movement of the typhoon, forcing the weather disturbance to hit the Philippines.

''Bulk of the dynamic models have come into closer agreement on a generally westward track over the Philippines. While there is still some disagreement in the exact placement of the system, ranging between the Cagayan Valley to just north of Panay, there is better confidence in the JTWC forecast track," the JTWC said.

Abs-cbn

Typhoon "Ruby" update

2014-12-05T14:37:00.001+08:00

MANILA -- Typhoon "Ruby" (International name "Hagupit") maintained its strength as it barreled towards the Philippines, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

In its 11 a.m. update on Friday, PAGASA said Ruby has also maintained its speed and direction, moving west northwest at 13 kilometers per hour (kph) towards Eastern Visayas.

The typhoon is expected to make landfall in Eastern Samar-Northern Samar area by Saturday evening, PAGASA said.

Ruby was located at 435 kilometers east of Borongan, Eastern Samar as of 10 a.m. It was packing maximum sustained winds of 215 kph near the center and gusts of up to 250 kph.

It is forecast to be 120 kms east Northeast of Borongan, Eastern Samar on Saturday morning; 50 kms west of Catarman, Northern Samar or 60 kms east of Masbate City, Masbate on Sunday morning; and in the vicinity of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro on Monday morning.

PAGASA forecaster Chris Perez said there may be changes in the speed of the typhoon due to several atmospheric factors. He noted that a faster movement will result in fewer rains being dumped in the typhoon's path.

Perez, nonetheless, warned that the danger being posed by the typhoon remains the same, regardless of its speed.

As expected, the typhoon's intensity is expected to decrease upon hitting land.

The Hawaii-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) said there is still uncertainty over the exact course that the typhoon will take after making landfall in the Philippines.

In its advisory issued at 11 a.m. Friday (Manila time), the typhoon is forecast to be within the vicinity of Metro Manila on December 9, Wednesday, at 8 a.m.

STORM SIGNALS

Public storm warning signals remain hoisted raised over 34 areas.
Public storm warning signal number 2 (winds of 61-100 kph expected in at least 24 hours) has been raised over the following areas, which PAGASA said will experience occasional rains and gusty winds:

Luzon

Sorsogon
Ticao Island
Masbate

Visayas

Northern Samar
Eastern Samar
Samar
Biliran
Leyte
Southern Leyte
Northern Cebu including Cebu City
Bantayan Island
Camotes Island

Public storm warning signal number 1 (winds of 30-60 kph expected in at least 36 hours) has been raised over the following areas, where PAGASA said that residents in low-lying and mountainous areas should be alerted against possible flash floods and landslides:

Luzon

Catanduanes
Albay
Camarines Norte
Camarines Sur
Burias Island
Romblon

Visayas

Capiz
Iloilo
Antique
Aklan
Negros Oriental
Negros Occidental
Rest of Cebu
Siquijor
Bohol

Mindanao

Surigao del Sur
Agusan del Norte
Surigao del Norte
Dinagat Island
Siargao Island
Misamis Oriental
Agusan del Sur
Camiguin Island

STORM SURGE

PAGASA warned areas in the typhoon's path of storm surges. It said storm surges as high as 4 meters, accompanied by strong winds and heavy to intense rainfall, shall be expected upon the typhoon's landfall in the vicinity of Eastern Samar-Northern Samar area.

Estimated rainfall amount is from 7.5-20 millimeters per hour, classified as "heavy to intense," within the 700-km diameter of typhoon Ruby.

PAGASA cautioned fishermen and those using small sea vessels against venturing out into the sea, as there will be rough to very rough sea conditions in the seaboard of Northern Luzon, the eastern seaboard of Central and Southern Luzon, the seaboards of Visayas and over the northern and eastern seaboards of Mindanao.

CEBU PACIFIC, HAVE A HEART

2014-03-16T22:30:00.001+08:00

Manager's name is Mark Rotanel

I just want to rant: Tonight, March 15, 2014 9:40pm. Manager (Mark Rotanel) in front of the counter in manila just shouted at 3 passengers that were going to Vietnam to have their kid operated. Mother was very frustrated because the manager of Cebu pacific shouted that he's the manager and he has the right not to make them fly because he found some defect in the kids passport. But the passport looks ok and has little fold. How can that manager be so heartless knowing that the kid will be operated the next day. The mother was pleading if one of the adult be left behind and allow the kid to fly. But the manager just yelled at them and made them move in the side and let other passengers go ahead? then he also said that since the passport has little defect, its not cebu pacific's fault and their tickets will be forfeited because its a promo ticket. what kind of service was that? this is insane and inhuman. I hope those family are ok now. Anyone from Cebu pacific, have a heart!

10:40pm Kid is still outside crying, Manager checked in the mother and she's confused on what to do. This is really what i call power tripping. How can a fellow filipino do this to another weak fellow filipino. Instead of finding ways to solve the problem, the manager cause more problem for the family to be stressed.

10:50pm She tried to ask the manager to rebook since she was denied to enter. but the manager said, since she was already booked and her kid isn't, the carrier thinks she already flew so Cebu Pacific Air can't rebook their flight. What kind of answer was that. Manager's name is Mark Rotanel. Carrier has the right to refuse whoever flies, but i hope not in this manner.

I hope that Mark Rotanel learns to be more understanding. He reported Vietman that the passport was detached. is it?? its still fixed. so Vietnam didn't allow them to fly. So the mother asked why did you

Kid Passport

put detached, do you know the meaning of detached? Manager said "Sorry i don't know how to speak english" making the mother more frustrated because he was being sarcastic. Thank you Cebu Pacific Air for showing us that you will not defend your passenger, even if your passenger will be operated for his life. Soooooooo heartless!

How's his doctor's appointment now? Will the doctor in Vietnam still entertain them for not showing up? How about the reserved hotels and other things paid in advance? How can someone be so heartless to kill a kids hope to be better.

The manager said to the mother, hindi ka ba murunong magbasa? look at the reminders behind your passport. So confused and shocked the mother didn't check and weakly said "ok". after the incident she checked, It says at the back of all our Philippine passport. "Alteration, addition, or destruction of contents is strictly prohibited. Any unauthorized change will render this passport invalid" -- Now, how can the passport, posted earlier, be invalid if there was no alteration, addition or destruction of content? The passport was clearly usable and is just loose because its owned by the kid. We all know kids could be clumsy, but still the passport is still intact and not altered for bad use.

Please share, maybe one Cebu Pacific officer will have the heart to allow the kid to go to his operation and rebook his flight. And the management will not allow this to happen again, because it could happen to you, to me or to anyone who is helpless like a kid that will be operated.

Written by: Richell de Guzman

100 vessel to join fluvial procession

2014-01-18T20:56:00.001+08:00

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard-Cebu expects almost a hundred vessels to join the fluvial procession today in seawaters off the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.

The PCG registered at least 85 vessels but the number may increase as they are expecting other smaller vessels to join today despite not registering with their office.

PCG-Cebu District Commander Rodulfo Villajuan said they have designated areas where small and large vessels should stand by.

"Hindi maiiwasan na may mga sasali kaya hindi na naming ma-hold 'yan but we have to make sure na andu'n sila sa hulihan," Villajuan said.

He added that he designated a task group to take charge of the line formation between the vessels to avoid possible incidents.

"Ninety eight percent ready na kami ngayon kasi hirap namang sabihing 100 percent, hindi naman kami perpekto," Villajuan said.

Furthermore, the head of PCG Central Visayas, Commodore William Melad, said they will base the decision to continue or cancel the fluvial procession on the weather advisory by PAGASA.

As of 6:30 p.m. last night, Melad said they have not yet decided on the matter while preparations continued for the fluvial procession from Ouano Wharf in Mandaue City to Pier 1 in Cebu City.

PAGASA Mactan officer-in-charge Al Quiblat said tropical depression Agaton, the first weather system for the year, will bring rains up to the Fiesta Señor on Sunday if it does not dissipate.

The state weather bureau yesterday placed Southern Leyte under public storm signal number 1, the lone Visayas area, together with Mindanao areas of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Siargao Island, Dinagat Province, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley.

Quiblat added that the public must be alert for possible landslides and floods.

Waves measuring 3.4 meters to 4.5 meters high are probable in the Visayan seaboard, sea crafts that plan to sail have been cautioned.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said everyone must contribute to fervent prayers in order to have good weather condition for the fluvial and solemn procession.

"We just continuously pray and prepare because that's the only thing we can do. But knowing Sto. Niño, there might be miracles. The adjustments would be to bring umbrellasdon't bring too many cars to lessen traffic congestion," Rama said.p (FREEMAN)

Fluvial procession, yes, but smaller boats out

2014-01-17T19:01:00.001+08:00

THE weather bureau gave this Saturday’s fluvial parade a go signal, but with a catch: small boats will not be allowed to join.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) told organizers to push through with the fluvial procession despite the rainy weather, but asked the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) not to allow small vessels to participate.

Pagasa Mactan weather bureau chief Oscar Tabada said light to moderate rain is still expected on Saturday.

Tabada visited Cebu City Hall yesterday to update Mayor Michael Rama of the latest weather forecast in the next few days.

Wind movement he said will reach 15 to 30kph on Saturday.

He said big vessels can withstand the weather condition this Saturday.

He said that the low tide on Saturday is a big factor to allow the fluvial procession since it will not produce big waves even if it will rain. The height of the tide will only reach up to .23 meters at around 5:55 a.m.

Tabada, though, clarified that it will still be the PCG who will decide on the cancellation of the event since Pagasa only provides the weather forecast.

“It will still be PCG’s discretion to cancel or not the fluvial, Pagasa will just recommend and provide the data,” Tabada told reporters.

Rain

There will also be light to moderate rain shower on the solemn foot procession on Saturday afternoon.

Tabada said, Cebu will experience moderate to heavy rain on Friday. A better weather condition will be observed on the grand parade on Sunday.

“The weather condition on Sunday will be much better than the condition last week, though there will still be rain,” he added.

Tabada also clarified that there is no storm signal yet and only the low pressure area(LPA) is affecting the Visayas that caused the rain.

There is also a low chance that the LPA will develop into a tropical storm, Tabada added.

Registered

As of yesterday, the Cebu Coast Guard had registered 29 vessels that will join thefluvial procession.

Cebu Coast Guard Commander Rodulfo Villajuan said they registered 11 big vessels and 18 motorbancas.

The registration will end today, but Villajuan said they may still give chances to those who are interested despite the deadline.

When asked if they may have to cancel the fluvial procession if there is a low pressure area, Villajuan said this may be decided on the day of the procession.

“Hindi kami basta-basta makaka-declare nyan, if there will be a low pressure or typhoon we will have a coordination with the different concerned parties such as the basilica for the cancellation of the fluvial if ever,” explained Villajuan.

This year, the fluvial procession will take a shorter route to the Ouano wharf, where the galleon-inspired motorized boat that will take the images of the Sto. Niño, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe and St. Joseph back to Cebu City is docked.

From the St. Joseph National Shrine, the procession will proceed to S.B. Cabahug St., A. Soriano Ave., J.M. Ceniza, then to the Ouano wharf. In the past years, the procession passes through P. Burgos, C. Ouano, C.M. Cabahug Sts. and then to the Ouano wharf.

During last year’s fluvial, almost 150 vessels joined the procession.

Villajuan, who is new on his post, said he cannot yet tell if there will be more vessels joining this year, but he hopes that it will be a successful procession.

He said they will still have to decide on what to do to unregistered vessels who will join the fluvial. (Sun Star)

4 days to go, Viva Pit Senyor!

2014-01-15T17:36:00.001+08:00

Upat na lang ka adlaw jud para mag sadya ta sa atong ka pistahan diri sa sugbo kang Senyor Sto. Nino.

Rain or shine mao ni gi daghanon sa mga manimbahay taga adlaw. Kay ang mga tao dako kaayo pag salig sa atong batang Senyor. Ug ang tema karun mao ang Santo Nino: Hope of the People. Tungod kini sa mga katalagman nga naagian kanato, ang linog, bagyo ug mga sunog bisan pa man sa mga panghitabo gipa nalipdan pa ta ni Sr. Sto. Nino.

Karung dominggo mag kita kita tang tanan sa kadalanan, mag tanaw ta sa mga nanayaw sa dalan ug mga artista na mo bisita dri sa atong sugbo.

Viva Pit Senyor! 2014

Sinulog 2014, formally opens

2014-01-14T11:33:00.001+08:00

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama declared Sinulog 2014 festivities open after the 2:30 p.m. Mass held at the Pilgrims’ Center of the Basilica del Sto. Niño.

“Allow me to declare by virtue of being the mayor, the overall chairman of Cebu Sinulog Foundation 2014 together with President Renato Osmeña, Governor Hilario Davide III, Vice Mayor Edgar Labella, and all the Councilmen, to all of you, I now declare Sinulog 2014 open,” said Rama to the thundering applause of the devotees.

The crowd was estimated at 35,500 by Waterfront police station chief Chief Insp. Wildemar Tiu.

The Mass was presided by Parish Priest Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral Msgr. Roberto Boy F. Alesna.

Sinulog 2014 has the theme “Sto. Niño: Hope of the People” which was also the center of the homily delivered by Alesna. He said the Holy Child gives the people strength and hope after enumerating the calamities experienced by the country especially Visayas region.

“We cannot stop ourselves from being afraid, labi na sa mga kalamidad nga miigo sa atong nasod, but we cannot allow our fears to be in power,” he said.He added in his homily that he is not surprised when people questioned where God was when the calamities struck our region.

“Faith is a fragile thing, but we must not be surprised when doubts arise within us because God will always understand the doubts,” he said.

One of the devotees, Mindee Maristela, 17, was inspired by the homily as she was one of the survivors of super typhoon Yolanda that hit her hometown, Tacloban City, Leyte.

“Good health, and maayo unta makaahon na ang mga survivors sa Yolanda especially akong family,” said Maristela. She said she will try to complete the nine days of novena Masses as she is a devotee of the Holy Child.

Another devotee, Mary Ann Coliao, 15, petitioned to have a peaceful and calamity-free country this year.

“Maayo unta wala na’y kusog nga bagyo nga moigo sa atong country, unya maayo pod unta peaceful ang atong year karon,” said Coliao.

Yolanda Mahusay, 50, a person with disability, who was escorted by her friend to the Mass, said her condition will not stop her completing the novena Mass.

“Maayo unta nga magmaayo lang ang lawas ug unta wala na’y mga kakulian ug katalagman,” Mahusay said. She admitted she has a hard time going back and forth to church since she has to use a wheelchair.

Tiu said they deployed 60 policemen within the vicinity of the church to ensure the security and safety of the devotees. He added nothing untoward happened during the Mass.

Others who attended the Mass included Governor Hilario Davide III, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella and city councilors Dave Tumulak, Hanz Abella, and Mary Ann delos Santos.

After the Mass the Sinulog 2014 launching parade assembled in Plaza Sugbo and headed to the Cebu City Sports Center. The parade was led by Rama, Labella and the councilors who attended the Mass. (FREEMAN)

Sunog sa Ermita, 1 patay

2014-01-13T18:43:00.001+08:00

January 13, 2014

USA ang kompirmadong nakalas, upat ang naangol ug di mominos 237 ka mga stall ug balay ang naugdaw sa sunog sa Warwick Barracks, Carbon Complex sa Barangay Ermita, siyudad sa Sugbo kagahapon sa buntag.

Si SFO2 Danny Relatado, imbestigador sa Cebu City Fire Department, niingon nga ang 10-anyos nga si Jerry Consas maoy nakalas human wala makagawas sa balay ug napaig.

Samtang nadala sa Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) mao sila si Antonia Sy, 72, nakaangkon og 2nd degree burn sa tuong kamot; Jenamae Bahinan, 18, naglisod og ginhawa tungod sa aso; Romeo de la Cerna, 78, nasamad ang nawong; ug Bedasta Condinan, 50, nihubag ang walang tiil. (Sun Star Cebu)

Rain delays Sinulog

2014-01-12T09:51:00.001+08:00

THE dance showcasing the Cebuanos’ resiliency and faith during calamities won in the Sinulog sa Kabataan (SK) sa Lalawigan at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) yesterday.

The downpour did not stop the students from Cebu Province to dance for the Señor Sto. Niño. Yesterday’s competition had nine contingents.

But the event, which was supposed to start at 1 p.m., was delayed for one hour due to the rain brought by a low-pressure area hovering over Mindanao.

Due to the rains, Sinulog Foundation Inc (SFI) executive director Ricky Ballesteros said the Department of Education 7 suggested to him to postpone the activity. But he preferred to wait for the rain to ease up.

The rain stopped at 2 p.m. The parade from the Cebu Provincial Capitol to CCSC then started.

But Ballesteros said they did not push through with the street dancing for the safety of the students, considering that the roads were wet.

“The safety of the contingents is really our main concern,” he said.

In yesterday’s competition, the Talisay Central School won the SK sa Lalawigan elementary division.

They earned their back-to-back win after defeating four other contingents.

Talisay danced their way to the top by using as its first backdrop the life-size front pages of local newspapers in Cebu that headlined the different disasters that hit the Visayas in recent months.

These included the collision of two vessels last August near Lawis Ledge in Talisay City, the 7.2-magnitude earthquake last October, typhoon Yolanda last November and four fires that hit five barangays in the city last December.

The contingent moved the backdrop and the dancers acted as survivors of the tragedies. The survivors then offered prayers to Sto. Niño and thanked him for sparing their lives.

The dancers went on with their dance routine and used as backdrop the Talisay City Hall, Magellan’s Cross and the other tourist spots in the city.

Marvie Caño, choreographer of the Talisay contingent, said he was happy they defended their title.

“We just really wanted to show Cebuanos’ faith despite the tragedies and that Cebu remains the Queen City of the South and the premiere province in the country,” he said.

Caño said his 100 dancers and 400 props men started practicing in October last year.

Noemi Bellosillo, chairperson of the board of judges, said Talisay earned the judges’ nod because the storyline was presented clearly.

“Their performance as a whole was very good, including the costume, their props, and the dancers were very coordinated,” she said.
For the SK sa Lalawigan secondary level, the top spot was earned by Tuburan National High School from the town of Tuburan.

Surprises

They defeated three other contingents with their dance routine that thanked Señor Sto. Niño for a good coconut harvest.

Bellosillo said Tuburan presented their storyline well. She also said they have a lot of surprises.

The group’s choreographer Fernando Cabrillos said they practiced their routine for three months. They have a total of 100 dancers and 278 props men.

Cabrillas welcomed their victory yesterday after finishing second in last year’s competition. The first place was earned by Carcar City. Carcar did not join this year’s SK sa Lalawigan as they decided to directly participate in the grand parade on Jan. 19.

Other winners in the secondary level are La Paz National High School from Bogo City (4th place), Sabang National High School from Danao City (3rd place) and Uling National High School from Naga City (2nd place).

The best in costume was won by Uling National High School while the best in musicality was won by Tuburan National High School.

For the elementary level, the other winners are Taytay Elementary School from Danao City (5th place), Langtad Elementary School from Naga (4th place), Ginatilan Elementary School (3rd place) and Mandaue City Elementary School (2nd place).

The best in costume and best in musicality was won by Talisay Central School.

The first placer in yesterday’s competition earned P300,000, P150,000 for the second place, P100,000 for the third place, P75,000 for the fourth place and P50,000 for the fifth place.

The best in musicality and best in costume winners were given P50,000.

All the nine contingents in yesterday’s SK sa Lalawigan earned a spot for the grand parade on Jan. 19.

Police described the event as generally peaceful, and estimated the crowd at 80,000.

Senior Insp. Michael Angelo Beltran said there were only minor problems in the crowd at the Cebu Sports Center.

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III told the crowd to be thankful for the blessings they received from Señor Sto. Niño.

Cebu City PUJ's trip cutting tactics

2014-01-05T16:05:00.003+08:00

PUJ's trip cutting tactics most of the time the passengers are denied to be transported to their original destination because of this practice.

Photo Credit Cebu Aksyonan Mo

CEBU CITY ELECTION - Complete list of October 2013

2013-11-02T13:30:00.001+08:00

ELECTION - Complete list of October 2013 Barangay Election Winners:

ADLAON, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Narra, Elvis - 1,766 votes
Councilors:
1. Narra, Nieves - 1,570 votes
2. Aruola, Ma. Elena - 1,537 votes
3. Labsano, Paterno - 1,312 votes
4. Inocando, Nicodemus - 1,171 votes
5. Magno, Romeo - 1,124 votes
6. Dionson, Alejandro - 1,083 votes
7. Leyson, Pedrillo - 986 votes

AGSUNGOT, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Alcover, Noli Anne - 834 votes
Councilors:
1. Borres, Ricardo - 714 votes
2. Rosales, Ramil - 693 votes
3. Ermac, Estrella - 653 votes
4. Damaolao, Pedro - 583 votes
5. Cal, Ana Mae - 542 votes
6. Tariao, Randy - 517 votes
7. Inez, Edgar - 507 votes

APAS, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Ayuman, Ramil - 5,030 votes
Councilors:
1. Cabigon, Virgil - 4,721 votes
2. Rosales, Clemente - 4,267 votes
3. Bacasno, Elizabeth - 3,067 votes
4. Majait, Allan - 3,013 votes
5. Dicdiquin, Jorge - 2,603 votes
6. Flordeliz, Rebecca - 2,464 votes
7. Urtezuela, Apolinario - 2,405 votes

BABAG, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Cesar Dolorito - 973 votes
Councilors:
1. Gina Cabantug - 1,167 votes
2. Eleazar Mabini - 1,128 votes
3. Reynante Bacarisas - 971 votes
4. Jesus Billones Jr. - 876 votes
5. Jaime Alforque - 759 votes
6. Michelle Mabini - 691 votes
7. Tirso Labrador - 679 votes

BACAYAN, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Colina, Zenaida - 2,354 votes
Councilors:
1. Cirilo, Rosita - 2,361 votes
2. Paragoso, Ray Ann - 2,195 votes
3. Borces, Armando - 2,117 votes
4. Branzuela, Mildred - 2,093 votes
5. Butad, Rogelio - 1,834 votes
6. Desnerto, Vivian - 1,805 votes
7. Arcilla, Rhodora - 1,767 votes

BANILAD, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Nicloas Leyson Jr. - 2,575 votes
Councilors:
1. Ouano, Adelaida - 2,238 votes
2. Tabar, Mary Luz - 2,142 votes
3. Bongo, Victoria - 1,922 votes
4. Opone, Emma - 1,917 votes
5. Archival, Avelyn - 1,801 votes
6. Butas, Teofreda - 1,766 votes
7. Vercide, Roycel - 1,740 votes

BASAK PARDO, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Yolandito Cagang - 4,358 votes
Councilors:
1. Gee-Ann Jugan - 3,754 votes
2. Maria Lourdes Romarate - 3,394 votes
3. Leonita Nacorda - 3,263 votes
4. Rolando Pinili - 3,152 votes
5. Ernesto Batican Jr. - 3,007 votes
6. Rodulfo Cabaluna - 2,644 votes
7. Xeces Navarro - 2,611 votes

BASAK SAN NICOLAS, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: George Rama - 12,523 votes
Councilors:
1. Norman Navarro - 10,876 votes
2. Salustiano Murillo - 10,407 votes
3. Lannyvic Fajardo Sr. - 10,398 votes
4. Giovani Tabada - 10,353 votes
5. Ramiro Tabada - 9,469 votes
6. Mario Susaya - 9,308 votes
7. Dennis Tamarra - 9,015 votes

BINALIW, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Bacor, Wilson - 989 votes
Councilors:
1. Ybanez, Daisy - 1,072 votes
2. Demecillo, Edgardo - 1,037 votes
3. Seno, Renato - 984 votes
4. Ople, Bimbo - 915 votes
5. Ardeno, Evangelino - 851 votes
6. Cabrera, Sante - 828 votes
7. Bontilao, Anecia - 766 votes

BONBON, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Eduardo Cabriana - 1,431 votes
Councilors:
1. Bonifacio Babon - 1,349 votes
2. Aida Alit - 1,291 votes
3. Maria Juvy Racaza - 1,260 votes
4. Merenisa Mabano - 1,175 votes
5. Pablo Nebria - 962 votes
6. Ruben Hernani - 879 votes
7. Evarista Cabriana- 758 votes

BUDLAAN, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Antolihao, Nerissa Gualiza - 2,024 votes
Councilors:
1. Ardiente, Lucita Acorda - 1,880 votes
2. Jorgio, Walterio Oblegado - 1,643 votes
3. Antolihao, Bonelio Borga - 1,498 votes
4. Malazarte, Noel Ardimer - 1,494 votes
5. Castaneda, Sisinio Arcayan - 1,470 votes
6. Gualiza, Nena Ardiente - 1,373 votes
7. Rios, Rodeline Mata - 1,203 votes

BUHISAN, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Gremar Barete - 3,566 votes
Councilors:
1. Maria Avelina Maloloy-on - 3,377 votes
2. Eduardo Rabadon - 3,245 votes
3. Luzviminda Lazarte - 2,845 votes
4. Israel Bacarisas - 2,509 votes
5. Ma. Luisa Moreno - 2,500 votes
6. Edgardo Yap - 2,390 votes
7. Napoleon Abelgas - 2,308 votes

BULACAO, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Rodrigo Jabellana - 4,829 votes
Councilors:
1. Nenita Alit - 4,371 votes
2. Gil Baylon - 3,286 votes
3. Celerino Cabanca - 3,238 votes
4. Josias Briones - 2,971 votes
5. Chona Pascua - 2,900 votes
6. Daniela Tabaloc - 2,790 votes
7. Fielma Manigbas - 2,775 votes

BUOT TAOP, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Rosalita Callino - 768 votes
Councilors:
1. Cristituto Bacayan - 798 votes
2. Leonardo Labitad - 784 votes
3. Juan Cabusas - 779 votes
4. Felipe Cabrera - 740 votes
5. Rogelio Cabrillos - 696 votes
6. Richard Bacayan - 676 votes
7. Angelito Cabusas- 646 votes

BUSAY, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Amelo Lopez - 2,272 votes
Councilors:
1. Eleodoro Sanchez - 2,394 votes
2. Renato Caballes - 2,130 votes
3. Enesita Rosaldo - 2,002 votes
4. Kevin Anthony Sanchez - 1,731 votes
5. Nestor Surban Jr. - 1,512 votes
6. Maria Christia Famador - 1,485 votes
7. Jame Arcillo - 1,421 votes

CALAMBA, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Maria Yvonne Feliciano - 1,883 votes
Councilors:
1. Noel Bacalla - 2,322 votes
2. Anna Lozano - 2,194 votes
3. Corazon Lim - 2,091 votes
4. Hildibrando Ygonia - 2,058 votes
5. Wilfredo Gonzaga - 1,936 votes
6. Richard Buscaino - 1,933 votes
7. Harvey Inoc - 1,733 votes

CAMBINOCOT, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Reynald Lauron - 967 votes
Councilors:
1. Nila Bihag - 1,101 votes
2. Patricio Dumaolao - 874 votes
3. Michael Englis - 837 votes
4. Cesario Doncillo - 777 votes
5. Delia Englis - 753 votes
6. Ramonito Seno - 717 votes
7. Floreville Magdadaro - 649 votes

CAMPUTHAW, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Trifonio Lequigan Jr. - 3,362 votes
Councilors:
1. Raymund Alvin Garcia - 3,945 votes
2. Lorenzo Basamot - 3,352 votes
3. Atilano Sadaya - 3,309 votes
4. Jessica Cadungog - 2,809 votes
5. Helen Bejec - 2,588 votes
6. Ronald Librando - 2,566 votes
7. Juan Dano Jr. - 2,289 votes

CAPITOL SITE, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Manuel Guanzon - 3,631 votes
Councilors:
1. Kelly Quijada - 3,821 votes
2. Alex Bajao - 3,506 votes
3. Francisco Alburo - 3,495 votes
4. Expedito Villarin - 3,414 votes
5. Elias Baylon - 3,172 votes
6. Florentino Culpa - 3,138 votes
7. Apolinario Remoto Jr. - 2,898 votes

CARRETA, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Eduardo Lauron - 2,113 votes
Councilors:
1. Mariano Lauron - 2,662 votes
2. Evangeline Natividad - 2,066 votes
3. Jeffrey Oliveros - 1,730 votes
4. Carmelita Francisco - 1,575 votes
5. Erwin Navales - 1,516 votes
6. Geraldine Hortellano - 1,553 votes
7. Rey Francisco Jr. - 1,417 votes

COGON, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Harry Eran - 3,356 votes
Councilors:
1. Josue Bacalso - 3,025 votes
2. Omar Louie Kintanar - 2,831 votes
3. Allan Abarquez - 2,624 votes
4. Alicia Lawan - 2,470 votes
5. Victor Sandoy - 2,383 votes
6. Sergio Lopez - 2,262 votes
7. Jeffrey Ibones - 2,173 votes

COGON RAMOS, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Omar Durano Sr. - 870 votes
Councilors:
1. Rudy Rubi - 975 votes
2. May Sadaya - 937 votes
3. Ma. Elena Cayetano - 910 votes
4. Danilo Alfafara Sr. - 887 votes
5. Theodoric Pepito - 882 votes
6. Randy Daitol - 758 votes
7. Alvin Beldad - 722 votes

DAY-AS, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Jerome Puerto - 1,463 votes
Councilors:
1. Marilyn Bernal - 1,454 votes
2. Nickelito Dingal - 1,321 votes
3. Freddie Esmas - 1,298 votes
4. Benigno Caniga Sr. - 1,269 votes
5. Regalado Hisoler Jr. - 1,267 votes
6. Carlos Ferolin - 1,261 votes
7. Edgar Flores - 1,251 votes

DULJO FATIMA, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Elmer Abella - 4,464 votes
Councilors:
1. Ricardo Ycong - 4,831 votes
2. Moises Alvarez -3,973 votes
3. Juliet Abella - 3,716 votes
4. Milo Arenas - 3,688 votes
5. Michael Cabatino - 3,363 votes
6. Lope Villahermosa - 3,174 votes
7. Elgie Alicaya- 3,110 votes

ERMITA, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Felicisimo Rupinta - 3,377 votes
Councilors:
1. Mark Rizaldy Miral - 3,336 votes
2. Antonieto Flores - 3,191 votes
3. Ryan Jay Rosas - 3,113 votes
4. Aljo Tumundo - 2,999 votes
5. Domingo Ando, Jr. - 2,939 votes
6. Maria Buanghug - 2,763 votes
7. Welbert Flores - 2,539 votes

GUADALUPE, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Michael Gacasan - 11,099 votes
Councilors:
1. Robert Camu - 10,855 votes
2. Wilfredo Gallardo - 9,691 votes
3. Harry Canete - 9,160 votes
4. Dino Faelnar - 8,989 votes
5. Ventura Montecillo - 8,705 votes
6. Apol Rose Enriquez - 7,926 votes
7. David Suzara - 7,676 votes

GUBA, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Orlan Herrera - 1,724 votes
Councilors:
1. Gilbert Borbon - 1,645 votes
2. Ma. Lina Villabon - 1,537 votes
3. Alexander Bontilao - 1,441 votes
4. Elizabeth Archival - 1,438 votes
5. Antonio Minoza - 1,314 votes
6. Julito Ardiente - 1,313 votes
7. Renerio Limotan - 1,300 votes

HIPODROMO, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Petrolino Fat Jr. - 2,683 votes
Councilors:
1. Joseph Baylosis - 2,522 votes
2. Ruperto Bacolod Jr. - 2,224 votes
3. Audie Medina -2,219 votes
4. Jorie Balili - 2,193 votes
5. Alira Zamora - 2,044 votes
6. Julito Arisco- 1,896 votes
7. Rogelio Compra - 1,872 votes

INAYAWAN, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Lutherlee Ignacio-Soon - 7,585 votes
Councilors:
1. Rustico Ignacio - 8,101 votes
2. Carlito Quimada - 6,978 votes
3. Lolito Comendador - 6,790 votes
4. Cris Ocampo - 6,750 votes
5. Ernesto Villareal - 6,385 votes
6. Ricky Tibay - 5,624 votes
7. Jose Labaya - 5,355 votes

KALUBIHAN, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Carmilo Millan - 872 votes
Councilors:
1. Rex Millan - 810 votes
2. Ramil Go - 718 votes
3. Ernest Sarda - 701 votes
4. Rafael Escario - 616 votes
5. Rodelo Dimayacyac - 606 votes
6. Robert Selma - 598 votes
7. Mary Mylene Legaspina - 594 votes

KALUNASAN, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Nunilon Monares - 4,413 votes
Councilors:
1. Marvin Leyson - 4,407 votes
2. Carlitos Ceniza - 4,242 votes
3. Ledesma Tamayo - 4,166 votes
4. Nestor Gabunada - 4,064 votes
5. Edelito Mabano - 3,522 votes
6. Marie Jean Guinto - 3,427 votes
7. Jovencio Lopez - 2,821 votes

KAMAGAYAN, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Raquel Avila - 885 votes
Councilors:
1. Rene Avila - 795 votes
2. Mansueto Avila - 778 votes
3. Rolando Pilapil - 761 votes
4. Diogenes Avila - 739 votes
5. Celestino Avila - 721 votes
6. Norberto Diaz - 635 votes
7. Rico Ramirez - 608 votes

KASAMBAGAN, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Jose Lim Jr. – 2,470 votes
Councilors:
1. Franklin Ong – 2,263 votes
2. Vivian Colina – 2,407 votes
3. Angelo Pepito – 2,283 votes
4. Rodolfo Quiseo – 2,282 votes
5. Troy Tan – 2,211 votes
6. Nestor Pasiculan – 2,097 votes
7. Jaymark Gerodias – 1,896 votes

KINASANG-AN, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Jeffrey Navarro - 3,284 votes
Councilors:
1. Susan Enriquez - 4,067 votes
2. Roy Molina - 3,551 votes
3. Luther Bartolome - 3,507 votes
4. Aruan Navarro - 3,369 votes
5. Bethoven Quijano - 3,278 votes
6. Oliver Dingcong - 3,146 votes
7. Victor Cabrera- 3,076 votes

LABANGON, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Victor Buendia - 7,875 votes
Councilors:
1. Zenaida Amores - 7,682 votes
2. Rodulfo Tabasa - 7,137 votes
3. Ian Anthony Osmena - 5,589 votes
4. Faustino Masong Jr. - 5,589 votes
5. Norvic Abella - 4,914 votes
6. Ronald Dagatan - 4,761 votes
7. Florentino Tudtud - 4,613 votes

LAHUG, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Jovito Taborada Jr. - 10,328 votes
Councilors:
1. Andrew Codera Biton - 9,892 votes
2. Hazel Ann Cawayan Muana - 9,607 votes
3. Jeramae Cabase Cabaral - 9,197 votes
4. Raquel Tiu Sasar - 8,864 votes
5. Richter Castanares - 8,829 votes
6. Abarico, Lyzette Castanares - 8,543 votes
7. Gandianco, Hernando Jr. Hernaez - 8,323 votes

LOREGA-SAN MIGUEL, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Herrera Fritzgerald - 3,228 votes
Councilors:
1. Nilo Delacerna - 3,334 votes
2. Joan Babayson - 3,238 votes
3. Perla Yosores - 3,225 votes
4. Julius Espina - 3,093 votes
5. Rolando Comeros - 3,054 votes
6. Glenn Mark Manal - 3,018 votes
7. Edlitrudes Fuentes - 2,716 votes

LUSARAN, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Armando Ermac - 918 votes
Councilors:
1. Joecel Codilla - 1,063 votes
2. Edgar Goc-ong - 974 votes
3. Anniano Puebla - 898 votes
4. Susana Ermac - 855 votes
5. Josefina Montero - 843 votes
6. Joy Therese Goc-ong - 818 votes
7. Dionisio Codilla - 797 votes

LUZ, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Rian Tante - 4,838 votes
Councilors:
1. Jerome Pagador - 4,620 votes
2. Ronilo Sab-a - 4,504 votes
3. Patrick Joseph Talisaysay - 4,357 votes
4. Marietto Sanchez - 4,195 votes
5. Henry Son- 3,800 votes
6. Antonio Ventura - 3,780 votes
7. Renato Labrador - 3,726 votes

MABINI, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Manny Pepito - 714 votes
Councilors:
1. Eugene Cafe - 888 votes
2. Margie Oybenes - 799 votes
3. Margie Pepito -771
4. Cris Yongco - 700 votes
5. Mario Oybenes Jr. - 652 votes
6. Macario Siroy - 641 votes
7. Adelita Ardenio - 629 votes

MABOLO, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Ompoc, Reynaldo - 5,703 votes
Councilors:
1. Gajudo, Frank - 5,931 votes
2. Cosido, Raul Sr. - 5,692 votes
3. Sanico, Efren - 5,224 votes
4. Cui, Elmer - 4,983 votes
5. Ruiz, Raquel - 4,925 votes
6. Racaza, Michael - 4,795 votes
7. Tudtud, Jackson - 4,752 votes

MALUBOG, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Cangmaong, Majorita - 599 votes
Councilors:
1. Dabuco, Dennis - 686 votes
2. Jabadian, Nelson - 573 votes
3. Bolocano, Antonio Jr. - 541 votes
4. Dabuco, Alfredo - 492 votes
5. Comeros, Leonila - 468 votes
6. Pelares, Rubesita - 410 votes
7. Haganas, Apolinario - 386 votes

MAMBALING, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Wilfredo Go - 5,590 votes
Councilors:
1. Emier Harmis - 4,970 votes
2. Rodolfo Estella - 4,617 votes
3. Rogelio Atillo - 3,505 votes
4. Anne Marie Palomo - 3,495 votes
5. Rea Laborte - 3,311 votes
6. Arturo Belcina - 2,935 votes
7. Richelle Aranas - 2,795 votes

PAHINA CENTRAL, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Yap, Carlo - 1,994 votes
Councilors:
1. Salma, Ritchie Paul - 1,846 votes
2. Andales, Erlinda - 1,813 votes
3. Bondoc, Ana Liza - 1,686 votes
4. Batiquin, Edison Roy - 1,650 votes
5. Borlasa, Menchuditas - 1,608 votes
6. Base, Dennis Jr. - 1,588 votes
7. Tesaluna, Eliseo - 1,382 votes

PARDO, POBLACION Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Altea Lim - 4,914 votes
Councilors:
1. Manolita Aberquez - 4,789 votes
2. Pedro Rago - 4,677 votes
3. Alfredo Estrada - 4,055 votes
4. Thomas Abellanosa - 3,944 votes
5. William Tajanlangit - 3,892 votes
6. Francisco Padayogdog - 3,809 votes
7. Eduardo Arana - 3,580 votes

PARIAN, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Jeremias Nunez - 1,254 votes
Councilors:
1. Teresita Jumao-as - 1,050 votes
2. Mat Eric Medalle - 945 votes
3. Milford Trasmonte - 930 votes
4. Allan Dilao - 924 votes
5. Edwin Yutico - 871 votes
6. Vicente Villarojo - 820 votes
7. Rodito Villena - 798 votes

PASIL, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Julius Guioguio - 3,274 votes
Councilors:
1. Rannie Abejo - 3,562 votes
2. Jocelyn Almacen - 3,500 votes
3. Steven Acebedo - 3,332 votes
4. Gadwin Catingub - 3,325 votes
5. Anthony Vandolph Villarin - 3,215 votes
6. Julito Cabasa - 3,205 votes
7. Romeo Ocarol Sr. - 3,106 votes

PARIAN, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Jeremias Nunez - 1,254 votes
Councilors:
1. Teresita Jumao-as - 1,050 votes
2. Mat Eric Medalle - 945 votes
3. Milford Trasmonte - 930 votes
4. Allan Dilao - 924 votes
5. Edwin Yutico - 871 votes
6. Vicente Villarojo - 820 votes
7. Rodito Villena - 798 votes

PARIL, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Casimiro Pilones - 555 votes
Councilors:
1. Roy Pilones - 590 votes
2. Silvano Hayag - 517 votes
3. Teofanes Jopia - 493 votes
4. Estanislao Jopia - 490 votes
5. Demetrio Soten- 479 votes
6. Helen Docillo - 473 votes
7. Orlando Escoto - 467 votes

PIT-OS, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Leonilo Bontilao - 1,613 votes
Councilors:
1. Velasquez Jan Michael - 1,641 votes
2. Landelino Bontilao - 1,604 votes
3. Joey Lopez - 1,537 votes
4. David Algarme - 1,421 votes
5. Marietta Diano - 1,361 votes
6. Florencia Bondalba - 1,303 votes
7. belen Gerona - 1,207 votes

PULANGBATO, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Maria Velasquez - 1,674 votes
Councilors:
1. John Barry Minoza - 1,671 votes
2. Wilson Coca - 1,629 votes
3. Marlene Nacua - 1,501 votes
4. Leonila Llaguno - 1,430 votes
5. Junray Borbon - 1,308 votes
6. Carmelita Lunay - 1,260 votes
7. Kaven Dave Seno - 1,191 votes

PUNG-OL SIBUGAY, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Jerson Cadampog - 1,168 votes
Councilors:
1. Jose Cadampog - 1,150 votes
2. Efren Comaling - 1,123 votes
3. Aien Umpad - 1,034 votes
4. Lolita Leyson - 732 votes
5. Concesa Rosaldo - 732 votes
6. Jhun Ryan Umpad - 658 votes
7. Medardo Coca - 632 votes

PUNTA PRINCESA, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Jose Navarro - 6,086 votes
Councilors:
1. Restituto Atillo - 4,989 votes
2. Alvin Paez - 4,959 votes
3. Benedicto Abella - 4,832 votes
4. Joselito Navarro - 4,696 votes
5. Sherwin Lequit - 4,358 votes
6. Grace Baquero - 4,295 votes
7. Oliver Chua - 4,133 votes

QUIOT, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Pancrasio Esparis - 3,522 votes
Councilors:
1. Danilo Teves - 4,554 votes
2. Paulina Paras - 3,476 votes
3. Cleofe Murillo - 3,272 votes
4. Herbert Conde - 3,238 votes
5. Eduardo Llamedo - 3,216 votes
6. Gerardo Auxillo - 3,159 votes
7. Victor Lunday - 2,884 votes

SAMBAG 1, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Lemar Alcover - 3,230 votes
Councilors:
1. Jaime Lacuna - 3,156 votes
2. Lyza Bacaltos - 3,015 votes
3. Nestor Tallo - 2,859 votes
4. Khristle Ann Canares - 2,813 votes
5. Vicente Bacus - 2,500 votes
6. Giovanni Aznar - 2,308 votes
7. Ramon Rama - 2,288 votes

SAMBAG 2, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Carl Stephen Belarmino - 3,434 votes
Councilors:
1. Keith Noel Wenceslao - 3,849 votes
2. Aileen Tecson - 3,352 votes
3. Ryan Aznar - 3,338 votes
4. Aurelio Jagmoc Jr. - 3,270 votes
5. Lou Cababahay - 2,683 votes
6. Jonathan Agustin Bacon - 2,567 votes
7. Jaime Moreno - 2,420 votes

SAN ANTONIO, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Alan Masecampo - 701 votes
Councilors:
1. Stephen Templado - 717 votes
2. Teofilo Dela Cruz Jr. - 712 votes
3. Luis Cabrera Jr. - 676 votes
4. Aileen Sia - 627 votes
5. Renier Vistar - 615 votes
6. Jose Anthony Desuyo - 611 votes
7. Arlyn Sususco - 601 votes

SAN JOSE, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Joventino Ardaba - 1,675 votes
Councilors:
1. Pablo Bondaug - 1,660 votes
2. Edgardo Borces - 1,566 votes
3. Salvacion Gabato - 1,496 votes
4. Bonifacio Minoza - 1,398 votes
5. Edel Borces -1,383 votes
6. Warlito Cesa - 1,368 votes
7. Jenysel Cadungog - 1,331 votes

SAN NICOLAS PROPER, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Abraham Desamparado – 2,514 votes
Councilors:
1. Cenon Bacus – 2,320 votes
2. Clifford Jude Ninal – 2,236 votes
3. Felix Cabaron – 2,030 votes
4. Joay Peralta – 2,016 votes
5. Rosalinda Belandres – 2,000 votes
6. Jeanette Sirgidas – 1,900 votes
7. Jocelyn Perez – 1,795 votes

SAN ROQUE, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Lidiore Miranda - 1,158 votes
Councilors:
1. Cyrus Lindog - 1,196 votes
2. Bobby Morados -1,054 votes
3. Leonarda Pepito - 1,047 votes
4. Rogelio Ruizon - 1,027 votes
5. Eliser Espina Jr. - 1,025 votes
6. Jaime Alcantara - 905 votes
7. Mario Pamolarco - 838 votes

SAPANGDAKU, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Lorna Damalerio - 1,679 votes
Councilors:
1. Cosette Gabutan - 1,682 votes
2. Francisco Adan - 1,575 votes
3. Demetrio Sacamay - 1,530 votes
4. Henreo Labra - 1,195 votes
5. Melchora Tanjay - 1,174 votes
6. Benjamin Dotarot - 1,160 votes
7. Leanel Matulinao - 1,125 votes

SAWANG CALERO, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Ariel Yburan - 1,694 votes
Councilors:
1. Benjamin Zabate Sr. - 2,407 votes
2. Darius Borja - 2,041 votes
3. Kenny Glenn Silud - 1,872 votes
4. Vilma Espina - 1,815 votes
5. Ariel Quiroga - 1,778 votes
6. Ramon Diamante - 1,755 votes
7. Michelle Zabate - 1,694 votes

SINSIN, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Ramon Ylaya Jr. - 994 votes
Councilors:
1. Artemio Tabada - 1,066 votes
2. Ireneo Sabella - 1,046 votes
3. Jimmy Bacarisas - 1,003 votes
4. Pablito Quiguiles - 997 votes
5. Pedro Tabucal - 941 votes
6. Felipe Cabarrubias - 923 votes
7. Evelina Rosales - 890 votes

SIRAO, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Felix Limotan – 1,429 votes
Councilors:
1. Flaviano Gabunada – 1,483 votes
2. Fedirico Rebonza - 1,233 votes
3. Rolando Villaban Jr. – 1,223 votes
4. Susan Arcilla – 1,208 votes
5. Raymar Englis – 1,179 votes
6. Elizabeth Velayo - 996 votes
7. Bobby Quijano - 964 votes

STA. CRUZ, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Eloise Marie Lim - 752 votes
Councilors:
1. Vicente Quintana Jr. - 885 votes
2. Jerome Lim - 851 votes
3. Helen Del Mar - 705 votes
4. Ricardo Martinez - 667 votes
5. Rolando Cabiluna - 611 votes
6. Wilfredo Del Solo - 602 votes
7. Janette Badayos - 596 votes

SUBA, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Joel Sable - 3,563 votes
Councilors:
1. Rebecca Castro - 3,372 votes
2. Rogelio Resurrection - 3,167 votes
3. Gerenimo Tagsip - 3,164 votes
4. Nicholo Malazarte - 3,053 votes
5. Dennis Jaca - 2,853 votes
6. Julius Inocencio - 2,834 votes
7. Cirila Ledesma - 2,807 votes

SUDLON 1, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Dante Tabucal - 974 votes
Councilors:
1. Allan Cabiles - 1,028 votes
2. Lydia Madjus - 1,015 votes
3. Mario Bellita - 999 votes
4. Virgilio Pardillo Sr. - 995 votes
5. Melchor Cabiles - 937 votes
6. Violeta Bacus - 913 votes
7. Ricardo Tabucal Sr. - 913 votes

SUDLON 2, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Wenefredo Macario - 1,249 votes
Councilors:
1. Prescillo Albores - 1,200 votes
2. Arlene Montejo - 1,101 votes
3. Jerome Sarte - 1,058 votes
4. Mary Ann Zabate - 1,010 votes
5. Corazon Pardillo - 918 votes
6. Rufino Antipuesto - 873 votes
7. Gerardo Ebunalo - 872 votes

T. PADILLA, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Gimeno, Manuel - 1,661 votes
Councilors:
1. Urot, Dennis Ruelo - 1,745 votes
2. Cordero, Irene - 1,694 votes
3. Hassamal, Edmund - 1,637 votes
4. Ralota, Michael - 1,529 votes
5. Barrientos, Juanito - 1,507 votes
6. Ledesma, Ricardo Sr. - 1,365 votes
7. Sabandal, Elisa - 1,359 votes

TABUNAN, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Lucresia Gabato - 862 votes
Councilors:
1. Aurelia Ardemir - 842 votes
2. Nerio Pador - 794 votes
3. Florentino Alivio Sr. - 723 votes
4. Jerry Englis - 604 votes
5. Demetrio gabato Jr. - 583 votes
6. Joselito Alindajao - 578 votes
7. Roberto Alemdrin - 554 votes

TAGBAO, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Ana Tabal - 703 votes
Councilors:
1. Rolando Ardiente - 613 votes
2. Elizer Cubong - 538 votes
3. Belinda Magdadaro - 497 votes
4. Franklin Tabal - 426 votes
5. Fernando Arcilla - 402 votes
6. Elmer Tabal - 396 votes
7. Domingo Ermac - 379 votes

TALAMBAN, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Dario Arcilla - 5,427 votes
Councilors:
1. Nelson Archival - 6,284 votes
2. Dexter Tudtud - 5,136 votes
3. Marquez Entece - 5,009 votes
4. Cecilio Cadampog - 4,737 votes
5. Pepito Aguar - 4,657 votes
6. Santos Inocando Jr. - 4,507 votes
7. Alex Leyson - 4,455 votes

TAPTAP, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Florentina Malazarte - 747 votes
Councilors:
1. Brian Bontuyan - 719 votes
2. Felix Yote - 695 votes
3. Stephen Melencion - 612 votes
4. Rico Rivales - 539 votes
5. Mario Malazarte - 516 votes
6. Narcisa Malazarte - 491 votes
7. Joyce Jane Bontilao - 458 votes

TEJERO, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Jessielou Cadungog - 3,754 votes
Councilors:
1. Garry Lao - 4,551 votes
2. Hermogenes Galang Jr. - 4,365 votes
3. Dindo Nunez -4,013 votes
4. Ian Arago- 3,635 votes
5. Henry Lawas - 3,481 votes
6. Danilo Cadungog - 3,180 votes
7. Rodrigo Albano - 2,942 votes

TINAGO, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Joel Garganera - 1,778 votes
Councilors:
1. Rafael Briones - 1,666 votes
2. Gumamela Fernandez - 1,634 votes
3. Dennis Arciaga - 1,605 votes
4. Jude Lopez - 1,429 votes
5. Teodoro Andoy Jr. - 1,427 votes
6. Violeto Tecson - 1,279 votes
7. Sixto Jarantilla - 1,268 votes

TISA, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Phillip Zafra - 8,262 votes
Councilors:
1. Ricardo Pepito Jr. - 9,353 votes
2. Eduardo Cabulao Jr. - 8,456 votes
3. Joel Alcazaren - 8,380 votes
4. Bernardo Lapina Jr. - 8,162 votes
5. Azucena Alabado - 7,779 votes
6. Renato Pacana - 7,308 votes
7. Carlo Alejandro Fernandez - 6,719 votes

TOONG, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Alejandro Borres - 1,113 votes
Councilors:
1. Eugenio Tabas - 1,308 votes
2. Paulino Tabas - 1,092 votes
3. Crispin Abella - 967 votes
4. Fe Deodoro - 895 votes
5. Wilma Panganiban - 806 votes
6. William Racoma - 788 votes
7. Melvin Bacalso - 768 votes

ZAPATERA, Cebu City
Barangay Captain: Letigio, Evelyn - 818 votes
Councilors:
1. Agravante, David - 813 votes
2. Flores, Juan Jr. - 653 votes
3. Quijano, Shiela Marie - 591 votes
4. Burgos, Barry Jive - 566 votes
5. Roque, Romeo Jr. - 561 votes
6. Benedicto, Jose Marino - 543 votes
7. Solon, Roberto - 533 votes

Source: Cebu City Public Information Office

7.2 Magnitude Earthquake, Bohol-Cebu, Philippines

2013-10-15T14:20:00.002+08:00

7.2 Magnitude Earthquake, Bohol-Cebu, Philippines

The following quake intensities were felt:
-Intensity VII - Tagbilaran, Bohol
-Intensity VI - Inigaran, Negros Occidental
-Intensity V - Iloilo City; La Carlota, Negros Occidental
-Intensity IV - Masbate City; Roxas City; San Jose, Culasi, Antique; Guihulngan, Negros Oriental
-Intensity III - Davao City

Near in CIT

Country Mall, Cebu City

T. Padilla, Cebu City

Bohol Chocolate Hills Tower

Loboc Church

Sto. Niño Church, Cebu City

Source: Internet

ELECTION 2013, Cebu City, Cebu

2013-05-14T09:01:00.003+08:00

Partial unofficial tally as of 2013-05-14 08:46:47 representing 87.83% of the Cebu City, Cebu Election Returns. (520 of 592 Election Returns) Source: Comelec Rappler Mirror Server

Cebu City, Cebu

Member, House of Representatives - First Legdist

DEL MAR, RAUL	LP	118,030
RAMA, ANNABELLE	UNA	31,886
MAAMO, MARLO	IND	6,249
VILLARIN, FLORENCIO	IND	1,405
NAVARRO, DON	IND	386
DORONIO, JUNEX	IND	312
MAÑALAC, VIC	IND	254

Member, House of Representatives - Second Legdist

ABELLANOSA, BEBOT	LP	109,883
BATUHAN, ARISTOTLE	UNA	88,145

Mayor

RAMA, MIKE	UNA	191,838
OSMEÑA, TOMAS	LP	185,843

Vice-Mayor

LABELLA, EDGAR	UNA	178,255
YOUNG, JOY	LP	177,765

Member, Sangguniang Panlungsod - First Dist

ARCHIVAL, NESTOR	LP	94,063
DE LOS SANTOS, MARY ANN	UNA	89,901
ARCILLA, ALVIN	LP	84,972
ANDALES, BEBS	LP	83,126
JAPSON, LEA	LP	80,352
DIZON, ALVIN	LP	75,413
CABRERA, NIDA	LP	73,516
WENCESLAO, NOEL ELEUTERIO	LP	69,721
GUARDO, JERRY	UNA	68,780
JAKOSALEM, JACK	UNA	68,574
JAGMOC, EDWIN	UNA	60,527
RALOTA, KAEL	LP	58,724
ALCOVER, JONG-JONG	UNA	58,061
RUPINTA, IMOK	UNA	55,359
SANCHEZ, YODY	UNA	55,348
KINTANAR, BOOBI	UNA	52,045

Member, Sangguniang Panlungsod - Second Dist

OSMEÑA, MARGOT	LP	108,770
CARILLO, GERRY	LP	102,894
GABUYA, JUN	LP	100,742
TUMULAK, DAVE	UNA	99,792
CABARRUBIAS, ROBERTO	LP	96,320
CUENCO, JAMES	UNA	94,163
ABELLA, AHA-HANZ	UNA	87,797
OSMEÑA, RICHIE	LP	86,704
PE, JUNPE	LP	86,271
LEYSON, GABBY	LP	85,943
FERNANDEZ, COPING	UNA	79,785
YLAYA, INDAY-TIKAY	UNA	78,192
AMORES, NAIDA	LP	74,866
LIM, ALTEA	UNA	73,637
IGNACIO-SOON, LOTLOT	UNA	70,333
DIOLA, RADDY	UNA	63,420
ATUPAN, SAMUEL	IND	8,088
PEREDO, FEDERICO	PMM	5,384

Top Areas in Cebu for Starting an Enterprise

2013-01-16T09:14:00.002+08:00

Picking a location is perhaps the most important decision an entrepreneur will make so it requires plenty of planning and research. It involves understanding state laws and taxes, staying on budget, scoping the competition, assessing your supply chain, looking at the demographics, and more.

Several things must be considered when you are searching for a workspace that provides exposure to customers. One is the consistency of the unit with the brand image you want to maintain. Another is the number of competitors that can be found in the area. There is also the proximity to your suppliers along with the potential for future growth. Not to mention the zoning regulations that have to be followed.

In Cebu, there are many locations that would be suitable for starting a venture. If you want to be able to experience a sense of community among other enterprises, you can check out the two major business districts.

One is the Cebu Business Park. This is a 50-hectare development that integrates leisure, recreation, sports, residential, and business facilities. Its centrepiece is the Ayala Center Cebu which draws about 60,000 shoppers daily. It is, at present, the single largest urban development in the country outside of Metro Manila making a great alternative to Makati office space for rent.

The other is the Cebu IT Park (formerly known as the Asiatown IT Park). It is a district that is developed to attract investors or entrepreneurs in the information technology sector. Its present tenants include Epson, Microsoft, IBM, Qualfon, Convergys, PeopleSupport, NEC, and 1 & 1 Internet Philippines, Inc.

If you are interested in a less formal or corporate environment for your enterprise, there are other options for you. An example is the area surrounding the Fuente Osmeña Circle. This is where you can find the Robinsons Place Cebu and Rajah Park Hotel. While the establishments there are mainly in the retail, leisure, or hospitality fields, there are actually numerous commercial units that you can rent for offices.

When you want space for your manufacturing or production teams, you can head to the Mactan Economic Processing Zones. There is where most of the factories or plants can be found. Some of the items that are being produced in MEPZ include jewellery, electronic parts, and many others. Not many offices can be found there though it is an excellent location when you are thinking to export your goods and services to other parts of the country given its proximity to the airport.

Besides those mentioned above, there are many other areas where you could possibly set up your business in Cebu. There is no need to limit yourself within specific zones. Just make sure that you do not end up in some shady neighbourhood or dilapidated building and you should have no trouble in maintaining a good image to your clients or customers.

If you are still unsure of where you should go with your plans, it is wise to get in touch with a consultant. While you may have to pay for their advice, you are guaranteed to receive the best information about being a business owner from them thanks to their expertise.

About the Author

Regus is a British-based company that caters to the needs of business owners who are in search of flexible workspaces and quality outsourcing services.

Who you gonna call? Myth busters! NASA, bombarded with questions on whether world will end Dec. 21, dismisses panic

2012-12-20T12:24:00.004+08:00

It’s not the end of the world, and they know it.

Bombarded by anxious calls about whether the world will end Dec. 21, NASA administrators have set up a website to bring America back to its senses.

Whereas the space agency typically receives around 90 calls per day on a variety of topics, NASA has been fielding 200 to 300 inquiries of late dealing with this rumor.

In part, the uptick of concern comes from the belief that Friday is the last day on the Mayan calendar, a rumor that has left many people looking for answers.

"Who's the first agency you would call?" NASA spokesman Dwayne Brown told the Los Angeles Times. "You're going to call NASA."

With call volumes tapping resources, NASA has dedicated a portion of its website to “frequently asked questions” regarding the end of the world, and the first one gets right to the point.

“Are there any threats to the Earth in 2012? Many Internet websites say the world will end in December 2012.”

“The world will not end in 2012. Our planet has been getting along just fine for more than 4 billion years, and credible scientists worldwide know of no threat associated with 2012,” NASA states.

Though they were noted astronomers of their day, however, NASA says that far too much has been made of what appears to be the end of the Mayan calendar.

“Just as the calendar you have on your kitchen wall does not cease to exist after December 31, the Mayan calendar does not cease to exist on December 21, 2012,” the webpage, which has drawn 4.6 million views, states. “This date is the end of the Mayan long-count period but then -- just as your calendar begins again on January 1 -- another long-count period begins for the Mayan calendar.”

The site goes on to bust a number of other myths about the end of the world, such as the fear of a total blackout caused by the alignment of the universe, anxiety over the possibility of a sudden reversal of the north and south poles, and the belief of an imminent collision between Earth and a wayward planet called Nibiru.

Not to worry, says NASA, none of those scenarios has any scientific merit.

"We're doing all that we can do to let the world know that as far as NASA and science goes, Dec. 21 will be another day," Brown told the Times.

As yet, however, there’s nothing on the agency’s website about Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster. (nydailynews.com)

RDC revives, approves proposal to build V. Rama-Gorordo road

2012-12-14T22:51:00.000+08:00

AFTER 12 years, the Regional Development Council (RDC) 7 revived the road project that will connect V. Rama Ave. in Barangay Guadalupe and Gorordo Ave. in Barangay Lahug to reduce traffic in uptown Cebu City.

In a full council meeting at the City Sports Club yesterday morning, the RDC presided by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama voted unanimously in favor of the proposal to open a road parallel to N. Escario St.

It will start from the Guadalupe Barangay Hall and cut through Gervacio Quejada St. in Guadalupe, Mahogany St. in Barangay Capitol Site and will end near the University of the Philippines Cebu campus in Lahug.

“These roads were supposed to have been interlinked before but were cut by construction of houses. When the project was first approved, the estimated cost was P400 million. I don’t know how much will it cost at present,” said private sector representative Valeriano Avila, who proposed to revive the project.

During the meeting, RDC 7 asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to prioritize the project in its investment program.

They also asked DPWH to prepare and conduct a feasibility study on the proposed project to determine its cost, among others.

RDC’s infrastructure development committee (IDC) head Manny Rabacal said the road project was introduced in October 2001.

That time, RDC passed Resolution No. 71, which requested DPWH to prepare a study on the construction of the road and to source funds for its implementation.

However, Rabacal said DPWH did not act favorably on the RDC’s requests, maybe because it didn’t have funds to finance the project that time.

He said that in the last 12 years, traffic on Escario St. has worsened.

“Because of this, the IDC believes that it is time the DPWH constructed an alternate road connecting V. Rama and Gorordo

avenues. The new road link will not only decongest heavy traffic along Escario but will also improve the road network of the city in particular and Metro Cebu in general,” he said.

Avila, an RDC private sector representative, expressed his support for the implementation of the road project, citing the heavy traffic on Escario St.

“This project should have been done yesterday. We should have done this yesterday,” he said.

Asked when the project will be implemented, Rama said it will take time because of the studies that need to be done.

“But it does not matter when. What’s important is that the project has been resuscitated,” he said.

Businessman Robert Go, RDC economic development committee (EDC) chairperson, welcomed the RDC’s approval of the road project.

“If this will be realized, the traffic at the Cebu Provincial Capitol will be decongested, the people will have shorter travel time and the value of lands will increase,” he said.

Meanwhile, the RDC noted that traffic congestion in major roads in Metro Cebu is worsening, partly due to the road repair and installation works carried out by government agencies and public utility companies.

A brief from the RDC secretariat said traffic congestion has negative effects, such as waste of the motorists’ and passengers’ time, waste of fuel, lost business opportunities, delay in the passage of emergency vehicles like ambulance and police cars, and unproductive time.

The RDC said that while the work undertaken by concerned government agencies and utility companies are important and necessary, it should be done at night when traffic is light.

Also in yesterday’s meeting, Rama again asked DPWH to explain to him why it had planned to implement road improvement projects on V. Rama Ave. and on M. Velez, Tupas, Katipunan, Lakandula, and Tres de Abril Streets without consulting him.

He asked them to explain why Rep. Tomas Osmeña (Cebu City, south district) was allowed to realign funds intended for the overpass project in Lahug to fund road concreting works on the six national roads.

Rama also asked DPWH to explain why it allowed Osmeña to transfer the P400-million fund intended for the City to the road widening project from Carcar City to Sibonga town. (Sun Star)

RH bill passes 2nd reading

2012-12-14T22:45:00.003+08:00

THE 62 members of the House of Representatives who either did not show up or did not participate during the second reading approval of the Reproductive Health (RH) bill Thursday can still change the fate of the controversial measure.

“The important is the third reading vote…You will only look for those who voted yes on second reading to show up on third reading, and those who did not cast their vote.

There are around 60 who did not participate,” House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said in an interview after the second reading approval of the RH bill.

With a vote of 113-104 and three abstentions, the controversial measure was approved on second reading early morning Thursday. There were 62 members of the House of Representatives who did not participate in the voting that ended Thursday dawn.

Among the Cebu’s congressmen, those who were absent or did not vote on the bill are Reps. Ramon Durano VI (5th district), Gabriel Quisumbing (6th), Arturo Radaza (Lapu-Lapu City) and Tomas Osmeña (Cebu City, south district).

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday hit Osmeña for not casting his vote on the bill.

“I’m appalled. It (RH bill) is a very important (piece of legislation) and it needs their presence. They should be there,” he said.

Rama, who is against the measure, won’t comment yet though on the passage of House Bill 4424 or “The Act Providing for a Comprehensive Policy on Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health, Population Development, and for Other Purposes” before the Congress.

Osmeña was in Cebu City when members of Congress voted on the controversial bill.

Although he favors the passage of the measure, the congressman did not vote for it to accommodate the request of his ally, former north district congressman Raul del Mar, who is against the proposal.

He said earlier that he would not participate in the voting because he didn’t want to “destroy” his relationship and friendship with del Mar just because of the measure.

He said his alliance with del Mar is more important than the RH Bill.

Quisumbing, who confirmed that he did not cast his vote, said he is against the passage of the bill but after hearing the President’s sentiment on the issue during a gathering in Malacañang, he decided to abstain.

“I’m against the RH bill but last week in Malacañang, the President said the RH Bill was an integral part of his reform agenda… I support the President and we have seen that the reform agenda has already yielded positive results in many economic indicators so I decided to abstain,” he said.

Following the bill’s approval on second reading, a church official asked the faithful to remain vigilant “in the face of a threat to morality.”

“Should the bill be passed into law, God will have another design for us, with the Church being more awake this time,” Binghay said.

He said the failure of anti-RH bill legislators to stop the bill’s passage will serve as a challenge to every Catholic in the country.

Rep. Eduardo Gullas (Cebu, 1st), though, remains positive that the odds will still be in favor of anti-RH bill congressmen.

Gullas said one factor that contributed to the passage of the bill on its second reading was the absence of some congressmen.

Although three Cebu congressmen were not present during the voting, Gullas assured that representatives from Cebu will remain critics of the bill.

Deputy Minority Leader Mitos Magsaysay also hopes that the second reading vote in favor of the pro-RH legislators can still change in the final reading vote.

“The vote was very close, only nine votes. That is equivalent to only five representatives changing their vote to no. This means there is no clear verdict. There are still so many doubts on the soundness of this bill,” said Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles, an anti-RH bill lawmaker.

The House leadership will put the RH bill to a third reading vote on Monday, December 17.

“As long as we have a quorum, we will vote on third reading on Monday,” Gonzales told reporters.

The Senate is expected to vote on its version of the bill on second reading also on Monday.

Sen. Pia Cayetano, who was present when the House voted on the RH bill, said the Senate could vote on its version on third and final reading by Thursday.

Gonzales expressed doubt that the Senate can vote on it by Thursday unless President Aquino certifies the bill as urgent.

Congress will go on a Christmas break starting December 22.

Meanwhile, President Aquino denied using pork barrel to pressure lawmakers to vote for the RH Bill.

In an interview after his keynote address at the 79th Founding Anniversary of the Department of Labor and Employment in Pasay City, the President dismissed the accusation of RH critics.

He said the priority development assistance funds (PDAF) of lawmakers have long been released before the House put the bill to vote.

“I will invite them to look at all of the websites and see when all of the releases had been done, and my understanding is everybody’s PDAF had been released long before the vote. And please observe also those who voted against it if they have not been given their PDAF,” Aquino said.

Several Catholic Church bishops allegedly accused the President of dangling pork barrel to gather enough votes to pass the RH bill.

President Aquino asked anti-RH bill supporters to check their facts first before making accusations against the administration. (Sun Star)

Foreign aid pours in for ‘Pablo’ victims

2012-12-07T20:20:00.002+08:00

Cash and relief goods for victims of typhoon Pablo (international name Bopha), the worst storm to hit the Philippines this year, poured in from foreign donors Friday.

Canada announced that it was giving P10 million (Cad$ 250,000) to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies to address the emergency needs of some 50,000 people affected by the storm.

”Canada is deeply concerned about the devastation caused by Typhoon Bopha and its impact on the people of the Philippines,” Canadian Minister for International Cooperation Julian Fantino said in a statement forwarded by the Canadian embassy in Manila.

The statement noted that the grant, to be provided by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), would help meet immediate and long-term needs by providing drinking water, food, and other much-needed relief items to affected families.

It also noted that a United Nations disaster and assessment team, which includes a Canadian delegate whose deployment is funded through an ongoing CIDA project, has been deployed to provide direct support with the rapid needs assessment. It said the Canadian government would continue to monitor the situation and provide further assistance if required.

Meanwhile, Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr also announced that his government has offered P210 million (A$5 million) in assistance to the Philippines for the conduct of relief operations.

A statement from the Australian embassy in Manila noted that of the P210 million (A$5million), P38.5 million (A$900,000) would be given to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) for emergency family kits which include sleeping mats, mosquito nets and water containers, and another P43 million (A$1 million) would be given to the World Food Programme (WFP) for 1,000 tonnes of rice.

“Australia will also make available P4 million (A$100,000) through the United Nations Population Fund for hygiene and health kits for people in evacuation centers,” it said. It added that the remaining P126 million (A$3 million) will be made available for additional recovery and relief needs.

The United Kingdom (UK), meanwhile, also sent its condolences to the Philippines Friday, saying that one of its ministers was preparing to visit the country next week.

“The damage and loss of life caused by Typhoon Bopha is devastating. Our thoughts are with all those affected and with the Philippines’ emergency services as they lead the recovery work,” Hugo Swire, Minister of State at the Foreign Office in London, was quoted in a statement by the UK embassy in Manila.

“As I prepare to visit the Philippines next week, I extend on behalf of the UK Government my sincere condolences,” Swire added.

The United States had offered $100,000 for disaster relief efforts to be coursed through the non-profit organization Catholic Relief Services. Japan and the European Union (EU) had also sent the Philippines their messages of support and pledges of aid.

Typhoon Pablo, which slammed Visayas and Mindanao early this week, claimed the lives of more than 400 people, and left hundreds missing and injured.

The Philippine government also noted that damages from the typhoon could amount to P4 billion, and that it had affected at least 5 million people. (Inquirer)

Knockout seen in 4th Pacquiao-Marquez war

2012-12-07T20:18:00.002+08:00

LAS VEGAS—They stared at each other during the face-off without smiling and without blinking. They did not shake hands.

The animosity, if not genuine hatred, between the two combatants was obvious during the final press conference on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) for the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez IV at Hollywood Theater of MGM Grand.

Pacquiao, as always, was jovial while Marquez was stoic and dead serious about their brewing war.

Venerable promoter Bob Arum said the pay-per-view (PPV) showdown on Saturday (Sunday morning in Manila) promised to be in the mold of the Marvelous “Marvin” Hagler and Thomas Hearns battle, which he dubbed the “best fight I’ve ever seen.”

Though Pacquiao and Marquez have fought each other three times, Arum vowed a completely different version, noting that the protagonists had prepared extremely hard to decisively settle their long rivalry.

To accentuate the ring feud between the Philippines and Mexico, Arum brought in the two countries’ Miss Universe candidates—Filipino Janine Tugonon and Mexican Karina Gonzalez—and made them pose with Pacquiao and Marquez.

The beauty pageant will also be held here on Dec. 19.

Lawyer Jeng Gacal, Pacquiao’s legal counsel, fanned the flames when he boldly announced that the Pacquiao-Marquez rivalry wouldn’t extend to 48 rounds, insinuating that the four-division Mexican world champion would finally be knocked out or stopped by the Filipino Fighter of the Decade.

Although no title is at stake in the fight, the World Boxing Organization (WBO), through its president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel, has dangled the finely crafted WBO Champion of the Decade belt for the winner.

Mark Taffet of HBO PPV predicted that Pacquiao-Marquez IV would be a sellout (at the gates) and could surpass the 1.3 million PPV hits the third fight had generated.

Copromoter Fernando Beltran said the fight was a guaranteed sellout and would break their gate receipts’ record.

30 TV stations

Reminiscing, the 81-year-old Arum said that before HBO’s 24/7 series, Pacquiao-Marquez II only generated 400,000 PPV buys.

Now, with live streaming, episodes of the Pacquiao-Marquez IV can be seen in a seven-story electronic screen, encompassing a little over 1,000 square meters of space in New York’s Times Square.

Also present during the press conference covered by over 30 television stations worldwide were—for Team Marquez—Hall of Fame trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain, strength and conditioning expert Angel Hernandez and Beltran.

As usual, Team Pacquiao was a bigger group, with chief trainer Freddie Roach, assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez, adviser Michael Koncz, strength and conditioning trainer Alex Ariza, Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson and Gacal joining Pacquiao at the stage.

The winners of the national rodeo championships being held here also came.

A note to the fight: Pacquiao has mobilized his staff to help victims of Typhoon “Pablo” that ravaged parts of Mindanao. Pacquiao said he would raise money but if he failed to do so, he would dig from his own pocket.

Roach sees knockout

If the three previous Pacquiao-Marquez fights were any indication, the result of this weekend’s clash would be close. If styles make fights, their styles make for fights that can confound the ringside judges just as much as they do the people who pay to watch.

So what’s the intrigue of Fight No. 4? What reason do fight fans have other than the possibility of Marquez finally winning to spend money for a fight that could be as predictable as the other three?

Maybe just because there’s a good chance you’ll never see the two ring generals battle each other again.

“I think this is the last fight with him,” Pacquiao said.

“Last time,” agreed trainer Roach. “We’re going to knock him out. End of story.”

That might prove difficult because it didn’t happen in the first three fights and the general perception is that Pacquiao is beginning to slip, if just a bit. While no one is suggesting Pacquiao is still not a very good fighter, his last two fights were a disputed win over Marquez and an even more disputed loss against Timothy Bradley.

‘Manny’s hungrier now’

The line in the Pacquiao camp is that the fighter wasn’t focused against Marquez last time because of domestic problems and that he was robbed against Bradley. The camp claims Pacquiao has something to prove, especially if he is ever to get Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the ring, and has been ferocious in training camp.

“The fourth fight could be the same as the last three, but Manny’s hungrier now,” Roach said. “I don’t think Marquez has seen the best Manny yet.”

The rivalry goes back eight years, when the two fighters first met for the featherweight title and Pacquiao came out and floored Marquez in the first round. Marquez went down two more times in the round, yet somehow managed to end the round on his feet.

Marquez would not only survive but come back to dominate the later part of the fight. He salvaged a draw on the judge’s scorecards, the first of three decisions he felt unjustly favored Pacquiao.

They met again at 130 pounds in 2008 and the fight was almost as close. Pacquiao won one scorecard, Marquez the other, while the third judge favored Pacquiao by one point, giving him a split-decision win.

Then they fought last year at 144 pounds and Pacquiao won a majority decision that angered both Marquez and the crowd at the MGM Grand arena, which booed heavily when it was announced.

Dangerous fighter

“I want to be more aggressive this time, but with intelligence, because Manny is a very dangerous fighter,” Marquez said.

Marquez brings with him the Hispanic audience, and he also brings a well-earned reputation as the one fighter who can solve Pacquaio’s somewhat unorthodox style. He might be an aging fighter at 39, but Pacquiao also has been showing the signs of his 17-year career in professional boxing.

And while Pacquiao is widely acclaimed as one of the great offensive fighters of his era, Marquez might be one of the best counterpunchers. All three of their fights have had tremendous action, and there’s no reason to believe the fourth fight will be any different.

That’s especially true if Pacquiao—who renounced his drinking and partying ways after having marital problems last year—trained as hard for this fight as he and Roach say.

The fight will be at

147 pounds, a full 22 pounds heavier than the boxers were in 2004. Marquez appears to have bulked up, leading Roach to question how natural his weight gain really was.

Marquez wore a bulky coat while meeting with reporters as if he were trying to conceal his physique.

Last fight

Marquez’s sole motivation for the nontitle welterweight clash is the prospect of finally being able to celebrate victory over the Filipino in the ring. “I want them (Pacquiao’s corner) to raise my hand [in triumph],” Marquez said.

Pacquiao appears to be growing increasingly frustrated by the Mexican’s insistence that he was the deserved winner of their previous three contests, particularly because of the counterpunching style favored by Marquez.

“He always claims he won the fights,” said Pacquiao (54-4, 38 KOs) who has won world titles in eight weight divisions. “So he needs to prove something.”

Pacquiao added: “When you say ‘Muhammad Ali,’ you think ‘Joe Frazier.’ I think when you say ‘Manny Pacquiao,’ you think ‘Juan Manuel Marquez.’ And when you say ‘Marquez,’ you think ‘Manny Pacquiao.’”

Neither man is expecting a fifth fight, whatever happens in the ring on Saturday. The fourth bout, they insist, will be the last. (Inquirer)

Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu seniors to receive P1,000 cash gifts

2012-12-07T20:12:00.003+08:00

HERE’s some Christmas cheer for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and government employees in the cities of Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue.

Yes, they will receive cash gifts this month.

Mandaue City ‘s regular employees will receive an extra one month salary as a Christmas bonus. Job order workers will receive P10,000 bonus while clean and green workers bet P5,000 each.

Mandaue’s senior citizens will receive a P1,000 cash gift this monthy. The first half of their annual allowance or P1,000 was given last June. Distribution will be done in their barangays.

In Lapu-Lapu City, Mayor Paz Radaza announced that registered senior citizens will receive a P1,500 cash gift to be distributed in their barangays next week.

The city's seniors already enjoy discounts in products and services sold in Lapu-Lapu City by presenting “green cards” issued to them by the city government.

Each senior gets a birthday cake delivered to their home by the city’s cooperative. Aside from burial assistance, senior citizens aged 79 upwards also receive P500 per month.

Radaza said elderly residents are encouraged to register and ask local officials how to qualify for theese benefits. There are 15,000 registered senior citizens in Lapu-Lapu. The city government set aside P22 million for them.

At least 997 PWDs will also receive P1,000 each as a Christmas cash gift next week (Cebu Daily News)

Storm Pablo affects more than 1,000 families, destroys 37 houses

2012-12-06T20:00:00.003+08:00

OVER 1,000 families were affected and 37 houses were destroyed in the Province of Cebu because of typhoon Pablo.

Based on the records of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) as of 5 p.m. yesterday, 3,443 individuals were affected and 541 were evacuated.

A total of 70 houses were either damaged or destroyed.

The town of San Fernando has the highest number of person affected, where there were 1,800 persons, 209 of whom were evacuated.

According to PDRRMO records, other affected towns in the South were Sibonga, Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Boljoon, Oslob, Santander, Ginatilan, Malabuyoc, Badian and Alegria.

In the northern part of Cebu, PDRRMO listed Sogod, Liloan, Catmon and Borbon as the towns affected by the typhoon.

Passable

Provincial Engineer Adolfo Quiroga said provincial roads are passable from Metro Cebu to Santander.

However, the seawall and boardwalk of Boljoon were damaged, while a waiting shed in Alcoy collapsed because of strong winds.

In Oslob, the seawall in barangay Mainit was damaged due to big waves.

Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said there was no great damage in Cebu compared to other provinces.

She instructed the Provincial Engineering Office and the contractors for a clearing operation in the different towns.

Relief goods were distributed to the different local government units by the Capitol, with the help of the Ramon Abotiz Foundation Inc. and another private group.

The governor directed the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office to provide immediate assistance to the family of the fatalities.

Direct report

Governor Garcia coordinated with the mayors in the different municipalities so Capitol can get a direct report.

“I was talking to all of the mayors southwest and southeast to get a direct report from them, but we were not answered by Samboan. Even the municipal social welfare office did not answer,” the governor told reporters.

Oslob Mayor Ronald Guaren said there were crops and farms that were damaged, but he cannot yet determine the cost of damage.

Guaren said three houses in coastal barangays were destroyed.

Dalaguete Mayor Ronald Cesante said families who evacuated at the community college building and schools returned to their houses yesterday.

About 10 families were left in the evacuation center, as their houses were destroyed.

There were 166 families evacuated, although most of them voluntarily left their houses in the coastal barangays.

Eighty percent of the Dalaguete’s electricity is now restored, after the town experienced a blackout.

Boljoon and Malabuyoc experienced a blackout since Tuesday. (Sun Star)

Typhoon kills 4 in province

2012-12-06T19:58:00.004+08:00

SEVEN persons in Central Visayas were killed, four of them in Cebu Province, when Typhoon Pablo swept through the region last Tuesday.

As of yesterday, 274 were confirmed dead and 339 were declared missing, many of them in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.

Damage to property is still being assessed in Region 7, but the official tally nationwide hit P178.3 million, about 96 percent of that in destroyed infrastructure.

Classes in Cebu are expected to resume today, with officials turning their attention to what help can be sent to other cities or provinces that were hit worse by Pablo’s gusts and rain.

The typhoon was 180 kilometers northwest of Northern Palawan at 10 last night, and is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility tomorrow night.

Although Cebu was not hit as badly as expected, four persons died during the typhoon.

Valentino Pimentel, 67, was pulling his carabao to safety at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday in Malabuyoc, Cebu, when a coconut tree fell and hit him, the police said.

Oryang Ceballos, 30, also in Malabuyoc, was sick and ready to be evacuated, when her parents briefly left her to move the children first, said Social Worker Elizabeth Nalo.

When the parents returned, the storm had destroyed their house, they found Ceballos dead under the debris.

The Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk-Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) identified the other fatalities as Arlene Pila, 44, from Barangay Granada, Boljoon town and Ruperta Diarca, 77, of Barangay Guadalupe, Alegria town.

Pila, a farmer, was reportedly on her way to the public market, carrying a basket of papayas when a coconut tree fell on her at 2 p.m. in Barangay Lower Becerril.

Trees

A town ambulance rushed her to the hospital but she died on the way, said Mayor Teresita Celis.

In Alegria, Wilson Ramos of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office said, rescuers found Diarca crushed inside his destroyed house in Barangay Guadalupe.

Three other casualties, according to a radio dyLA report, were Herbert Daniel from Lazi, Siquijor; and Quinito Salvacion and Regie Cadayday, 11, of Negros Oriental.

Daniel, 23, and Cadayday were both reportedly pinned by falling coconut trees. The report did not say how Salvacion died.

The PDRRMC listed two persons, a mother and son, as injured in Barangay Sta. Fe, Alegria. They remain unidentified. Dalaguete Mayor Ronald Cesante identified a third person, Judith Fuentes from Barangay Ablayan, as among those injured.

Storm signals for typhoon Pablo were lifted from Cebu yesterday by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pag-asa).

Only Mindoro and Palawan remained under storm warnings.

But at the height of the storm, the Delta 1 fast ferry reportedly capsized and went missing last Tuesday afternoon.

Rescue

The vessel, carrying six crew members, reportedly departed from Larena Wharf in Siquijor at 4:30 p.m. to rescue another fast craft vessel that ran into engine trouble.

Capt. Anacleto Gabisan of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said that in the process of rescuing the other craft, the vessel reportedly capsized due to the strong winds in the area.

The PCG had reportedly not cleared the first fast craft’s departure. (Nationwide, more than 4,300 were stranded as the Coast Guard kept vessels from sailing, as a precaution.)

At 8:05 p.m., the Larena Police Station was informed that the vessel was missing.

A team led by Insp. Romel Timitim Luga proceeded to the Larena Wharf. Together with the PCG and the local government, they conducted a search and rescue operation in the coastal areas of Siquijor.

Six crew members of the fast craft were rescued near the wharf, the Coast Guard official said.

They were admitted to a hospital in Siquijor for a medical check-up, but had only minor injuries.

Trips

A cargo vessel also ran aground in Siquijor last Tuesday afternoon. The Euro 3 was anchored in the port of Maria, Siquijor when strong winds drove it closer to the shore.

A power barged also nearly submerged in Lazi, Siquijor.

The barge, owned by the National Power Corp., was battered by huge waves that hit the area.

As of yesterday, all vessels going to Bohol and other parts of the Visayas and Mindanao were allowed to sail.

However, trips from Manila and Batangas remained suspended since areas passing through these routes remained under storm warnings yesterday.

At the height of the typhoon, the Boljoon Police personnel also evacuated after water entered their office. Part of the town’s seawall reportedly collapsed, causing the seawater to encroach on roads.

At least 50 families in Boljoon, 209 in San Fernando, 23 in Borbon and 140 in Sibonga were transferred to different evacuation centers. (Sun Star)