In her order yesterday, Marina 7 Director Nannette Z. Villamor-Dinopol asked the company to explain why it failed to submit a marine protest or “to give immediate and effective notice within 24 hours” after the incident last week.
Mayor Radaza said the vessel “hit and caused damage to the corals and destroy the marine habitat within the municipal waters of the city.”
She gave the company five days from receipt of the order to explain why its mayor’s permit should not be revoked permanently.
The order was issued four days after Radaza issued a notice of violation, through Lapu-Lapu City Administrator Teodulo Ybañez.
New operation
In that notice, she asked the vessel operator to submit requirements to Marina, the Coast Guard and the Department of Tourism. The company was given three days to comply with the provisions of the notice.
The Cebu Yellow Submarine was launched early this month. Its operator is based in the Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa.
The submarine can accommodate up to 48 passengers. It descends to 35 meters during its trips, although it can withstand a depth of 100 meters.
The vessel, built in Antwerp, Belgium, is 22.2 meters long, weighs 99 tons and has a maximum speed of five knots.
A yellow submarine hitting a coral reef is easily visible in a video titled “Coral Crusher,” uploaded by a certain Satoshi Toyoda last April 24, 2013.
As of late afternoon yesterday, there were 3,510 views with six likes and 13 dislikes.
A three-member team from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7, led by Coastal Resources and Management Division and Environmental Management Specialist II Efren Cortes of the Environmental Management Bureau, will investigate the incident.
Briefing
“We just can’t ignore the potential damage to the corals if appropriate measures or interventions will not be institutionalized by the operator of this watercraft, taking into account the strong underwater current in Mactan,” said DENR 7 Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo Montejo in a statement.
He said protection measures should be observed at all times so that these underwater ecosystems will be preserved.
“We will make the necessary recommendations to the issuing authority or agency once the report is completed and reviewed,” he added.
In a separate interview, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 7 Assistant Regional Director Allan Poquita questioned the permit to operate issued to the company, because a briefing on coral reef protection should have been a requirement before it was issued.
He said the agency was not informed of the submarine operations.
Suspended
In a statement, Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa said last Friday that an explanation was requested from the submarine operator.
Public Relations officer Angela Emphasis said the results will be announced today during a press conference.
The resort also suspended the submarine’s operations last week.
Emphasis said in an e-mail that after the submarine’s management submitted an explanation to the resort’s mother company, Philippine BXT Corp., last Friday night, the ban on operations was lifted the following day.
Atty. Rose Liza Eisma-Osorio, Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation Inc. (CCEF) director, told Sun.Star Cebu that she suggests submarine operations be stopped until proper guidelines have been formed.
“I think this should be stopped as soon as possible, unless no damage is caused by this kind of eco-tourism activity and (when) appropriate regulations for submarines are issued,” she said.
“Corals are critical marine habitats that are fully protected by our laws,” she added.
Coral reefs serve as the natural habitat and breeding grounds of various marine creatures such as fishes and mollusks. The reefs also serve as barriers protecting the shore from strong waves and currents.
Hearing
Marina’s Dinopol, for her part, said the failure to submit a marine protest violated the Philippine Merchant Marine Rules and Regulations of 1997.
Dinopol set the hearing of the case at 2 p.m. on May 22, 2013 at the Marina 7 office in Cebu City.
“Failure to appear during the hearing or file its answer on time shall be construed as a waiver of its right to controvert the charge against the respondent, and the case shall be deemed submitted for resolution based on the evidence on record,” read the order.
Last April 2, Anelito Gabisan, operation and safety manager of the yellow submarine, announced the company had received an authority from Marina 7 to operate as a tourist submarine.
Gabisan recently retired from the Coast Guard.
But last Friday, Dinopol said her office did not renew the submarine’s permit, which expired last April 26. It is supposed to be renewed each month.
In a separate interview, Capt. Weniel Azcuna, chief of the Cebu Coast Guard Station, said the agency will also request the submarine’s operator to explain how the incident happened.
“We will look into the integrity of the submarine’s hull,” Azcuna said.
“Those who took the video and posted it in YouTube are urged to give their statement. Let’s see the exact area. If there is no specific area, it would be too costly to locate it,” Azcuna said.
Yellow submarine halted
THE Lapu-Lapu City Government ordered a halt yesterday to the operations of a yellow submarine, one of Cebu’s newest tourism attractions, that ferries passengers to view Mactan Channel below the surface.
What prompted it? A video, shot by a diver, which showed the vessel hitting a coral reef, causing some pieces to fall off.
Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza ordered the Cebu Yellow Submarine Undersea Tour Operation’s business permit suspended immediately.
She also ordered the firm to “cease and desist from operating the submarine pending investigation,” as it violates Republic Act 8550, otherwise known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1989.
The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) also ordered the same company to explain why it should not be penalized or fined for allegedly damaging some coral reefs.
In her order yesterday, Marina 7 Director Nannette Z. Villamor-Dinopol asked the company to explain why it failed to submit a marine protest or “to give immediate and effective notice within 24 hours” after the incident last week.
Mayor Radaza said the vessel “hit and caused damage to the corals and destroy the marine habitat within the municipal waters of the city.”
She gave the company five days from receipt of the order to explain why its mayor’s permit should not be revoked permanently.
The order was issued four days after Radaza issued a notice of violation, through Lapu-Lapu City Administrator Teodulo Ybañez.
New operation
In that notice, she asked the vessel operator to submit requirements to Marina, the Coast Guard and the Department of Tourism. The company was given three days to comply with the provisions of the notice.
The Cebu Yellow Submarine was launched early this month. Its operator is based in the Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa.
The submarine can accommodate up to 48 passengers. It descends to 35 meters during its trips, although it can withstand a depth of 100 meters.
The vessel, built in Antwerp, Belgium, is 22.2 meters long, weighs 99 tons and has a maximum speed of five knots.
A yellow submarine hitting a coral reef is easily visible in a video titled “Coral Crusher,” uploaded by a certain Satoshi Toyoda last April 24, 2013.
As of late afternoon yesterday, there were 3,510 views with six likes and 13 dislikes.
A three-member team from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7, led by Coastal Resources and Management Division and Environmental Management Specialist II Efren Cortes of the Environmental Management Bureau, will investigate the incident.
Briefing
“We just can’t ignore the potential damage to the corals if appropriate measures or interventions will not be institutionalized by the operator of this watercraft, taking into account the strong underwater current in Mactan,” said DENR 7 Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo Montejo in a statement.
He said protection measures should be observed at all times so that these underwater ecosystems will be preserved.
“We will make the necessary recommendations to the issuing authority or agency once the report is completed and reviewed,” he added.
In a separate interview, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 7 Assistant Regional Director Allan Poquita questioned the permit to operate issued to the company, because a briefing on coral reef protection should have been a requirement before it was issued.
He said the agency was not informed of the submarine operations.
Suspended
In a statement, Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa said last Friday that an explanation was requested from the submarine operator.
Public Relations officer Angela Emphasis said the results will be announced today during a press conference.
The resort also suspended the submarine’s operations last week.
Emphasis said in an e-mail that after the submarine’s management submitted an explanation to the resort’s mother company, Philippine BXT Corp., last Friday night, the ban on operations was lifted the following day.
Atty. Rose Liza Eisma-Osorio, Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation Inc. (CCEF) director, told Sun.Star Cebu that she suggests submarine operations be stopped until proper guidelines have been formed.
“I think this should be stopped as soon as possible, unless no damage is caused by this kind of eco-tourism activity and (when) appropriate regulations for submarines are issued,” she said.
“Corals are critical marine habitats that are fully protected by our laws,” she added.
Coral reefs serve as the natural habitat and breeding grounds of various marine creatures such as fishes and mollusks. The reefs also serve as barriers protecting the shore from strong waves and currents.
Hearing
Marina’s Dinopol, for her part, said the failure to submit a marine protest violated the Philippine Merchant Marine Rules and Regulations of 1997.
Dinopol set the hearing of the case at 2 p.m. on May 22, 2013 at the Marina 7 office in Cebu City.
“Failure to appear during the hearing or file its answer on time shall be construed as a waiver of its right to controvert the charge against the respondent, and the case shall be deemed submitted for resolution based on the evidence on record,” read the order.
Last April 2, Anelito Gabisan, operation and safety manager of the yellow submarine, announced the company had received an authority from Marina 7 to operate as a tourist submarine.
Gabisan recently retired from the Coast Guard.
But last Friday, Dinopol said her office did not renew the submarine’s permit, which expired last April 26. It is supposed to be renewed each month.
In a separate interview, Capt. Weniel Azcuna, chief of the Cebu Coast Guard Station, said the agency will also request the submarine’s operator to explain how the incident happened.
“We will look into the integrity of the submarine’s hull,” Azcuna said.
“Those who took the video and posted it in YouTube are urged to give their statement. Let’s see the exact area. If there is no specific area, it would be too costly to locate it,” Azcuna said.
In her order yesterday, Marina 7 Director Nannette Z. Villamor-Dinopol asked the company to explain why it failed to submit a marine protest or “to give immediate and effective notice within 24 hours” after the incident last week.
Mayor Radaza said the vessel “hit and caused damage to the corals and destroy the marine habitat within the municipal waters of the city.”
She gave the company five days from receipt of the order to explain why its mayor’s permit should not be revoked permanently.
The order was issued four days after Radaza issued a notice of violation, through Lapu-Lapu City Administrator Teodulo Ybañez.
New operation
In that notice, she asked the vessel operator to submit requirements to Marina, the Coast Guard and the Department of Tourism. The company was given three days to comply with the provisions of the notice.
The Cebu Yellow Submarine was launched early this month. Its operator is based in the Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa.
The submarine can accommodate up to 48 passengers. It descends to 35 meters during its trips, although it can withstand a depth of 100 meters.
The vessel, built in Antwerp, Belgium, is 22.2 meters long, weighs 99 tons and has a maximum speed of five knots.
A yellow submarine hitting a coral reef is easily visible in a video titled “Coral Crusher,” uploaded by a certain Satoshi Toyoda last April 24, 2013.
As of late afternoon yesterday, there were 3,510 views with six likes and 13 dislikes.
A three-member team from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7, led by Coastal Resources and Management Division and Environmental Management Specialist II Efren Cortes of the Environmental Management Bureau, will investigate the incident.
Briefing
“We just can’t ignore the potential damage to the corals if appropriate measures or interventions will not be institutionalized by the operator of this watercraft, taking into account the strong underwater current in Mactan,” said DENR 7 Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo Montejo in a statement.
He said protection measures should be observed at all times so that these underwater ecosystems will be preserved.
“We will make the necessary recommendations to the issuing authority or agency once the report is completed and reviewed,” he added.
In a separate interview, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 7 Assistant Regional Director Allan Poquita questioned the permit to operate issued to the company, because a briefing on coral reef protection should have been a requirement before it was issued.
He said the agency was not informed of the submarine operations.
Suspended
In a statement, Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa said last Friday that an explanation was requested from the submarine operator.
Public Relations officer Angela Emphasis said the results will be announced today during a press conference.
The resort also suspended the submarine’s operations last week.
Emphasis said in an e-mail that after the submarine’s management submitted an explanation to the resort’s mother company, Philippine BXT Corp., last Friday night, the ban on operations was lifted the following day.
Atty. Rose Liza Eisma-Osorio, Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation Inc. (CCEF) director, told Sun.Star Cebu that she suggests submarine operations be stopped until proper guidelines have been formed.
“I think this should be stopped as soon as possible, unless no damage is caused by this kind of eco-tourism activity and (when) appropriate regulations for submarines are issued,” she said.
“Corals are critical marine habitats that are fully protected by our laws,” she added.
Coral reefs serve as the natural habitat and breeding grounds of various marine creatures such as fishes and mollusks. The reefs also serve as barriers protecting the shore from strong waves and currents.
Hearing
Marina’s Dinopol, for her part, said the failure to submit a marine protest violated the Philippine Merchant Marine Rules and Regulations of 1997.
Dinopol set the hearing of the case at 2 p.m. on May 22, 2013 at the Marina 7 office in Cebu City.
“Failure to appear during the hearing or file its answer on time shall be construed as a waiver of its right to controvert the charge against the respondent, and the case shall be deemed submitted for resolution based on the evidence on record,” read the order.
Last April 2, Anelito Gabisan, operation and safety manager of the yellow submarine, announced the company had received an authority from Marina 7 to operate as a tourist submarine.
Gabisan recently retired from the Coast Guard.
But last Friday, Dinopol said her office did not renew the submarine’s permit, which expired last April 26. It is supposed to be renewed each month.
In a separate interview, Capt. Weniel Azcuna, chief of the Cebu Coast Guard Station, said the agency will also request the submarine’s operator to explain how the incident happened.
“We will look into the integrity of the submarine’s hull,” Azcuna said.
“Those who took the video and posted it in YouTube are urged to give their statement. Let’s see the exact area. If there is no specific area, it would be too costly to locate it,” Azcuna said.
Skylight films swings to comedy with ‘Bromance: My Brother’s Romance’
CEBU, Philippines - Skylight Films has always been known for its edgy, out-of-the-box movies. On May 15, Skylight Films teams up with Star Cinema to bring moviegoers to another novel movie experience with Bromance: My Brother’s Romance. This is their first crack at the comedy genre after two successful horror-suspense thrillers, Corazon: Ang Unang Aswang and Amorosa.
To be directed by box-office comedy director Wenn Deramas, Bromance: My Brother’s Romance is also the first time that hunky actor Zanjoe Marudo takes on a lead part and dual role as twins—one of whom is a tough-talking, macho guy and the other, gay.
The story of Bromance: My Brother’s Romance revolves around the lives of twins Brando and Brandy. Because Brando has problems accepting his twin’s being gay, he decides to make a life of his own, put up an auto repair business and become a mechanic. Meanwhile, Brandy sets out on a path of his own and becomes a successful interior designer.
The twins continue on separate paths until one day, their mother begs them to set aside their differences and reconcile. So Brandy sets off to look for his brother but meets an unfortunate accident that renders him unconscious.
While Brandy is in a coma, Brando learns that just before the accident happened, his brother was in the final stages of negotiating a multi-million peso design deal with a client.
Afraid that they would lose everything with Brandy in a coma, Brando decides to pull a twin switch and pose as his gay brother. So the former straight, tough-talking and macho Brando turns into the gay Brandy!
While posing as his gay twin, Brando realizes that not only will this deal solve all of his financial problems, it also gives him a chance to set things right with Erika (Cristine Reyes), Brandy’s good friend that he used to have a crush on.
Now that the world has turned upside-down—with Brando assuming Brandy’s happy and gay personality—is there any hope that life will go back to normal for the twins? Will Brandy wake up in time, find out the switch his twin pulled and save everything?
The answers are in Bromance: My Brother’s Romance, which hits theatres on May 15. This gender-bending comedy also features “Karakaraka”, the single from Vice Ganda’s new dance album, as its theme song.
Also in the cast of Bromance: My Brother’s Romance are Arlene Muhlach, Joy Viado, Manuel Chua, Boom Labrusca, Joey Paras, Lassy, Nikki Valdez, Maricar De Mesa, Abbie Bautista, Carlo Romero and Jeff Luna.
GMA I-Witness celebrates 14th anniversary, releases new DVD
CEBU, Philippines - The country’s most awarded and longest-running documentary program, I-Witness, celebrates its 14th anniversary with the release of “The Best of I-Witness Volume 6.”
The DVD compilation includes eight documentaries from four of the country’s top documentarists – Kara David, Jay Taruc, Sandra Aguinaldo and Howie Severino.
Howie travels to some of the poorest rural areas in the country and walks barefoot with children who can’t even afford to buy new slippers in Saplot; while in Daloy, Howie and his team join a kayak journey traversing the water trail from the rapids of Pagsanjan to Manila Bay.
The documentary Gintong Putik, recipient of the 2011 Golden Screen TV Awards for Outstanding Documentary Program, features Kara’s search for a boy she met ten years ago in the mining town of Paracale in Camarines Norte. In Liwanag sa Dilim, hope lights up for the Mangyans as Kara journeys back to Sitio Dyangdang in Bansud, Oriental Mindoro to help provide solar energy.
Jay unveils the poignant stories of burn victims agonizing over long-healing wounds at the Mindanao Burn Center in Lapnos, winner of the Silver World Medal for Documentary at the 2012 New York Festivals. And in Ahon, he revisits Cagayan de Oro during the aftermath of Typhoon Sendong to witness inspiring tales of survival even in the darkest of storms.
In Pasan-Pasan, Sandra shares the stories of families who redefine the word “burden” in a tale of unconditional love and dedication to their physically-challenged children. The documentary was recognized as the Outstanding Televised Feature on Youth and Education in the 2011 Lasallian Scholarum Awards and as the Best Educational Program in the 2011 Catholic Mass Media Awards. In Kalam, Sandra gets to experience how it is to go hungry as she lives for three days with one of the poorest families in Western Samar.
Manufactured by GMA Records and GMA Marketing and Productions Inc., “I-Witness Volume 6”—with English subtitles– is available in all Odyssey, SM Music and Video, Astrovision, and Astroplus branches nationwide.
Rack n’ Roll
CEBU, Philippines - There’s this huge misconception that great food should always come at equally great prices. While it may be true on certain occassions, especially if you find yourself living in an urban jungle, the statement is more of fiction rather than fact in Dumaguete City, particulary at Captain Ribbers.
This is exactly what makes Dumaguete enticing not just for academics and artists but more so for those with a penchant for great food that doesn’t necessary leave you living at less than $1 a day—a poverty threshold by United Nations standards. In this laidback capital of Negros Oriental, if the best things in life like delectable dishes don’t come for free, they come at unbelievable prices that’ll get you quite a bang for your buck.
A personal favorite to stuff myself with the best of All-American fare is Captain Ribbers—a new kid on the block—that’s conveniently located a stone’s throw away from Silliman University and Rizal Boulevard. While Silliman University’s distinct vintage American heritage feeds the eyes and the soul, Captain Ribbers’ All-American masterpieces will take care of your stomach—a clears fulfillment of the Captain’s mission to eradicate hunger faster than you can say ‘Millennium Development Goals’.
Although it serves American favorites from whopping subway sandwiches stuffed with pork flakes and shredded cheese, and spiked with dollops of barbecue or honey mustard sauce to home-made potato wedges topped with generous amounts of spicy ground meat drizzled with cheese that easily melts in your mouth, Captain Ribbers has made a commitment to please the tastebuds by adding a distinct Filipino twist to Western favorites making this marriage between east and west one that’s made in culinary heaven.
The Captain’s claim to fame though is its signature entree—babyback racks marintaed in a secret rub that’s allowed to seep into every fiber of the meat before the ribs are thrust in the oven to bake in anticipation of the grilling process that leaves you with a huge plate of tender meat that easily falls off the bone.
The Captain’s babybacks comes in five smokin’ options to choose from.
The original rub comes in the classic grilled barbecue mix that’s savory enough to take you back to the American wild west where these babybacks used to be grilled to perfection right at the outback.
The honey mustard rub creates just the right blend between the hot outrageousness that English mustard is notorious for and the even sweetness of honey all tied up by the charcoaled goodness of thick meat.
The oriental rub is a classic east-meets-west blend for those who prefer a more easter, more oriental take on a western favorite. What sets it apart from a truly Filipino taste is that the oriental rub gives the meat a more sweet-and-sour treatment, infusing an imperial Chinese taste that’s hard to deny.
Spicy barbecue—undoubtedly a best seller at Captain Ribber’s—amps the ante by making the average, original rack hotter than hot with a generous rub of its signature spicy barbecue sauce enough to send you asking the waiter to another round of unlimited rice...and another one...and yet another one.
Finally, the Cry Baby rub is not for the faint of heart as it takes on the chili, the peppers, and all things spicy, sending this rack into flaming overdrive. While this rub has also become a favorite among those who frequently stuff themselves at the Captain, this is one rub that requires you to bolster your beverage amo just in case your tongue catches fire.
Although a new kid on the all-American scene compared to its more established contemporaries like Chili’s and TGI Friday’s, what sets Captain Ribbers as a far cry from the head honchos running the All-American dish scene is that it’s a hub for comfort food that comes at comfortable prices.
New@Canvas
CEBU, Philippines - Whenever Eya & Steve Shrimski would issue an invitation for food tasting of a new menu, I always take time to be there because they never disappoint their foodie regulars.
So it was that I managed to take a hearty bite through all the healthy but delicious concoctions, even if I had to run soon after for another commitment: Ingrid Sala-Santamaria’s concert at the Pedro Calungsod Chapel.
Hereunder are my gustatory takes on the interesting fusion menu:
Tomato & Basil Cream Soup with Shredded Chicken & Garlic Bread Croutons. I loved the smoky flavor of this filling soup.
Carpaccio of Mango Cured Snapper with Banyuls Dressing, Green Salad & Young Sprouts. The generous slice of snapper was so fresh I forgot it was uncooked fish! It smelled of the mango marinade and the crunch of the bean sprouts was lovely.
Silken Tofu, Edamame Soy Bean & Peanut Dip with Vegetable Sticks & Croutons. The edamame earthy flavor blended well with the tofu – so light and healthy!
Laing & Native Goat Cheese Lasagna with Focaccia. This was everyone’s favorite! Who would think that the common gabi leaf can become so chic and world-class , merged with lasagna and focacia.
Grilled Ham & Herb Omelet Wrap with Cheese. What can one say of a healthy ham and cheese wrap? Comfort to the heart and tummy!
Square Flatbread Pizza with Roast Vegetables, Spinach, Ham, Chorizo & Mushroom. A pizza is a pizza is a pizza (Oops! Should I say this?) but this version of mixed roasted veggies and little slices of meat takes the prize for a surprisingly delicious healthy meal.
Spice Rubbed Pork Skewers wikth Mediterranean Garlic Sauce. The garlic sauce makes this well-marinated bbq pork interesting.
Char-grilled Snapper Fillet with Chili Jam & Vegetable Cous Cous. The chili jam has a bit of a bite that is countered by the sweetness and the crunch of the cous cous.
At the gallery, mother Elaine Cooper and daughter Elise Cooper Lim team up to feature very different form of artwork on the wall, nevertheless distinct very creative and interesting. Just in time for Mother’s day, have a look and make your selection. Private room now enclosed for those who wish to have a more private meeting or party. Call 4171978 for reservation.
Plantation Bay’s homemade ice cream
CEBU, Philippines - Can’t shake off the 36.4 temp ever recorded this year? Rush to Plantation Bay’s Savannah Grill and indulge in their homemade ice cream concocted by Chef Henry Abellana, as approved by founder/chief executive officer Emmanuel C. Gonzalez.
Media people during the recent launch of “Summer Frolix 2013” also enjoyed a scoop of each flavor – peanut butter and vanilla; as well as jackfruit grown in the vicinity of Plantation Bay.
The not-so-secret ingredient which makes the ice cream a hit is the creamer from Denmark. And because jackfruits are grown locally, it ripens while still hanging from the tree. This gives the ice cream a very natural full flavor and an aroma that lingers.
Daang, Oporto rule 3rd Labor Day 65K ultra race
CEBU, Philippines - Noted long distance runners Robert Daang and Rhodora Oporto stamped their respective classes in the 3rd Labor Day Coast to Coast 65K Ultramarathon that started late Saturday night at the Cebu Provincial Capitol grounds and ended Sunday noon at the Barba Sports Complex in Toledo City via the Trancentral Highway.
Out of the 93 starters, a total of 66 solo entries completed the grueling race of endurance, stamina and mental toughness led by Daang, who submitted the best time of six hours, 31 minutes and two seconds.
Herman Quanico wound up second in the men's division with the time of six hours, 57 minutes and 20 seconds followed by Jimmy Yu and Jack Neil Labajo at third and fourth with 7:31:25 and 7:36:33 clockings, respectively.
Rounding up the top 12 were Melandro Cuyos (7:37:49), Jason Rodriguez (7:58:30), Mark Maloloy-on (8:26:18), Ernie Saavedra (8:26:19), Wilmar Saavedra (8:26:20), Calixto Lamonte (8:18:15), Samuel Stevens (8:27:01) and Josephus Ortega (8:34:23).
Oporto, on the other hand, came out the fastest among female participants, even beating a bunch of male runners to settle at 13th place overall with the time of eight hours, 36 minutes and 55 seconds.
Frijie Laude took the first runner-up honors in the women's side with the time of 9:11:43, while Jocelyn Grimard came in third in 10:31:50.
Those who made it to the top 20 list overall were Patrick Manulat (8:41:00), Cilu Joel Ouano (8:47:20), Andrew Alberto (9-hour flat), Romil Garces (9:11:42), Avelino Cabales, Jr. (9:12:35) and James Francis Aguas (9:16:41).
In the relay category, Noel Tillor and Mohammad Sherwin Managil claimed the top spot with an aggregate time of six hours, 31 minutes and one second.
Saturnino Goles and Johnreil Goles were a distant second in 8:12:39, while Melanie Mares and June Maro Ocaña copped the third place trophy in 8:27:40.
The fourth to fifth were the tandems of Mariel Cimafranca/Ceasar Real (8:58:12), Elmer Misa/Roland Caneda (9:34:24) and Jay Gatchalian/Ed Sherwin Llanes (10:16:25).
Organized by the FrontRunner Magazine in partnership with the Province of Cebu and the City of Toledo, the event was made possible through the support of Smart Communications, A Runner’s Circle-Cebu, Grace Ruperto, Jidan Jakosalem and Garry Garcia.
Coast to coast 65k
Labor Day is just a few winks away and to commemorate this day, over 100 ultrarunners "labored" last Sunday when they participated in the grueling 3rd Labor Day Coast to Coast Ultramarathon which started at the Cebu Provincial Capitol while ending at the Barba Gym in Toledo City. With Ultraruns mushrooming around the country, the C2C Ultra had a counterpart in Bohol on the same day. I don't know why some people stick their events on the same day on already established runs when there are so many days in a month. Barely two weeks ago, there was the TNF 100k in Baguio City while last week, there was a Puerto Princessa Palawan 50K Ultra. During the "running boom" in Cebu where we had 3 races on a Sunday, I was already afraid that the runners will either get injured or burned out. True enough, running is on the downtrend. Gone are the big races and what's left are the "pipitsugins". Well, going back on last Sunday's race, the event was a big success despite problems brought about by the nearing election. Mayor Rudy Espinosa still gave his big support by allowing the use of the gym as our finish line, complete with giant electric fans and by providing ambulances and traffic police. Salamat gid Mayor! Short distance perennial top three placer Robert Daang sent strong notice that he will be a force to reckon with in longer races including ultras in the future when he ruled the event in 6 hours 31 minutes, 01 seconds in only in his first try. Silay City's Herman Quanico was a distant second in 6:57:20 while Jimmy Yu bucked blisters to wound up third in 7:31:25. In the women's division, CUC 100K champion Rhoda Oporto, emerged the top finisher after she clocked 8:36:55. Rising ultra runner Frejie Laude, took second in 9:11:42 while Joy Crimard salvaged third in 10:31:15. Daang and Oporto are members of A Runner's Circle (ARC) Running Club. In the relay competition, last year's C2C champion Noel Tillor took it easy as he teamed with another veteran , Mo Sherwin Manangil to win the title in 6:31:01, Tillor and Manangil are also stalwarts of ARC making it a sweep on the 3 divisions. Siblings Jonhrell and Saturnino Goles were second in 8:12:39 with Melanie Mares and June Ocana pocketing third in 8:27:40. We would also like to thank the Cebu Provincial Capitol under acting governor Agnes Magpale through provincial administrator Ed Habin for allowing us to use the Capitol grounds as our take off piont.
Elvis impersonator
For a while I got scared when the FBI announced that the suspect who sent President Barack Obama a poison letter, is an Elvis Impersonator. My "kumpare" Relly Mercado said I might be included as a suspect. Updated reports however say that the FBI has already arrested and detained James Dutschke, an ex-martial arts instructor and is now behind bars in a Mississippi jail. Speaking of Elvis, the King of Rock and Roll will be in a variety show to mark Mother's Day on May 18 at the Robinsons Fuente Activity Center. The show dubbed "Elvis and Company Seranade the Moms" also features Dos Gwapos, a stand up comedy tandem of Sam Costanilla and Max Andrino, Ate Ging Montesclaros, host of the TV show Two For The Road Plus One, Jun Villahermosa the Frank Sinatra of Cebu and Chokolet magician-comedian. The show is for free and starts at 5:00pm. See you there!
Notes: The Sugbo Island Ultramarathon will now be a 250km affair instead of 228. This, after BE Resorts GM Garry Garcia made an actual survey of the route. The relay will now consist of 3 runners. The race, the longest in the country, is set on June 14-16 and will start in Santander while finishing in Bogo City. Please watch out for details.
CCCI bowlfest set this weekend
CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) will hold a two-day bowling tournament at SM City-Cebu Bowling Center on May 4-5.
The event is organized by the CCCI Membership Development Division and is part of the annual sports and recreation activities of the chamber. It aims to foster camaraderie and fellowship as well as to promote an active lifestyle among CCCI members.
Registration fee is at P3,000 per team with four players. The said amount is inclusive of snacks and lane fee.
All reservations are confirmed only upon payment of the entry fee not later than April 30. For further inquiries, one may contact Jen, Joy or Sheila at 232-1421 to 24 local 110 or 111.
NM Hardware '95, Dewfoam ‘88 start hot in CECABA semifinals
CEBU, Philippines - The top seeded New Millennium Hardware '95 and No.5 qualifier Dewfoam '88 got off to flying starts in the semifinal round of the Cebu Eastern College Alumni Basketball Association's 12th Dr. Chen Lieh Fu Memorial Cup last Sunday at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.
Class '95 reaffirmed its dominance over the second-ranked First Family Appliance Circle '96 in convincing fashion, 61-48, while Class '88 eased through a masterful 62-50 victory over the fourth seeded Dimsum Frito 2003.
Dean Dy Teves sparkled with 19 points, while Donald Anthony Ting and Joseph Jigger Arjona scattered 13 and 12 markers, respectively, for Class '95, which used a sizzling offensive in the middle quarters to rip the game apart.
Class '95 led by just a matchstick at the end of the first period, 12-11, but made a 16-8 rally in the second period to post a 28-19 edge at halftime.
Class '95 further mauled Class '96 in the third canto, 21-14, to pad its lead to 16 points, 49-33, going into the final 10-minute of the contest. Class '96 never recovered from thereon.
In the nightcap, Gregorio Aguilar, Jr. fired 21 points and Ricky Yu added 18 points as Class '88 dominated Class 2003 from start to finish.
Trailing by three points at halftime, 21-24, Class '88 retaliated with a 21-11 bang in the third period, then sustained its momentum in the windup to come up with a 12-point romp.
Class '88 guns for its second straight win as it takes on the third seeded Shell '80s of Chester Cokaliong in today's first game at 7:30 pm, right before Class '96 and Class 2003 fight for survival in the main game at 9 pm.
The scores
First game
Class '95 (61) - Dy Teves 19, Ting 13, Arjona 12, Gollon 6, Yu 6, Ho 3, Gue 2
Class '96 (48) - Ang 9, Lariosa 9, Donayre 9, Babor 8, Alinson 4, Go 3, Baron 2, Wang 2, Yu 2
Second game
Class '88 (62) - Aguilar 21, Yu 18, R. Lim 8, Po 5, Ng 4, Yu 4, Villamor 2
Class 2003 (50) - Catipay 21, C. Ciao 9, Ang 7, Delit 6, Cuizon 3, Javier 2, Uy 2
Enervon Partner’s Cup second round on today: Prime Asia-UV guns for sixth straight victory
CEBU, Philippines - The Prime Asia Lending-UV Green Lancers will try to extend their winning streak to six games in a row when they take on the San Marino Tuna/CIT-U Wildcats today at the start of the second round of elimination in the Enervon CESAFI Partner's Cup 2013 men's basketball tournament at the Cebu Coliseum.
Prime Asia will slug it out with San Marino in the 4 pm opener, while the listless Raphael's Cafe/USJ-R Jaguars hope to finally barge into the win column when they go up against Lion Tiger-USPF Panthers in the main offering at 5:45 pm.
After completing the first round with an unblemished 5-0 slate, Prime Asia again braces for another sweep and up to this point, there are still no indications that any team would likely prevent them from achieving it - not even their closest rival in Gaisano Capital South-UC Webmasters.
Prime Asia is eyeing a repeat of their 91-73 demolition of San Marino in the first round and with their local players dominating their rivals, there's no need yet for them to solicit offensive help from their Cameroonian twin towers in Steve Cedrick Akomo and Mike Harry Nzensseu.
Reigning CESAFI MVP Wowie Escocio will once again be at the forefront of Prime Asia's campaign along with veteran playmaker John Michael Abad, Chris Perolino, Rhaffy Octobre, Francisco Arong, Vincent Mendoza and Alfred Codilla.
For its part, San Marino, which totes a 2-3 win-loss record, will rely heavily on the likes of Allan Dimco, Vincent Menguito, Joshua dela Cerna, Floyd Taboada and Franklyn Batiquin among others.
Raphael's Cafe, on the other hand, will be fighting with renewed vigor due to the return of Rendell Senining and Fletcher Galvez, who formed part of the Central Visayas squad that won the secondary basketball gold in the 2013 Palarong Pambansa over the weekend in Dumaguete City,
They will mix it up with the 1-4 Lion Tiger, which will bank on Joseph Sedurifa, Jomari Sollano, Art Camello, Lawrence Escanilla and Junrey Nudalo to name a few.
Elance: More Pinoys now prefer online freelance jobs
CEBU, Philippines - Going beyond the traditional approach of employment, the Philippine labor market sees a lucrative job opportunity in freelancing wherein Filipinos could enjoy their passion and control their schedule with no commute and no office dress code while earning in dollar rates.
This is according to the top officials of Elance, an online freelance platform, who recently visited Cebu for the company’s first summit and meet-up with Cebuano freelancers.
Elance Bangladesh country manager Saidur Mamun Khan shared the company’s observation on the growing number of freelancers in the Philippines wherein most of the Filipinos prefer to do freelance work with the convenience of being able to work anywhere and anytime they want.
He described freelancing as the key occupation in the market in the coming years as people tend to shift to work online, banking on their skills that qualify to the requirements of global companies that are now starting to embrace online freelance.
“The time has changed. Freelance is changing the society. Five years ago, people have to go to the capital city to work but now with freelancing, they can work in their districts without the need to commute. It has changed the way we used to have with just a computer and an Internet connection,” he stated.
He noted that Elance is beginning to introduce a revolutionized hiring approach of addressing the high unemployment rate in countries with the high potential of the freelance market. .
Philippines ranked fourth in number of users and ninth in terms of earnings with over 95, 000 Filipino freelancers registered on Elance, specializing in administrative support, IT and programming, and writing and translation and earning an average hourly rate of US$8.3.
It has also been reported that information technology and programming freelance jobs are paid the highest at an hourly rate of $14.30 while engineering and manufacturing freelancers received $12.2 and design and multimedia at $12.
Khan said that most of the clients who hire freelancers are small and medium enterprises and start-ups from Western companies who find it expensive to hire physical employees and rent an office space for the personnel.
Elance has 5,000 active clients in the platform to date.
Unlike in Bangladesh where freelance community in the country is very active due to social media, Khan then encouraged Filipinos to exert more effort in promoting a network of freelancers in the Filipinos and getting more people involved in the booming industry.
In order to attract clients, he said that it is significant for a freelancer to create a good base of skills portfolio and presentation for the market.
He urged non-freelancers to try logging in the company’s website, register for free, list skills in the profile, find work in the list of available jobs, collaborate online with the employer, and get paid.
Clients, on the other hand, post their job vacancies in the Elance website, review job proposals, manage and collaborate with the qualified freelancer online, and evaluate his work performance where the latter is rated five being the highest and one as the lowest.
Elance, serving as the online freelance platform, earns a commission of 8.75 percent as a service fee when the work has been delivered and the payment has been made.
Elance Philippines country manager Ron Cirujano said that Filipinos are presented with a unique opportunity to have the chance to earn money while staying at home instead of flying abroad to be an overseas Filipino worker or work for a business process outsourcing company.
“As long as you’re good at what you do, stick to what you know and do it very well,” he advised.
Out of the 95,000 Filipino freelancers in the company, 5,480 are registered from Cebu, 318 are hired and $314,881 is recorded to be the total freelancers’ earnings in the last twelve months.
“Cebuanos, in particular, are qualified since they are good and fluent in the English language,” Cirujano said.
Contrary to Cebu, Manila only has 3,859 freelancers registered, 193 are hired and are paid a total of $210,916 last year.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, ranked seventh with 36,000 freelancers.
Most active clients for Filipinos are United States, United Kingdom and Australia while the highly in-demand freelance jobs are the administration-related positions.
In the company’s report entitled “The State of the Filipino Freelance Market”, Elance indicated that the country is a prime destination for freelancers with its skilled and hardworking workforce, technologically savvy population, and accelerating entrepreneurial communities.
The Filipino freelance market further posted a growth of 89 percent increase in new registrations representing 1,456 freelancers hired in the first quarter of 2013.
It also reported an annual growth of 158 percent for the total number of hired freelancers, 175 percent for those who are hired for the first time, 79 percent on the total earnings and 105 percent on the total number of jobs every year.
There are more than 500,000 businesses and 2.3 million freelancers who use Elance as an online freelance platform in over 170 countries.
The survey which was participated by 120 selected Filipino freelancers as respondents was conducted in September of last year
DTI boosts bamboo industry development program in CV
CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) is intensifying its program towards developing the bamboo production and processing in the region, banking on the rich supply of bamboo in Central Visayas.
DTI-7 regional director Asteria Caberte said that through the bamboo production and processing program, the agency is emphasizing its assistance to the countryside residents and makes use of bamboo as one of the main livelihood sources.
“Bamboo is a versatile material used for construction, furniture, water pipes, buckets, weaving, boat masks and paper production, among others. It has received growing attention over the last few years for the services that it provides in local ecosystems and the global environment,” said Caberte.
She said some of the comparative advantages that bamboo especially has in providing important ecological services are well known, such as rehabilitation of degraded land and slowing soil erosion.
A few years ago, the Cottage Industry and Technology Center, an agency attached to the DTI, developed a technology that will utilize bamboo as an alternative lumber.
This technology is called engineered bamboo or e-bamboo. Caberte said e-bamboos are bamboo materials that are treated, pressed and laminated to form bamboo planks. It is then used by converting it to different products like engineered bamboo furniture, floor and wall panels and other products.
Meanwhile, Caberte mentioned that last year, DTI launched the National Industry Capacity Enhancement Project (NICCEP). It is an industry cluster approach which supports the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the countryside.
With the technical assistance and funding support from the government of Japan, the project aims to enhance the capacity of DTI and key leaders in the selected industry clusters throughout the country to plan, implement, facilitate service delivery, evaluate projects and improve industry competitiveness.
According to Caberte, the NICCEP project entails cooperation, sharing information and working together. It means thinking together on how to tackle immense problems of local MSMEs, particularly on energy efficiency and better resource management, in ways that will benefit the public in general.
“Our opportunities lie in many new areas, ranging from development of new energy efficient materials, to green manufacturing operations including eco-tourism and waste management. It will also stimulate investment in more modern and efficient technologies, buildings and vehicles while reducing the consumption of precious commodities like water, electricity and oil,” she said.
Caberte reiterated the importance of economic development potential of the green economy, which is considered as a key means to create decent work and growth in the economy in a sustainable manner.
GRAND 6/55 LOTTO PCSO APR. 29, 2013 RESULTS
34-32-48-09-47-11
Jackpot Prize of Php 30 M (minimum)
no winner
winning numbers in any particular order
PCSO MEGA LOTTO 6/45 APR. 29, 2013 DRAWS
34-37-17-09-14-21
Jackpot Prize: Php 45,049,768.20
one winner
numbers in any particular order
LOTTO PCSO SUERTRES APR. 29, 2013 RESULTS
Morning 11:00 am: 7-8-8
Afternoon 4:00 pm: 1-5-3
Evening 9:00 pm: 4-2-6
winning combination must be in exact order
Php: 4,500 per P10 play
PCSO LOTTO EZ2 APR. 29, 2013 RESULTS
Morning 11am: 15-08
Afternoon 4pm: 13-02
Evening 9pm: 23-29
numbers must be in exact order
Php 4,000.00 per P10 play
Another Aussie facing charges
CEBU, Philippines - Another Australian national is facing charges for sexual offenses.
Keith Robert Hutton, 65, of Sydney, Australia was accused of hiring girls, some of them minors, to do lascivious acts.
Yesterday, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed criminal complaints against Hutton before the Lapu-Lapu City Prosecutor’s Office.
Regional Director Antonio Pagatpat said their agents arrested Hutton during an operation in Lapu-Lapu City on Saturday. The arrest came after the NBI conducted surveillance operation on Hutton for two months.
Pagatpat said based on investigation, Hutton violated the human trafficking law, anti-child abuse law and anti-child pornography law.
Hutton was arrested inside his temporary residence along M.L. Quezon National Highway, Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City.
NBI lead agent Sixto Espenesin Jr. said based on the information, Hutton has been living in the Philippines particularly in Cebu for the past two years.
The information, he said, came from the Australian Federal Police through Australian Embassy Manila.
The Australian Federal Police requested the NBI to conduct a “discreet surveillance” against Hutton, who was “suspected to be a child sex offender.”
The requests were made on February 7, 2013 and April 2, 2013.
Espenesin said as part of his investigation, he stayed at the same hotel where Hutton stayed.
During his stay at the hotel, Espenesin said he saw Hutton with some girls entering and staying inside the Australian’s room.
Espenesin also found out that the girls were given money in exchange of doing “sexual lascivious acts.”
Operation
On April 27 at around 5 p.m., Espenesin said he and other NBI agents conducted an operation and rescued three girls, including two minors aged 16 and 17.
Aside from Hutton’s arrest, Espenesin said they were able to recover two laptops and two digital cameras with “pornographic photos or lewd photos.”
In a sworn statement, one of the rescued girls said when she first met Hutton, he gave her P1,000. On April 23, the victim claimed Hutton gave her P1,500 after he sexually abused her.
Hutton, however, denied the allegation.
He said he only felt pity for those girls and gave them money, adding that the seized pieces of evidence were not his.
Pagatpat said they will also investigate whether the management of the hotel has liability in allowing the minors to enter the establishment with Hutton.
Hutton’s arrest came two weeks after the arrest by the NBI of Australian Drew Frederick Shobbrook, 46, in Labangon, Cebu City for human trafficking for allegedly “exploiting girls for sex
Education, health care top candidates’ pledges
EDUCATION, infrastructure and health services are among the common programs that 10 candidates from both Cebu Province and Cebu City are willing to champion.
Among the more specific campaign promises they made in a forum yesterday are a proposal to push for a shift to the jury system, a sewage treatment system for Cebu City, and the creation of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) candidates did not attend the Candidates Fora 2013 sponsored by the Mega Cebu proponents and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.
This did not escape south district congressional candidate Aristotle Batuhan, who said that it would have been better if the other candidate, referring to Councilor Rodrigo Abellanosa, were also there to present his vision for Cebu.
The main question raised by the forum was “What is your vision of growth for Cebu?”
A few controversial issues were also brought up during the open forum of the event, held at the Cebu Cultural Center.
Rep. Pablo John Garcia (Cebu Province, third district) was asked what he would do about the former Balili property if he is elected governor. He said: “The Balili property is now an economic zone where a waste-to-energy facility was proposed... It would create jobs for people in the south district.”
He pointed out that since the suspension of his sister Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia last Dec. 19, the project was proposed to be transferred to a place closer to the bailiwick of Acting Gov. Agnes Magpale. Magpale is running for vice governor on May 13.
Most of the candidates said they agreed with the need for local governments to work together.
Garcia pointed out the Local Government Code empowers local governments to decide together on policies and programs, and that he saw no need to wait for Congress to create a superbody for Metro Cebu.
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama was asked about the South Road Properties (SRP), a project more identified with his opponent, Rep. Tomas Osmeña (Cebu City, south district).
But Rama said the SRP does not belong to one person.
“Make all councilors under Team Rama win and we can discuss the SRP and establish the SRP office,” said Rama, who has had to work with a council whose majority is allied with Osmeña.
On the issue of privatization of the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC), Councilor Edgardo Labella, who is running for vice mayor, said the city hospital is better now than the previous administration.
While he did not close his doors to the possibility of privatization, Labella said the bottom line for private hospitals is money. Instead of privatization, more equipment for the City’s hospital would be more appropriate, he said.
Like Batuhan, congressional candidates Donato Navarro, a former judge, and former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 7 director Florencio Villarin favor the abolition of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).
Former prosecutor Vicente Mañalac said he would try to legislate a shift to the jury system if he wins, saying this would hasten the resolution of cases.
Too many
It was former judge Navarro who also raised the importance of a sewage system for Cebu City.
He also raised the need for a mass transport system and supports the proposed Bus Rapid Transport (BRT). Vice gubernatorial candidate Glenn Soco vowed to propose a light railway transport (LRT) system in the Province and a transport study.
As to flyovers, Batuhan said, “We have one too many.”
Asked whether he had plans to help those who cannot afford to proceed to college, Mañalac said there is no need for additional years in high school because Filipino students are “the best in the world.”
Responding to the same question, Garcia said the Provincial Government, under his administration, would support local government units in creating community colleges.
It was the third of a series of forums, which the organizers pitched as “conversations with candidates.”
When asked for a “big idea” for Metro Cebu, gubernatorial candidate Hermilito Bulala said he would push for more cooperation.
Boy, 7, shoots 4-year-old brother
A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD boy shot and killed his four-year-old brother while playing inside their house in Barangay Bantigue in Bantayan Island, Cebu last Sunday morning.
Mark, 7, accidentally shot Carl, 4, with a .45 pistol. The bullet hit Carl in the philtrum, the midline groove between the upper lip and the nose.
Sun.Star Cebu is withholding the real names of the children.
Senior Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, head of the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO), said the boys' parents may face criminal liability for violating the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
The kids’ parents denied owning a gun.
Discourage
“A toy gun is never a toy. It should always be discouraged and so are violent games,” Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 information officer Jaybee Binghay told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday. She added that toy guns are associated with violence.
PO3 Lou Susvilla of the Bantayan Police Station said the boys often played with a violent video game called, Counter Strike, where soldiers engaged in gunfight with terrorists.
The DSWD 7 will decide on what type of intervention or therapy will be given to the older kid based on the report of the municipal social welfare officers handling the case.
Binghay said the incident stresses the need to strengthen family values.
Susvilla said before the incident, which occurred at 11:30 a.m., the boys and their mother went to attend a birthday party in Barangay Tikad.
Game
When they got back home, the boys asked their mother’s permission to play a Counter Strike game in the bedroom.
The mother was about to leave to look for her husband when she heard a gunshot. When she went inside to check on the children, she saw Carl, mouth bleeding, being carried by his older brother.
The younger boy died before arriving at the Bantayan District Hospital.
Susvilla said the kids’ father, a former overseas worker, denied owning the gun.
The police found the pistol on the bed.
In a separate interview, Bantayan Police Station Chief Ildefonso Miranda said Mark told them he found the gun in a cabinet and it was allegedly owned by his deceased grandfather. The parents denied this.
Mark and his parents have been talking with municipal social workers since the incident was reported.
Woman getting cash aid from Cebu City, Mandaue
CEBU, Philippines - The Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in the cities of Cebu and Mandaue are now looking into how a female senior citizen managed to register herself and collected cash assistance from both local government units.
Cebu City Administrator Jose Marie Poblete instructed OSCA head Rolando “Dodong” Llaguno to find out whether Virginia Lopez Paconla is really a resident and registered voter of Barangay Busay.
The Senior Citizens Council in Mandaue City will also convene today to discuss the case involving Paconla, who is also receiving cash assistance from the Mandaue City government.
Libeth Maeng of OSCA-Mandaue City said Paconla is an active member of the Senior Citizens Association in Barangay Guizo with ID No. 13092 issued in 2009.
The name of Paconla has been listed as one of the recipients of the cash assistance to be distributed in June.
Paconla, who claimed she was born on November 15, 1947, has been also issued a Cebu City OSCA ID No. 18926 on May 7, 2008 as a resident of Barangay Busay.
Records of OSCA-Mandaue City showed that Paconla was able to collect P2,000 assistance from the Mandaue City government last year.
In Cebu City, she also collected P3,000 in August and P4,000 in December last year.
Paconla also received P4,000 on March 25 from the Cebu City government and her name is still on the list of those who will receive another cash assistance for senior citizens.
“Kon iya na nga gihimo nga pagpanikas, gabaan ra siya kay senior citizen na ra ba siya og pagpamentaha man kanang iyang gibuhat,” Mayor Michael Rama said
Poblete instructed the OSCA head in Cebu City to investigate the case of Paconla and to look for other similar cases.
The Cebu City government has allocated P600 million as cash assistance for senior citizens.
It was reported that Paconla is residing in Sitio Maaslum in Barangay Busay and her brother works as a member of the barangay’s Lupong Tagapamayapa.
Poblete said if Paconla is found to be an active resident in Mandaue City, she will be asked to decide where between the two cities she would want to receive the financial assistance.
“Pahukmon nato kon asa siya gusto nga magpabiling miyembro sa senior citizens pero kadtong kwarta nga nakuha niya mahimong dili na lang tingali paninglon kay basin may panginahanglan ‘sab siya,” Poblete said.
Llaguno had said several senior citizens from other places applied for OSCA membership in the city in order to avail of the P10,000 cash assistance.
The amount will be raised to P12,000 for each senior citizen in 2014.
Charges against suspect in store mauling blocked
CEBU, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation-7 will continue its investigation into the death of an alleged shoplifter despite the arrest of Gaisano Metro Colon CCTV camera operator Jeffrey Aquino by the PNP who have held him responsible for the incident.
Aquino was supposed to be charged yesterday before the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office but it was blocked by the family of the victim.
Regional Director Antonio Pagatpat told the media that the PNP did not inform them of their investigation.
“They did not inform our office,” he said, adding that he will not comment on the investigation conducted by the PNP and the arrest of Aquino.
However, he said if the PNP will file a complaint against Aquino, most probably that complaint and theirs will be consolidated by the Prosecutor’s Office.
The NBI is investigating the case upon the request of the family of the victim, Mario Alfie Ducayag, a resident of Tuyan, Naga City, Cebu.
Blocked
The family of the victim blocked the filing of charges against Aquino. Fe Soledad and Marie Shantylle, the victim’s mother and sister, respectively, said earlier that day they asked Cebu Intelligence Branch Chief Insp. Romeo Santander and Cebu City Police Office Director Mariano Natuel Jr. not to file the complaint.
However, they said late afternoon yesterday, they were surprised why the police still tried to file the case. They said if the police are worried about facing a case for illegal detention then they can release Aquino.
The two said that they wanted the NBI to file the complaint not just against Aquino but also against the others who also allegedly mauled the victim.
They added what they protested was the fact that the persons who executed affidavits before the PNP were also involved based on the investigation conducted by the NBI.
“Gusto namu dili lang si Aquino ang filan ang tanan na,” they said.
The PNP arrested Aquino after chief security Mauricio Doblados and the detective security agent Melvin Boyles said he was the one who mauled and killed Ducayag.
But Marie Shantylle said they she believe that Doblados and Boyles were also involved in the crime.
“We won’t rely on their statements kay they were co-accused and definitely they were at the office,” she said.
Marie Shantylle added they respect CCPO’s credibility but they want the NBI to file the case against the suspects.
But CCPO director Senior Supt. Mariano Natu-el Jr., said that Doblados and Boyles are not excluded in the crime yet as they have yet to determine if the two could be accessories to the crime.
He said that affidavits of Doblados and Boyles are intended only for the filing of case against Aquino.
Aquino refused to issue any statement.
Opinion
Fe Soledad and Marie Shantylle yesterday went to the Office of the Assistant City Prosecutor Llena Ipong-Avila, who heads the witness protection program of the Department of Justice. The two said they wanted the other witnesses placed under protection.
They said they will also be filing a complaint against PNP medico-legal officer Nestor Sator based on his finding that the victim died of asphyxia due to bleeding pulmonary tuberculosis, contrary to the findings of the NBI medico-legal officer Rene Cam that he died due to traumatic nape injury.
Meanwhile, Avila also said the arrest of Aquino cannot be called a hot pursuit operation as it happened two weeks after the incident last April 12. She also appealed to the law enforcement to have a proper case build-up.
“Their output is our input,” she said.
Last April 21 Marie Shantylle said store manager May Sasido and others went to their house to give assistance but they refused to let them in. Aside from that, she said her mother received calls from an unknown number four to five times.
In a press statement, the Metro Retail Group commended the authorities for their swift and coordinated action in pursuing significant leads that led to the arrest of Aquino.
Cerwin Eviota, spokesperson of the Metro Department Store and Supermarket, said they looking at the NBI and PNP as the same authority and whatever the investigation may be, the suspects should face appropriate charges.
“Hope mahuman na ni, it does not matter if Aquino lang ang na-arrested but to determine others kay daghan man gud ug claims and counter-claims,” Eviota said in a press conference.
Eviota further said they want the authorities to dig deeper into the case to get a full picture of the whole incident and bring those responsible to justice, and clear the names of those who had nothing to do with the incident.
“What matter to us is to find the truth,” he said.
Smaller crowd seen at Rama’s birthday
CEBU, Philippines - True to her statement that there will be a lot of stars to come the night after Willie Revillame campaigned for her party, talent manager and Team Rama congressional bet Annabelle Rama gathered more stars for her birthday celebration.
Apart from Annabelle's daughter Ruffa, who was tasked to introduced her fellow stars, and husband Eddie Guttierez, Philippine showbiz personalities also entertained the Cebuanos and campaigned for the talent manager and her party.
Stars like Pops Fernandez, Gabby Concepcion, Andi Eigenmann, Arci Munoz, and comedienne Pokwang offered dance and song numbers in a stage mounted inside the Plaza Independencia.
The same tarpaulin backdrop was used during Team Rama's proclamation rally at the same location entitled "Panag-abot."
In between performances, Team Rama candidates were called on stage to briefly greet the birthday celebrator and to campaign for themselves.
Sharon, wife of Jack Jakosalem, who is still recovering from being hospitalized last year shortly after filing his candidacy, represented her husband, tagging their son along.
But unlike the preceding "Wowowillie in Cebu Supports Team Rama" show that gathered almost 100,000 people, the birthday event drew a smaller crowd.
Waterfront Police Station chief Wildemar Tiu estimated about 3,000 to 3,500 fans and supporters trooped to Plaza Independencia.
Kugi Uswag Sugbo chairman emeritus and former mayor Alvin Garcia also attended the birthday celebration. In his speech, he attacked Mayor Michael Rama's opponent Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña.
"Dili man ko gustong modaot ni Tomas kay dili man mi kontra. Pero duna lang ko'y duha ka punto nganung dili siya angay botaran. Una, dili na mayo ang iyang panglawas. Papahuwayon nasad nato na siya uy," Garcia addressed the crowd.
He proceeded with his second reason which was to avoid the existing setup of the council whose role is reportedly to block any move of the mayor.
"Kung dili mo mobotar straight sa Team Rama candidates, wala gihapo'y gamit nga makadaug si Mike kay kontrahon lang gihapon siya sa vice ug sa konseho. Unsaon paglambo sa Cebu City ana?" Garcia added.
The KUSUG founder was also spotted during the previous night's show with Revillame.
The incumbent mayor also asked the audience to pray for Annabelle that she may win the elections and be given chance to serve Cebuanos.
"Dili ta sa flyover projects kay overpriced na sila. Ang atoa mao nga maghimo usa'g traffic master plan," he said hitting Annabelle's opponent, former congressman Raul del Mar, who is known to have actively pushed for flyover projects which were opposed by civil society.
Calungsod chapel loses P100T, checks
CEBU, Philippines - Burglars carted away at least P100,000 cash and some checks from the San Pedro Calungsod chapel at the South Road Properties in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City Sunday morning.
The amount was proceeds of christenings and weddings held at the chapel last week and was supposed to be deposited yesterday.
Initial investigation of the Theft and Robbery Section revealed that the burglary may have happened early in the morning before it was discovered at 8 a.m. on Sunday.
Police failed to respond immediately as it was only reported to them in the afternoon.
The TRS of the Cebu City Police Office will subject two security guards, two nuns and chapel secretary to questioning.
The nuns and the guards reportedly keep duplicate keys to the quarter where the cash was kept.
The quarter is located at the basement of the chapel and one of the rooms serves as an office where a plastic drawer was placed.
The upper storage space contained cash and checks while the lower storage space contained undetermined amount of coins and bills.
The police suspected the incident was inside job.
Sr. Supt. Mariano Natu-el Jr., CCPO director, said there was a sign of forced entry only at the quarter where the plastic drawer was placed.
“Sa first door walay force entry pero ang doorknob lever sa second door ug mabug-atan maguba unya ang drawer once ma-open ang yawehanan maabli na tanan,” Natu-el said.
Natu-el is confident that the burglars cannot have the checks encashed as these need signature of the payee or the accounts can be blocked by the bank.
Paz stops yellow submarine operation
CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza has issued a cease and desist order against the Cebu Yellow Submarine Undersea Tour Corp. yesterday after its submarine allegedly caused damage on the corals within the city’s waters.
It has come to the attention of the mayor through an underwater video uploaded in YouTube on April 24 entitled “Coral Crusher”, which shows that the yellow submarine allegedly brushing against a coral reef as it made a turn.
The yellow submarine is docked at the Imperial Palace Water Park Resort and Spa and is owned and operated by the Cebu Yellow Submarine Undersea Tour Corp..
Radaza said the submarine hit and caused damage on the corals and destroy the marine habitat within the waters of Lapu-Lapu City thereby violating the laws and the terms and conditions of the business permit given to the said corporation.
“Therefore, this Office hereby orders the immediate SUSPENSION OF THE BUSINESS PERMIT of your establishment and accordingly, you must CEASE AND DESIST from operating your submarine pending investigation, as it violates RA 8550 otherwise known as The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998,” the order stated.
Radaza ordered the said establishment to show cause within five days from receipt of the order why their Mayor’s Permit should not be permanently revoked.
“Your inaction will be deemed a waiver of presenting evidence on your side. Further, your non-presentation of evidence on the afore-set period shall be prejudicially considered against you,” the order further stated.
The issuance of the order yesterday supersedes the Notice of Violation issued last April 25 as the establishment did not bother to communicate with Radaza’s office regarding the issue.
On April 25, Lapu-Lapu City Administrator Teodulo Ybañez, who also chairs the Business Inspection Board, already issued a notice of violation to Kim Jun, the general manager of Imperial Palace and it was received by the latter the next day.
In response to the notice, Imperial Palace demanded from the said operator a full explanation of what is seen in the video.
“The operator is conducting a thorough investigation and will release the results of the investigation no later than May 3, 2013,” said Imperial Palace management in a statement released on April 26.
The Palace also issued a notice to the operator to temporarily stop all submarine operations pending the result of the investigation.
“The Palace assures the public that it intends to maintain its position as an environmentally conscious company, always mindful of any impact it may have on the welfare of its communities and attentive to the dignity of marine life,” the statement added.
Imperial Palace PR Manager Angela Emphasis said the Yellow Submarine management submitted the promised explanation to Phil. BXT Corp., the mother company of Imperial Palace, Friday night.
As a result, Phil. BXT Corp. lifted the ban on their operations on Saturday.
Emphasis said that due to its highly technical nature, the explanation will be presented by the Yellow Submarine management in a press conference today.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VII has formed a team to conduct field investigation on the extent of damage the submarine has caused.
At the same time, the said team will also do coral assessment in the area.
Investigation will be done by a three-member team from the DENR 7 led by the Coastal Resources and Management Division (CMMD) and EMB-7’s Environmental Management Specialist II Efren Cortes.
“We will make the necessary recommendations to the issuing authority or agency once the report is completed and reviewed,” DENR7 Executive Director Isabelo Montejo said.
DENR spokesman Eddie Llamedo said that DENR 7 has not issued any permit for the operation of the yellow submarine.
MAYOR STOPS TOUR SUB
Lapu-Lapu city suspends business permit; tour operator’s Marina permit also expires
Dead in the water.
The country's first and only tour submarine will not be going anywhere after Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz C. Radaza yesterday issued a cease and desist order against its operation.
The mayor also suspended the business permit of its operator, the Cebu Yellow Submarine Undersea Tour Corp, after the underwater craft “sideswiped” a coral reef off the waters of Mactan.
The operator, which is linked to the Imperial Palace Water Resort, just started business a month ago.
It was given five days to explain why the mayor’s permit should not be permanently revoked.
Radaza issued the order based on a Japanese diver’s video posted on YouTube showing the underwater craft hitting a coral reef.
The video uploaded on April 24 by Satoshi Toyoda generated 4,206 views as of 8:25 p.m last night.
Mayor Radaza said the submarine “caused damage to the corals and could destroy the marine habitat within the municipal waters of the city,” in violation of Philippine law and terms of its business permit.
She said the company is facing investigation for possible violation of Republic Act 8550, the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.
“You are hereby ordered to show cause within five days from receipt of the order why your Mayor’s Permit should not be permanently revoked,” Radaza said in the order addressed to the company through Marry Beth R. Sajo in Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa.
She said the CDO superseded an April 25 notice of violation issued by the city government to which the company failed to respond.
Teodulo Ybañez, Lapu-Lapu City administrator and chairman of the city’s business inspection board, on Friday issued the notice of violation against the Yellow Submarine.
He said the video showed the submarine “bumping and sidewiping the coral wall reportedly at Kontiki Area,” raising various issues including safety of human lives.
Ybañez directed the operator to comply with requirements of various agencies such as the Maritime Industry Association (Marina), the Philippine Coast Guard and the Department of Tourism, among others, within three working days upon receipt of the notice.
The company’s failure to comply with the requirements could warrant the cancellation of its business permit, he added.
DENR ROLE
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has tasked a team to investigate the extent of damage in the reef-smashing incident even without a complaint filed.
No permit from the DENR has been issued to the Cebu Yellow Submarine and Undersea Tour Corp. said DENR information officer Eddie Llamedo.
“We can't ignore the potential damage to the corals if appropriate measures or interventions will not be institutionalized by the operator of this watercraft taking into account the strong underwater current in Mactan area,” said DENR Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo Montejo in a press statement.
DENR said studies show that only about five percent of the country's estimated 2.5 million hectares of coral reefs are still in excellent condition; 25 percent are in good condition; 38 percent in fair condition, and 32 percent are in poor condition.
Cebu Coast Guard station commander Weniel Azcuna also said that they will be inspecting the “hull integrity” of the vessel.
Azcuna said that during the one-month operation of the yellow submarine, the Coast Guard was asked to closely monitor the operations especially the safet aspect.
“If we feel that the sea vessel is not seaworthy anymore, then we will hold the departure of the vessel,” Azcuna told Cebu Daily News by phone.
The Marina permit issued for the tourist submarine also expired last Friday, April 26, said regional officials of the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina).
They said the tour operator's application for renewal of its probationary passenger permit remains pending in Manila.
Nannette Villamor-Dinopol, Marina regional director, nonetheless issued a “show cause” order directing the Cebu Yellow Submarine and Undersea Tour Corp. to explain why they should not be penalized for damaging the coral reef.
The company was given ten days to submit its written comments and explain why no punitive action or administrative fine should be imposed for the company’s failure to submit a marine protest or to give notice within 24 hours after the submersible passenger craft, Cebu Submarine, allegedly hit the reef in Lapu-Lapu City last week.
Dinopol signed the order yesterday.
Based on Marina's Memorandum Circular 120, shipping companies and operators of public service water transport and other maritime entities must give immediate notice to Marina of any accident connected with the operation and maintenance of their vessel.
Violators face a fine of P5,000 for the first offense, P10,000 for the second offense and P25,000 for the third offense.
The company is entitled to a formal hearing on May 22 with their legal counsel but can waive this right and just pay the penalty.
Anelito Gabisan, former commander of the Philippine Coast Guard station in Cebu is the safety and operations manager of the Cebu Yellow Submarine and Undersea Tour Corp.
He said an internal inquiry is ongoing.
“There could be several factors like the current, condition of the submarine, the ship captain, or it could be that the video was edited. But with due respect to the one who took the video we are still investigating the incident,” Gabisan told Cebu Daily News.
Tourism officials expressed their concern over the potential backlash on the local tourism industry.
“I have seen the stories about the incident and I’m really worried, “said Rowena Montecillo, regional director of the Department of Tourism.
“I feel really bad and could say that such violation, if any was committed, is not welcome,” she said.
Montecillo said she personally pushed for the underwater tour package to be offered in Cebu, and that protocols and standards must be put in place to avoid such mishaps especially since the marine ecosystem is one of the region’s tourism treasures the DOT is trying to promote.
Same tune for Balili lots PJ vows a ‘different style’
What do you intend to do with the Balili lots?
Asked yesterday about his plans for the controversial 25-hectare land purchase in Naga City, gubernatorial candidate Rep.Pablo John Garcia said he wanted to use it to generate jobs and “stimulate the economy” since it was already declared an “economic zone”.
Garcia said there were “serious investors” looking at it for a waste-to-energy project but got stuck after his sister Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia was suspended in December 2012 for an administrative case. (“The acting governor (Agnes Magapale) does not want it touched.”)
Part of the former resort has been backfilled and made into coal ash waste pits, now idle due to a Sandiganbayan graft case.
In Round 4 of the Mega Cebu Candidates Forum yesterday, Garcia was asked in the open forum what he would do with the Balili lots purchased in 2008 for almost P100 million, but which was later exposed as mostly underwater and an irregular deal.
Pablo John echoed Gwendolyn's position that the land had economic potential that should be used, not mentioning its legal troubles in the graft case.
He was asked later how similar or different his administration would be from his sister's if he's elected in May 13.
“It will be very different,” he said, “We are different persons.”
The 3rd district congressman said he had a “different style” from his eldest sister but the “substance”, of her programs was worth continuing.
He said Gwen accomplished her 10-point action program in her nine-year term , which he hopes to follow.
“Style is a different matter altogether,” he added, without elaborating.
Gwen is running for the the 3rd congressional district seatwhich her brother is vacating in June.
Gwen to present 46 witnesses in Balili graft trial
AT least 46 witnesses will be presented by lawyers of suspended Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia for her defense in the criminal charges she is facing before the Sandiganbayan.
A pre-trial brief submitted by her counsel to the anti-graft court's Second Division showed Garcia herself would be the first defense witness. The list included acting Governor Agnes Magpale.
Magpale was identified as a member of the Balili Properties Review Committee back when she was a member of the Provincial Board.
Garcia was indicted on two counts of graft and one malversation charge in connection with the alleged irregular purchase of the 24.92-hectare property known as the Balili Estate for P98.93 million in 2008.
The land turned out to be mostly underwater. Garcia denied any wrongdoing in the deal.
No date was set yet for the graft trial, but it is expected to take place after the May 13 election.
Defense lawyer Tranquil Salvador III said they would summon other committee members to the witness stand.
They include former National Bureau of Investigation-Region 7 director Medardo de Lemos; PB member Peter John Calderon, former PB member Victor Maambong, former Provincial Engineer Aldofo Quiroga and Capitol lawyers Rory John Sepulveda and Manolette Dinsay.
(Except for former PB member John Bolo, who also faces graft charges, other PB members were not included in the graft charges filed by the Ombudsman with the Sandiganbayan, mainly because they did not ratify the Memorandum of Agreement on the Balili lot sale).
Also named in the pre-trial brief as potential witnesses for the graft trial were 12 other former and incumbent PB members and all of Garcia's co-accused in the alleged conspiracy in binding the provincial government in a "grossly disadvantageous transaction, causing it undue injury and unlawfully diverting P49,849,200 from the province's Social Services fund allocations to partly pay for the land acquisition.
In a separate case over the Perdido Lex Foundation in the Sandiganbayan's Third Division, the Office of the Ombudsman sought the denial of the motion for reinvestigation of Cebu PB Member Victor Maambong in connection with graft charges against him.
The prosecution asked the court to sustain the findings of probable cause in his case.
Maambong and other former Cebu provincial officials, including former vice governor John Gregory “Johnjohn” Osmeña Jr were charged with graft over the alleged anomalous release of P5 million to what turned out to be a fictitious foundation in 2002.
Last January the Sandiganbayan dimissed the graft charges against Osmeña Jr. for lack of evidence, noting that he appeared to be have been framed.
The Office of the Ombudsman in Visayas earlier found that Osmeña approved the release of money to Perdido Lex, despite it being non-existent.
Unity among Metro Cebu leaders urged
IS it possible for Cebu's elected leaders to set aside partisan politics and work for a common vision of growth for Metro Cebu?
Some of the 10 candidates in Cebu City and the province who attended yesterday's last round of the Mega Cebu Candidates Fora said yes.
Cebu City Councilor and vice mayoral candidate Edgardo Labella said the “more important question to ask” at this point is “are we ready to work together” and ‘not quarrel to impose one’s ideology.’
“I see no problem,” he said later.
One Cebu gubernatorial candidate Pablo John Garcia voiced his support, saying “No man is an island.”
Coordinated planning and a common vision of growth for seven cities and six towns in Metro Cebu is the goal of a Mega Cebu, a two-year effort to draw more collaboration.
“There has to be some compromise. Leadership requires that you yield some political control” in order to have a “sustainable community.”
“What affects one area also affects the other,” said Garcia.
Yesterday's forum heard the top priorities of three incumbents and seven aspiring Cebu city and province officials.
cular agenda? There is compelling reason for all leaders in Metro Cebu to work hand in hand so that dream of a sufficiently viable Cebu will be realized,” he said.
Common problems
Former Regional Trial Court Judge and Centrist Democratic Party (CDP) congressional candidate Donato Navarro said local politics should not be a hindrance to achieving unity among Metro Cebu leaders.
“We may have different concerns but we share common problems and we can work together,” said Navarro, who's running for Cebu City's north district.
Re-electionist Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama agreed, saying that governance should be participatory and “should not be dictated by one man” in reference to his rival, Rep. Tomas Osmeña of Cebu City's south district.
The forum asked for the top five priorities of each candidate.
Rep. Garcia of Cebu's 3rd district, said he will focus on providing quality education in the countryside at par with that found in Metro Cebu and makes sure its aligned with needs of the market.
“That way students from these areas will not travel anymore to the city.”
“For those who wish to study agriculture related courses, no question asked, it is free (in Cebu Technological University) in Barili town. Science, Math and English training for teachers as well to ensure that students are getting right and updated information,” the congressman added.
Garcia said he would also improve health services, provide infrastructure, preserve cultural heritage and include environmental protection in every program.
Rama, who showed his own Powerpoint slides, said he would advocate his “3 Bs” of barangayan, bayanihan and boluntarismo.
In his development framwork, he said he will make South Road Properties (SRP) “pretty” coastal barangays ‘beautiful’ and revitalize downtown and uptown districts, and balance development in the uplands.
He said his administration will involve the citizens.
“It will be a governance of stewardship and shepherding, a servant leadership,” he said.
He and Team Rama congressional candidate Aristotle Batuhan support a third bridge connecting Cebu and Mactan Island to spur economic activity.
Batuhan said he would push for the creatio of a Department of Urban Housing to address the difficulty of housing for the urban poor.
Labella, Rama and Batuhan said they were not in favor of adding flyovers in the city.
Independent vice gubernatorial aspirant and businessman Glenn Soco said he will push for a light rail transit (LRT), expand the international port and review the Transaxial Highway plan of former vice governor Greg Sanchez Jr.
He also gave priority to education in the countryside, and small and micro enterprises,
Highway proposal
Mayor Rama said he will continue the closure of the Inayawan Sanitary Landfill and enforce the segregation of garbage.
Labella said he will make sure that the Cebu City Medical Center will remain open.
He saidhe’s happy that it’s cleaner with more equipment arriving, but “It still needs more improvement. But if you ask me if the hospital will be more effective if privatized? Possibly but then it will focus on earning profit. How will the poor afford a deposit of P10, 000 to P15, 000 in a private hospital?,” he said. /Peter L. Romanillos and Doris C. Bongcac
Unity among Metro Cebu leaders urged
IS it possible for Cebu's elected leaders to set aside partisan politics and work for a common vision of growth for Metro Cebu?
Some of the 10 candidates in Cebu City and the province who attended yesterday's last round of the Mega Cebu Candidates Fora said yes.
Cebu City Councilor and vice mayoral candidate Edgardo Labella said the “more important question to ask” at this point is “are we ready to work together” and ‘not quarrel to impose one’s ideology.’
“I see no problem,” he said later.
One Cebu gubernatorial candidate Pablo John Garcia voiced his support, saying “No man is an island.”
Coordinated planning and a common vision of growth for seven cities and six towns in Metro Cebu is the goal of a Mega Cebu, a two-year effort to draw more collaboration.
“There has to be some compromise. Leadership requires that you yield some political control” in order to have a “sustainable community.”
“What affects one area also affects the other,” said Garcia.
Yesterday's forum heard the top priorities of three incumbents and seven aspiring Cebu city and province officials.
cular agenda? There is compelling reason for all leaders in Metro Cebu to work hand in hand so that dream of a sufficiently viable Cebu will be realized,” he said.
Common problems
Former Regional Trial Court Judge and Centrist Democratic Party (CDP) congressional candidate Donato Navarro said local politics should not be a hindrance to achieving unity among Metro Cebu leaders.
“We may have different concerns but we share common problems and we can work together,” said Navarro, who's running for Cebu City's north district.
Re-electionist Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama agreed, saying that governance should be participatory and “should not be dictated by one man” in reference to his rival, Rep. Tomas Osmeña of Cebu City's south district.
The forum asked for the top five priorities of each candidate.
Rep. Garcia of Cebu's 3rd district, said he will focus on providing quality education in the countryside at par with that found in Metro Cebu and makes sure its aligned with needs of the market.
“That way students from these areas will not travel anymore to the city.”
“For those who wish to study agriculture related courses, no question asked, it is free (in Cebu Technological University) in Barili town. Science, Math and English training for teachers as well to ensure that students are getting right and updated information,” the congressman added.
Garcia said he would also improve health services, provide infrastructure, preserve cultural heritage and include environmental protection in every program.
Rama, who showed his own Powerpoint slides, said he would advocate his “3 Bs” of barangayan, bayanihan and boluntarismo.
In his development framwork, he said he will make South Road Properties (SRP) “pretty” coastal barangays ‘beautiful’ and revitalize downtown and uptown districts, and balance development in the uplands.
He said his administration will involve the citizens.
“It will be a governance of stewardship and shepherding, a servant leadership,” he said.
He and Team Rama congressional candidate Aristotle Batuhan support a third bridge connecting Cebu and Mactan Island to spur economic activity.
Batuhan said he would push for the creatio of a Department of Urban Housing to address the difficulty of housing for the urban poor.
Labella, Rama and Batuhan said they were not in favor of adding flyovers in the city.
Independent vice gubernatorial aspirant and businessman Glenn Soco said he will push for a light rail transit (LRT), expand the international port and review the Transaxial Highway plan of former vice governor Greg Sanchez Jr.
He also gave priority to education in the countryside, and small and micro enterprises,
Highway proposal
Mayor Rama said he will continue the closure of the Inayawan Sanitary Landfill and enforce the segregation of garbage.
Labella said he will make sure that the Cebu City Medical Center will remain open.
He saidhe’s happy that it’s cleaner with more equipment arriving, but “It still needs more improvement. But if you ask me if the hospital will be more effective if privatized? Possibly but then it will focus on earning profit. How will the poor afford a deposit of P10, 000 to P15, 000 in a private hospital?,” he said. /Peter L. Romanillos and Doris C. Bongcac
Rama threatens cases against re-blocking foes
Those who tried to stop the re-blocking of the fire scene in sitio Bato, barangay Ermita will face legal action, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama warned yesterday.
Rama said he will ask the City Legal Office to study what legal action the city may take against persons including city officials who tried to oppose the re-blocking.
Clearing operations at the fire site in Ermita was supposed to start last Friday morning.
But it was postponed in the afternoon after one of the city’ s heavy equipment malfunctioned.
There were reports that someone tried to cut its electrical connections.
“I’m just busy right now but legal (office) will have to take care of that. They (persons responsible) will have to answer for that,” he said.
City officials including Councilor Nida Cabrera and DILG undersecretary Francisco Fernandez also visited the Bato, Ermita on Friday to check on the affected families.
Clearing operations resumed yesterday morning but again faced opposition from some Ermita residents who tried to argue with the city's demolition team.
Fernandez earlier said the clearing can be considered “illegal” if there was no pre-demolition conference and no notices issued to affected families.
The occupants said they wanted the re-blocking postponed until after the May 13 elections.
The mayor clarified that the clearing operations is not meant to displace the fire victims but to make sure that their community road is wide enough to accommodate a fire truck should another fire hit the area.
“If there is going to be fire today, will they be the one to respond to the situation and take the blame?,” Rama asked. /Edison A. delos Angeles, Correspondent
Mandaue fiesta off limits to political activities
WITH two weeks to go before the midterm elections, Mandaue City officials called on candidates not to wear campaign T-shirts and refrain from campaigning during the city's on May 8.
“The fiesta is a city celebration and not a campaign or religious activity (for anyone),” Mandaue City Hall Executive Secretary James Calipayan Jamaal said.
About P10 million sourced from the cultural activities and events item of Mandaue City's budget will be allocated for the summer cultural activities being held at the Mandaue City Heritage Plaza since April 27.
Three major activities are the Queen, Prince and Princess Night on May 5, Miss Mandaue on May 7 and Maharani, a gay beauty pageant also on May 7.
“The summer cultural extravaganza is unrelated to the fiesta even if it falls within the fiesta period,” Jamaal told Cebu Daily News.
The May 8 fiesta will culminate with a presentation of bands and a musical fireworks display called Symphony of Fire.
“The incumbents who are there, are there since they are city officials. It’s anybody’s fiesta, people from the opposition can show up,” he said. UP-Cebu intern Apple Mae Ta-as and Siliman University Intern Katrin Anne Arcala,
No officials mean less festive Suroy for repeat tourists
SINCE local officials were discouraged from campaigning during the Suroy Suroy tours, only one mayor was on hand to welcome the participants of the three-day Suroy tour in Camotes Island.
“Some of the participants especially the second timers, asked where they were. It was their (local government officials) personal choice not to attend. We didn’t give any instructions,” Provincial Tourism Officer Grace Paulino said.
During the stopovers in Camotes, there were no presidential tables nor political speeches from local officials.
Only Poro Mayor Luciano "Boy" Rama was on hand to greet participants who arrived in the town last Saturday.
“We want the participants to mingle and interact with the people. Ang tendency is if there's a presidential table the people would be embarrassed to approach them,” Paulino said.
One of the participants, Rolly Labrador, 62, said the absence of local government officials welcoming the group made the tour “less festive.”
Labrador, a balikbayan and retiree from Anaheim, California, compared this year’s Camotes trail to previous Suroy-Suroy tours he attended which had a lot of participating government officials.
“Before, we were welcomed by a lot of officials who shook our hands. There were also children who wave flags beside the road welcoming us,” he said.
Some of them were dismayed that no local officials welcomed them during stopovers.
However, they said they enjoyed the food offered in every town and had more time to explore on their own and enjoy the amenities in their designated resorts.
The Suroy-Suroy Camotes trail started last Saturday and ended yesterday, marking the first time the Camotes trail was done for three days and two nights.
Participants visited the island’s different tourist attractions which include Lake Danao Park, Bukilat Cave, Poro Sto. Nino Church, Buho Rock Resort, Santiago Bay Garden and Resort and Mangodlong Rock Resort.
They were also treated to various local delicacies and were welcomed by cultural presentations in the towns of San Francisco, Poro and Tudela.
Earlier this month, independent vice gubernatorial candidate Glenn Soco requested Provincial Commission on Elections (Comelec) Supervisor Eddie Aba to postpone the Suroy-Suroy in Camotes after the elections.
Soco said he feared that the tour will be used by Acting Gov. Agnes Magpale to campaign for votes. Magpale was not seen during the Camotes tour.
“With or without a local, the tour will proceed for tourism promotion. It’s really to help the towns” Paulino said. Correspondent Jose Santino S. Bunachita
Family stops filing of ‘weak case’
The family of the man who was allegedly mauled to death after guards mistook him for a shoplifter yesterday tried to stop the police from filing a murder case before the court.
But before the case was docketed by a staffer of the Cebu City Prosecutors' Office, the family of the late Mario Alfie Ducayag came to prevent the police from filing the charges against Jeffrey Aquino, a security guard of Metro Gaisano Colon assigned to monitor the store's closed circuit television cameras.
Ducayag's mother Fe Soledad insisted that the police no longer has jurisdiction over the case as the National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas (NBI-7) has already taken over the case and that the police should stop meddling in the probe.
Arrest questioned
She and her daughter Marie Shantylle were assured by Chief Insp. Romeo Santander, the City Intelligence Branch (CIB), early yesterday that the police will not pursue the filing of charges against Aquino who told police investigators that Ducayag was allegedly mauled by the head security supervisor of Metro Gaisano.
Ducayag's family went to the Palace of Justice yesterday afternoon to seek advice from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
They were told by Assistant Regional State Prosecutor Llena Ipong-Avila to discourage the police from filing a half-baked complaint which may not be enough to convict those responsible for Ducayag's death.
Avila said the arrest made by the police on Aquino cannot be considered a hot pursuit operation since the incident happened in April 12.
Under the law, an arrest can be made without a warrant based on three situations: when a crime is being committed in one's presence, has just been committed, or is about to be committed.
“This has been the problem of the prosecution: a poor case build up. The police's output becomes the prosecution's input. The poor case build up has been the problem of the prosecutors when the case reached in court,” Avila said.
After the meeting with Avila, Fe Soledad and Marie Shantylle proceeded to the Cebu City Prosecutors' Office only to find out that Aquino's inquest proceeding was about to start.
Santander told the family that it was the decision of Cebu City Police Office director Mariano Natu-el to file the charges against Aquino who was arrested by police inside Metro Gaisano last Sunday morning.
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Cebu City Chapter has also offered legal assistance to the Ducayag family.
Lawyer Mae Elaine Bathan, president of the IBP Cebu City Chapter said they are “urging all concerned authorities to expedite the investigation and avoid any and all forms of whitewash, foul play and cover-up.”
NBI-7 director Antonio Pagatpat said they will continue to conduct their investigation whether or not the police will file the charges against Aquino.
“We would want to make sure that there will be a conviction for those responsible for Ducayag's death. I would assure you that the investigation by the NBI is thorough,” he said.
In an interview, Aquino said he is willing to become a witness. He said Ducayag was mauled by chief security Mauricio Doblados Jr. until he became unconscious.
Anxious of what happened to Ducayag, Aquino said he was asked by Doblados to call the company nurse.
Aquino said his only participation was just in handcuffing Ducayag and calling the nurse.
Gaisano cooperates
Cerwin Eviota, spokesperson of the company, said it’s up for the authorities to also look at the possible culpability of Doblados and Melvin Boyles.
Doblados is the chief security officer of Metro Gaisano (meaning he is a direct employee of Metro Gaisano); while Boyles who works as an in-house detective is an employee of the Negrense Security Agency.
Eviota assured that the company did not attempt to cover up the incident, adding that they also wanted to know the truth so that justice will be served for the victim.
Eviota said the standing order of the company’s vice president for security, retired general Victor Garcia has always been to treat the suspected shoplifters humanely. And after getting all the basic information, he or she must be immediately brought to the nearest police station.
The death of Ducayag became controversial after the National Bureau of Investigation contradicted an earlier autopsy report of PNP-7 medico-legal officer Dr. Nestor Sator who ruled the victim died of bleeding tuberculosis.
The NBI re-autopsy found that Ducayag could not have died of natural causes as they found injuries in his bodies which could have been caused by blows from a hard object./Ador Vincent Mayol, Chito O. Aragon and Edison delos Angeles
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