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TANODS from Barangay Capitol Site, Cebu City responded to an alarm in Sitio Kintolimbo in neighboring Barangay Kamputhaw at 11 p.m. Friday, July 21, 2023, and found a woman who appeared to be “possessed” by evil spirits.

Ali Abad, one of the tanods, said the victim, a domestic helper believed to be in her 20s, was acting strangely when they arrived.

“Kalkag kaayo og buhok mo aksiyon siya ug layat murag mamaak ba. Mao nang among giatngan og plywood kay ang sa pikas ana mura man og pang-pang. Mao to nga among gidakop dayon,” Abad said.

(Her hair was in a mess and it looked like she was going to bite us. We blocked the side of the house with plywood because it was facing a cliff. That’s when we decided to take her in.)

Abad said they couldn’t understand what she was saying since the only words that came out of her mouth were gibberish.

He said they first brought her to the Cebu City Medical Center where she calmed down after inhaling some liniment. However, a few minutes later, she made a run for it after managing to untie herself, he said.

After capturing her, he said they brought her to the psychiatric ward of the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center to be examined.

Abad said they learned that the woman just arrived in Cebu City from Iligan City in Lanao del Norte.(BBT, PJB)

July 23, 2023 4:40 PM

The last time the three countries met was in December 2019.

In the 1970s, a young boy named Cesar Cabase Castillo was awarded Best Blackboard Artist. This was during the era of scratch chalk drawings; he soon graduated from Grade 6.

Fully intending to take up Fine Arts in college, he was met with strong opposition from his parents who insisted he take up Mechanical Engineering. The obedient child that he was, he got the degree and the license.

His first job was designing for Mindanao Rattan and he was quite happy there until his parents wanted him to move to San Miguel Corp. Again, he forcibly shifted his career direction to make them happy. He had a drawer under his desk where he stored his painting materials. Back then it was paper and charcoal since he had just begun practicing his own style in black and white.

He joined a Celso Pepito workshop in 1994 even while he was working full time as he wanted to train in oil and pastel. When Jose “Kimsoy” Yap returned from the United States, he also joined his workshop to develop his watercolor painting skills.

Cesar fondly mentions that he benefited from both masters and will never forget how Celso would always remind him to try to make sure that his pieces would relay a positive message and Kimsoy would constantly encourage him to improve his technique. By this time, he was painting daily; starting with small pieces, scrimping on materials which were hard to come by back then. He never disposed of any of his work, whether he was happy with the outcome or not. His supportive wife Gina kept everything he made because she knew how important it was to him.

When Cesar was 47 years old, he made a life-changing decision that would qualify as “career suicide” for most people. He decided to quit his corporate job and focus on his art full time, to the horror of most people around him — including his foreign boss who tried to hold on to him for months before finally realizing he had to let him go.

Only one person was truly happy for him at this point, and that was Celso.

Why the need for such a drastic move, and one that’s almost beyond comprehension as the demand for art at that time was low? Cesar shared how he felt he was not free to move around while tied to his desk; he wanted to travel, to explore and to commune with fellow artists because he felt that was his true calling in life.

After many twists and turns, he felt he had truly reached his lowest point when one day, while preparing for an exhibition in one of those buildings in Cebu IT Park, he realized it was his wife’s birthday. With only P100 left in his pocket, he asked her what she wanted and she simply said it was French fries. When the exhibit opened a few hours later, someone randomly gave his wife French fries — such a happy coincidence — they now had money left to be able to go to the Sto. Niño Church and attend the novena mass.

When they returned to the exhibit, two of his paintings were purchased by foreigners — one of the Sto. Niño and another one of flowers — for P5,000 each. They went home with truly grateful hearts.

By joining the Cebu Artists Inc. (CAI) group, he began to sell more pieces as he traveled around and joined more exhibits with them. What sets Cesar apart from the other artists is his preference to have a free hand in choosing his subjects. He candidly admitted that doing commissioned work curtails his freedom of expression, and so he would always tell his buyer that it cannot be done in a rush and let them decide if they are willing to wait.

The NDRRMC said in its bulletin that the two weather disturbances have affected 7,662 individuals from Western Visayas. Of those, 1,154 people fled their homes. 

July 23, 2023 4:05 PM

The country, though, is seeing a surge in Covid-19 cases, which could affect the government’s decision.

The rapid rise of such technology has some people worried about employment security, a lack of nuance in stories, and the sheer lack of a human element.

July 23, 2023 4:00 PM

Traders operating the four shops damaged in the Larkin Market fire will get monetary aid.

July 23, 2023 3:42 PM

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is considering a Cabinet reshuffle in September to halt the decline, according to some reports.

July 23, 2023 3:40 PM

Government work and public school classes in Metro Manila will be suspended on Monday.

July 23, 2023 3:35 PM

The United Airlines flight attendant, whose name was given only as Anuar, was in his 30s to 40s.

July 23, 2023 3:15 PM

A river burst its bank in a village near Hangzhou, flooding houses and carrying away people and their belongings.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in one night in May took 90 people off the streets of Barangay Balibago, the center of Angeles City’s red-light district, in a clearing operation.

AS THE July 25 deadline nears, Globe has launched a creative campaign that emphasizes the need for consumers to comply with the SIM Registration Act to protect themselves from the dangers that lurk online.

In the “Number Mo, Identity Mo” campaign, the online identities of popular celebrities Kuya Kim Atienza and Kiray Celis were humorously "hacked" by talented stand-up comedians and improv artists impersonating them.

"Online safety is a pressing issue in today's digital age. Through this unique initiative, we hope to drive home the point that our SIMs are a crucial part of our digital identity and must be protected. We also want to remind our prepaid customers that they need to register their SIMs by the July 25 deadline. We urge all Globe customers to register their SIMs now,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, Globe Group.

To avoid becoming a victim of fraud, Globe reiterates its call for customers to register their SIMs. Globe Prepaid, TM and Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi customers may register via the GlobeOne app and Globe’s SIM registration microsite (https://new.globe.com.ph/simreg) 24/7.

Fully-verified GCash account holders may also utilize the GCash app. Those in need of assistance may also get help to register their SIMs in any Globe Store and EasyHub nationwide.

Globe Postpaid, Globe Business Postpaid and Globe Platinum subscribers have already been included in the SIM registration database. For company-owned Globe Business prepaid accounts, steps to register or update details have been sent to authorized company representatives.

Celebrity accounts ‘hacked’

The imaginative take on promoting online safety started with strange teaser posts on all of Kiray and Kuya Kim's active social media accounts, culminating in a TikTok LIVE session, where the impersonators peddled entertainingly obvious scams to viewers, effectively spotlighting potential dangers lurking online.

Kiray's impostor took her followers on a journey of transformation, promising a high-end, luxe, and more beautiful version of the beloved comedienne, ending in a live selling event and a dramatic "face reveal." Simultaneously, Kuya Kim's impersonator alluded to recent developments about a television show, promising juicy behind-the-scenes secrets, lifestyle tips, and a surprise guest, all to spark interest and intrigue.

But the real intent behind these entertaining acts was revealed two days after the livestream, as Kuya Kim and Kiray uploaded a video saying their accounts had been 'hacked.' This unexpected twist underscored their important message: online identity theft is real, and everyone should take measures to protect themselves, including registering their SIMs.

With this campaign, Globe underscores its dedication to promoting online safety. Since December 2022, the company has carried out various SIM registration drives. This latest effort adds a creative twist, amplifying the message that “your SIM is more than a number – it's an extension of your identity.” Through SIM registration, customers take a critical step in protecting their digital identity against potential scams.

The “Number Mo, Identity Mo” campaign reminds everyone that the battle against online scams is not a solitary fight but a collective effort.

To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/. (PR)

Kitaizumi Surf Festival 2023 had hoped to draw 300 top surfers to compete and promote Fukushima prefecture’s recovery, but will now be a much smaller event.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - vivo released another chic budget phone built for quality and durability to add to its Y Series lineup. Experience improved performance with the new vivo Y02t compared to its predecessor, the Y02s.

With 4GB RAM and up to 4GB extended RAM, navigate and switch between apps more smoothly. Store a lot of files as the vivo Y02s still sports 64GB storage, which can be expanded up to 1TB using a micro SD card.

Besides the enhanced RAM, here's what everyone needs to know about vivo's latest budget phone:

Built to last and withstand damage

vivo never fails to provide quality phones. vivo Y02t has undergone rigorous quality tests to withstand scratches, drops, and extreme weather conditions.

The anti-fingerprint back cover was made by a new nano-grade material spray coating process to make it resistant to daily scratches.

The phone was also tested 32,000 times for drops, 10,000 times for USB ports, and 6,000 times for headset ports.

vivo also used and stored the phone in artificial environments that reached -20 degrees Celsius and 75 degrees Celsius.

Nonstop entertainment

vivo Y02t also boasts a 5000mAh battery. It can keep users entertained through online high-definition video streaming for up to 18 hours.

It also features a 6.51-inch Halo FullView™ Display with HD+ (1600 × 720) resolution, providing a wide and immersive view for videos.

With the Eye Protection Screen feature, do not worry about eye strain from harmful blue light as vivo Y02t's display automatically adjusts the level of brightness based on ambient light conditions.

Truly high-end design

vivo never disappoints when it comes to design. vivo Y02t has a flat frame and a matte back panel. It comes in two colors - Sunset Gold which is perfect under the sun and Cosmic Grey for a mysterious, powerful look.

Sunset Gold

Cosmic Grey

Other features to love

vivo Y02t has MediaTek Octa-core Processor that offers reliable and smooth performance. It is also equipped with Funtouch OS 13 based on Android 13 Edition, which features a new method for entering a split-screen view as well as copying and pasting across devices.

Get better language preferences, finer multitasking, enhanced audio, an updated photo picker, and improved privacy with the Funtouch OS 13.

The phone also turns into a power bank as it has a 5V/1A reverse charging feature. This is helpful to cover other devices when out and about.

Wake vivo Y02t effortlessly with its face recognition feature in just the blink of an eye.

Get vivo's newest elegant yet affordable phone for only Php 5,999 at its official website, e-stores such as Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok, as well as physical stores nationwide. (SPONSORED CONTENT)

WHAT HAPPENED: Friday, July 21, 2023, Cebu City Administrator Colin Rosell and Jerone Castillo, the mayor’s assistant on special projects, Castillo, told a press conference that City Hall will go after “City Hall Updates,” a social media site that has been posting in the last few days findings of the Commission on Audit (COA) on, among others, alleged irregularities on typhoon cash aid and drug users who were market division employees of City Hall.

Rosell and Castillo led at the press-con a clutch of department heads who were involved in, or familiar with, the hot issues that have gone viral on the internet.

QUESTIONS THAT NAG. The press conference apparently was to neutralize adverse public reaction to unsavory findings against the Rama administration, which Cebu Updates have posted. The soc-med site, because of its earlier City Hall ties, reportedly had preview of the COA reports, ahead of Cebu’s dailies and other regular news sites.

Among the major issues raised at the press-con and set off these questions:

[] Casas’s authority: Former city administrator Floro Casas Jr. signed the P1.3 billion drainage in the name of the mayor. Did he have the authority to sign for then mayor Edgardo Labella and, if he had, was he authorized by the City Council? to sign that specific contract?

One city official said “COA said Casas had no authority from the Sanggunian” to sign that particular contract. Casas told me there was no need as the City Council had previously approved a lump sum appropriation.

[] Ownership, use of Cebu Updates: Did the Cebu City Government “own” Cebu Updates, formerly named the Cebu City Public Information Office? Has it been used as a media outlet to criticize the Rama administration?

Two City Hall key officials said at the press-con Cebu Updates is City Government property. An administrator of the site told me it is private property.

CASAS AND P1.3B DEAL. Atty. Castillo, Mayor Rama’s assistant on special projects, made it clear to reporters that Atty. Casas’s alleged excess of authority in the 2021 P1.3 billion drainage project was called out by COA. It was COA, “not us,” Castillo said, who questioned why Casas “entered into a contract... without the authorization of the Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP).” This is “a very serious matter,” Castillo said at the press-con, “even if you have authority to sign for the mayor, you need the express authority to sign” a specific contract.

Casas told me Saturday, July 22 that “not all transactions require prior Sanggunian approval,” citing a purported ruling in Quisumbing vs. Garcia. “Perhaps, Atty. Castillo didn’t research right (“wala seguro siya nag-research og tarong”) because there (was) an SP resolution allowing charging of the ABC for the project from the lump sum account.

The COA report though, a SunStar July 20 report said, the state auditor “stressed that the city administrator has no authority to bind the City Government into a contract using the lump sum without the authority of the SP.” The same COA report found “excessive” the advance payment of P199.323 million advance payment, for the design phase, in 2021, equivalent to 15 percent of the contract cost.

Slamming the administration at the time, COA said the City Government “should have exerted efforts to expedite its completion.” The project was suspended three times, “for flimsy reasons,” COA said, “with (such) ease” and leniency that it gave “the impression that the contractor was given unwarranted favors.” As of December 31, 2022, there were 247 days of delay. COA recommended that the contract be terminated or revoked because of the delays and the advance payment of almost P200 million recovered.

QUESTION OF AUTHORITY. Casas showed me an office order of then mayor Labella issued July 6, 2019, granting authority to sign disbursement vouchers, payrolls, purchase requests, and such other official documents related to them. The order -- addressed to then C.A. Casas; city attorney Joey Daluz; Jerone Castillo of the city treasurer’s office; and budget officer Marietta Gumia -- assigned the respective areas where the officials were signatory.

An excerpt from the minutes of the City Council session of July 9, 2019 said the City Council decided to “delegate and grant authority” for Casas to sign vouchers, payrolls and other official documents listed in the July 6 office memo.

Labella must have been feeling ill already at the time; later he had to be frequently hospitalized, leading to his death on November 19, 2021. Obviously, the mayor had so much trust in Casas, or had no one else to trust, that he gave his city administrator almost all the signing powers.

Atty. Castillo though distinguished authority to sign for the mayor from authority from the City Council to sign for a specific contract. The first was given both by the mayor and the Sanggunian. The second was not expressly given by the City Council for the drainage project, except on a lump sum appropriation, from which the money for the drainage deal was taken. Casas’s defense, it would seem, is that the Sanggunian approval was no longer needed as it had previously approved a lump sum for the project.

THE ‘CEBU UPDATES’ FACTOR. The posts about City Hall that went viral were carried by Cebu Updates, a site that used to be controlled by City Hall. Atty. Casas told me Cebu Updates is privately created social media site that publishes official events and announcements. The page “is, or was, not owned

by CCG, as Atty. Castillo implied,” Casas said.

A January 9, 2023 blog by media specialist Max Limpag -- titled “Bring your own kabaw,” mocking Mayor Rama’s Sinulog at SRP -- referred to Cebu Updates as an “old Cebu City PIO Facebook page.” Limpag’s inquiry disclosed that:

[] May 2, 2012: The FB page was created as the Cebu City Public Information Office during the previous term of Mayor Michael Rama;

[] August 3, 2016: Its name was changed to City of Cebu, Public Information Office, under then mayor Tomas Osmena;

[] January, January 27, 2018: The name was reverted to Cebu City Public Information Office, still under Osmeña, with Malou Inocando-Tabar as PIO;

[] 2019 -2021: With the assumption of Edgardo Labella as mayor in 2019, Tabar said she turned over “admin access” to Razel Cuizon, Labella’s PIO With Labella’s death in November 2021, Mike Rama’s team used another FB page, created earlier on November 9, 2011 and known as Barug Sugbo TV;

[] January 5, 2022: PIO’s old page was renamed Cebu Updates. Cerwin Eviota, the PIO in Year One of Rama’s fresh full term, told Max Limpag the page was not turned over to him -- and obviously, he also didn’t seek its retrieval.

At the press-con, both Rosell and Cartillo said in effect City Hall has mobilized its forces to look into the case and charge the persons responsible.

RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT? Apparently, (a) for the loss of what they believe as City Hall property and (b) its use against Rama and his administration.

Both are being disputed by Atty. Casas. Jun Casas told me Cebu Updates is private property and it is “not anti-Rama.”

On the ownership or, more precisely, the control of Cebu Updates, Limpag said also Saturday, July 22, he thinks the Rama administration “dropped the ball by failing to demand turnover” of the PIO/Cebu Updates page. They should’ve exhausted all means to recover it, rather than start a new page. They were in a strong position then to take the old page back, Max said.

Cebu Updates could be “undermining them, “with a bigger audience at that, an audience built using government resources back when it was official PIO page, with content published by government and employees paid for with public funds.”

NOT ANTI-RAMA, HE SAYS. Atty. Casas, who admits he is an administrator of Cebu Updates, said it is not anti-Rama, “though the most interesting stories now involve the Rama administration, so we gladly post them.”

Using the “we’re-only-messengers” line, Casas said “we only post, we do not create the news.” But in City Hall, he said, “now we see more ‘palpak’ talk and propaganda rather than ‘actual, concrete ‘positive efforts and achievements.’” So we post that, he said, and when we see something good, we post it too.

Casas told me City Hall “is not very transparent.” He cited the absence of information about the controversial Boracay trip, no update on the use of the P50 billion budget this year, or how much the City has collected so far. Saying he’s also from City Hall, he “can feel there’s something wrong” with the way the City Government is being run.

As a kind of reaching out to Mayor Rama and Atty. Castillo, Cebu Updates in a lead post also Saturday, “we extend our message of cooperation and understanding.” While the outlet “strives to highlight the positive efforts and achievements of our city leaders,” it is also the responsibility of Cebu Updates “to report the truth,” not to “tarnish anyone’s image but to promote a better Cebu for everyone.”

FRIED BY OWN LARD. Criticisms against Rama and company from the previously owned FB page may seem more painful as it would be like, in old Cebuano-Bisaya adage, being fried by one’s own lard ("gigisal sa kaugalingong mantika").

The Philippine leader is ‘trying to restore the name of his father’ with a series of programmes that echo those implemented by Marcos Snr.

July 23, 2023 12:10 PM

Australian police believe the incident was a 'targeted attack'.

Egay is forecast to reach typhoon category within 24 hours and may become a super typhoon on Tuesday.

Ex-general Prabowo has worked to rebrand himself since losing twice to Widodo, taking a softer tact in his speeches and connecting with young voters through social media.