Cebu Sun.Star

A NEWBORN boy was abandoned in front of the house of the barangay captain of Sambag, Bogo City, northern Cebu early on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.

Barangay Captain Virgilio Terado Jr.'s wife noticed a carton in the garage outside their home, and following closer inspection, discovered that it contained a newborn infant with its umbilical cord still attached.

They quickly called the police, who immediately responded and took the child to the hospital for medical attention.

Lieutenant Colonel Joan Guia Arnoco, the chief of Bogo City Police Station, said they are conducting an investigation to identify the mother of the child.

Arnoco added they will check the CCTV camera at the house of her husband’s brother, which is adjacent to theirs, to find the offender.

They will also check if any expectant women have given birth recently in the barangay and nearby communities.

Currently, the abandoned baby is doing well at the hospital.(AYB, TPT)

A COLLECTOR of a money remittance company is asking individuals to return the money that they found in SRP after it fell from his backpack.

On Tuesday at past 10 a.m., July 4, 2023, motorists were astounded to see peso bills of various denominations strewn along the viaduct of South Road Properties (SRP).

People hurriedly exited their cars, including delivery drivers, to collect the cash that was scattered across the road.

Tony, not his real name, brought the money worth around P4 million and placed it in his backpack.

While driving a motorcycle, his backpack's zipper broke, causing it to open, letting the money bills fly out into the air.

Only around P700,000 was left in his bag.

Tony got off his motorcycle to get the money, but other drivers also swiftly took it and did not return it to him.

“Nabantayan nako nga nanglupad na ang kwarta mga 50 meters away nga pagtan-aw nako sa side mirror, mao to nihunong ko aron pamuniton ang mga kwarta,” he said.

(I noticed that the money was flying about 50 meters away when I looked in the side mirror, so I stopped to pick up the money).

There were several individuals who returned the money to Mambaling Police Station.

A businessman, who refused to be named, also turned over P13,000 to the Carbon Police Station.

At least P1.3 million was recovered by the collector, and the total amount of money now in his possession is P2,083,110.

Tony believes that there are still about P2 million that have yet to be recovered.

He was appalled by the delivery riders who, instead of returning the money bills they had gathered, put them in the top boxes of their motorcycles and rode off.

Since he has worked for the company for the past ten months, he acknowledged that this is the first time he has experienced such an incident.

He added that the sum of money was sizable because it was earmarked for the payroll of some companies.

He revealed it was customary for the company to transport the money on a motorcycle so this can easily reach to their office in Mandaue City.

Tony and his supervisor hoped that the people would return the cash.

“Hinaot nga mauli pato ang kwarta kay wala tawon koy mabayad anang kwartaha kung pabayran sa among kompanya kay nanginabuhi raman ko tawon unsaon nako pagbayad,” Barrientos said.

(I hope the money will be returned because I am unable to do so if our company asks me to pay; I'm just making a living, how can I pay).

Police Major Jonathan Bethooven Taneo, chief of Mambaling Police Station, said they are now tracking the video clippings that spread online including the CCTV camera in the area to identify the people who took the money.

Taneo said they will sue those identified if the collector and the company are willing to cooperate. (AYB, TPT)

PHILIPPINE-BASED education platform Bitskwela will host the grand debate of the "Bull or Bear: Philippine Web3 Debate 2023" on July 15, 2023, at 5 p.m., at the Ayala Malls Central Bloc, Cebu IT Park, Cebu City.

Themed "Web3: The New Internet - A Debate on Web3 Adoption in the Philippines," the event aims to facilitate the discussion surrounding the adoption of Web3 technologies and what it takes for the country to be at the forefront of it.

Debaters for the event include Dr. Donald Lim from the Philippine Blockchain Council, Coach Miranda Miner of the Global Miranda Miner Group, Tyrone Bretana from Tier One Alliance, Nathan Senn from Hive & DBuzz, content creator Giu Comia, and creativepreneur Ashtley Sandoval.

Special messages from Cebu City Second District Representative Edu Rama, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Director Emmy Delfin, and Engr. Royden Rusiana from DICT Cebu will be featured at the event, underscoring the government's support for the advancement of Web3 in the country.

In a statement from the DICT office, Delfin said, “The Department of Information and Communications Technology is driven to support the Web3 debate, Bull or Bear, by our strong conviction in the transformative capacity of new technologies like Web3 and blockchain. We see these digital innovations as key catalysts reshaping various sectors, and this debate serves as an ideal platform to stimulate meaningful discourse on the opportunities and challenges related to their adoption in the Philippines.”

"We are thrilled to expand the Bull or Bear franchise to the Visayas, following our successful events in NCR, Luzon, and Mindanao. Cebu, with its vibrant Web3 community, was the perfect starting point for our Visayas leg. We are excited to push the limits and deliver an exceptional experience for the Web3 enthusiasts in Cebu," said Camille Puentespina, chief product and tech officer of Bitskwela.

The Bull or Bear Cebu edition, hosted and moderated by Kish Morales, is co-presented by GCash and Blockceler8 by Uniquecorn Strategies and is supported by the DICT, Go Digital Pilipinas, Ayala Malls, Philippine Airlines, and Sphera Solutions.

"At Bitskwela, our mission of 'Helping people own a piece of the internet' goes beyond mere access but is about empowering individuals with a deep understanding of what that 'piece' truly represents and equipping them with the knowledge to seize it. Through our ongoing efforts, we aim to arm individuals with invaluable information, enabling them to seize their stake in the digital realm and shape a future where internet ownership becomes a tangible reality for all,” Bitskwela Chief Operating Officer Vince Edralin said.

Other key partners of the event are Bitget, a top crypto exchange and copy trading platform helping users trade smarter by providing a secure, one-stop trading solution; Tekkon, a Web3 app that promotes social good by empowering users to help fix their local community's infrastructure; Hive, a firm that is changing social media with blockchain tech; and CoinW Exchange, a world class integrated trading platform.

The event offers limited seating and those who are interested to participate may reserve their slot at https://www.bitskwela.com/bull-or-bear. (PR)

SOME residents in Cebu City were not satisfied with Mayor Michael Rama's State of the City Address (Soca), saying the local chief executive failed to address the major issues the city is facing like flooding, livelihood, and water security.

Myrna Chiangco, a resident from Barangay Lahug, said Rama's statements did not address the main issues the city has been facing for years.

"Singapore-like Cebu City ang ganahan ni mayor pero unsaon man pagka in-ana kung example, kada muuwan ug kusog, grabe kaayong baha kay wa gihapo'y tarong ang drainage system," Chiangco said.

(The mayor wants Cebu City to be Singapore-like, but how can that be when Cebu City’s streets are always flooded every after heavy rains because there is no proper drainage system.)

"Open more roads daw unya ang mga roads naa ron pirmi gibaha," she added.

(He said open more roads, but the roads are flooded.)

A street cleaner from Cebu City Hall who refused to be named also shared her dissatisfaction with Rama’s Soca, saying the mayor did not discuss further the main problems in the city.

The street cleaner also questioned City Hall's priorities.

"Ang pangbuhaton nuon nila kay mag pintal-pintal og mga poste, or mag-himo og mga design-design diras Carbon imbis solusyonan nang mga dagkong problema," she said.

(They paint lampposts or make designs at Carbon (Market) instead of providing solutions to the bigger issues.)

Zed Castro, a senior citizen who lives in Barangay Labangon, wished that Rama would be able to stand by his words when preaching about a Singapore-like Cebu City.

"He keeps bragging about Singapore-like Cebu City. Dako-dako jud nag trabahuon (That’s a big task). I just wish he does his work," Castro said.

Castro was looking for more from Rama's Soca.

"Pag June 15 biya niingon siya nga inig Soca kay i-tackle niya aside atong isyu sa CCMC, katong housing, livelihood, transportation, kanang mga butanga niya di lagi kumpleto?" he said.

(On June 15, he said that on his Soca, he will be tackling issues aside from the one on Cebu City Medical Center, including housing, livelihood and transportation, but why it isn’t complete?)

Disappointed with Rama's speech, a senior citizen from Cebu City expressed his sentiments.

“Ang iyang mga plano kunohay gipakita ra sa video, wala na siya ga-istorya. Nindot nga nakahuna-huna sab siya aning problema sa tubig diri sa Cebu pero hinaot mas nag tutok unta siya pa jud sa mga problema sa Sugbo dili kay nag storya pa sa laing walay lami nga butang,” she said.

(Plans were only made visible through videos, not in speech. It's good to hear that he is addressing the water issue in Cebu, but he should have more to say and more ideas on how to fix the other significant issues here rather than just babbling gibberish.)

A mother of two, living in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City, is hopeful that Rama fulfills his promises for a better and improved Cebu. (Miguel Angelu Lumen and Angel Leduna, CNU Interns)

A MAN who pretended to be a delivery guy had stolen around P14,000 from a bakery located in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City on Sunday, July 2, 2023.

Supervisor of Pan de Manila-Mabolo branch Alnie Mirante, in an interview with SunStar Cebu on Monday, July 3, said the man identified himself as Junjun Ortega who claimed to be a delivery man from the bakery's partner logistics company.

Mirante said that Ortega went to the bakery around 1:25 a.m. Sunday and told the cashier that he needed to collect payment for the delivery of eggs to Pan de Manila's other branch in Mandaue City.

Mirante said that Ortega claimed that the head cashiers knew about the collection of payment, and even mentioned the names of Joan and Karen, both are head cashiers.

The cashier in-charge during such time, who was still on her second month, easily believed Ortega and gave him the forms and the money for payment.

Mirante also said that the incident was not the first time to happen in their branch, adding that the man has done this multiple times since 2017, but he was only identified recently because of the newly installed closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera that was installed in the store.

In previous incidents, the man had stolen money ranging from P6,000 to P8,000, said Mirante.

"He started doing this to us since 2017 and it took a while before he came back. They say he targets bakeries and uses the excuse of needing to collect payment for eggs," said Mirante.

"Our branch seems to be his target, but since we have rotating staff, the new employees don't know him," Mirante added.

Mirante said they have already filed a blotter around 4 p.m. Sunday. (Merry Razel Sister and Lesly Sagayap, NWSSU Interns)

UP to 60 government officials in Cebu have launched a manifesto to show support to Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco amid the issues faced by her office.

They include some mayors, councilors and members of the House of Representatives.

“We, the Congressmen, City Mayors, Municipal Mayors, and Councilors under the banner of a united and indivisible One Cebu Island, declare our full and unwavering support to the Department of Tourism (DOT) led by our very own, a Cebuana, Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco,” part of the manifesto reads.

The officials believe that there is an intention to sabotage the accomplishments of the DOT under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“Given the circumstances, it is not difficult to see that the goal of all this is to sabotage the great accomplishments of the DOT Secretary, who continues to deliver to the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.,” according to the manifesto.

“We strongly believe this demolition job to be perpetrated by individuals with their own questionable agenda, perhaps to sway the trust and confidence of President Marcos in a Cebuana — who represents the very island that delivered the highest number of votes to the President and the Vice President in the 2022 Presidential Elections,” it added.

Majority of the Cebuano officials signed the six-page manifesto except for Cebu City North District Rep. Rachel 'Cutie' Del Mar and Danao City Mayor Thomas 'Mix' Durano.

Last week, the DOT released its new slogan "Love the Philippines," which received mixed reactions.

But the provincial board pushed a resolution to support the new slogan during its session last Monday, July 3, 2023.

The slogan is said to promote the country as one of the top tourist destinations in the world.

In the privilege speech of Cebu 5th District Provincial Board (PB) Member Andrei Duterte, he slammed the critics of Secretary Garcia-Frasco regarding the new tourism slogan.

Duterte believes that the remarks were made to embarrass the secretary and damage her supposedly good reputation.

Duterte's defense is that he has seen how persistent and dedicated the DOT Secretary is in her work, despite the fact that she is serving as mayor of Liloan town.

“The entire Province of Cebu finds it imperative to fully support this initiative, as it also resonates with the province’s efforts to fully utilize the benefits of tourism for economic recovery, economic growth and countryside development,” Duterte said in his resolution.

“As the chairman of the committee on tourism and as someone who witnessed first-hand how hardworking our Cebuana secretary is, I cannot just let this issue pass,” he added.

In line with this, the PB urged the Cebuanos to rally behind the DOT and Secretary Garcia-Frasco. (ANV, TPT)

THE brother of the suspect in a shooting incident at a billiard hall in Sitio Kalubihan, Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City has surrendered to the police.

According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Randy Caballes, chief of Talisay City Police Station, that last Sunday, July 3, John Niño Cantila Gevereola, who is of legal age, and Norman Simbajon alias Nono, 27, were playing billiards when they got into an argument.

Norman’s younger brother, Lester allegedly went to his rescue and shot Gevereola, according to Caballes.

Norman surrendered on Monday, July 3.

Caballes asked Norman to convince his brother to surrender as well along with the weapon he had used in the shooting. (BBT, TPT)

WITHIN a month after Lieutenant Colonel Mark Gifter Sucalit assumed as the city's new police chief, at least 50 persons were arrested in Carcar City in southern Cebu, while over 300 drivers received citations.

Reducing crime in the city is one of Sucalit's objectives.

Between June 2, 2023 and July 2, during police anti-criminality operations, 10 drug personalities were detained and 6.3 grams of suspected shabu worth P42,840 were confiscated.

The police also arrested 12 wanted persons and 28 others involved in illegal gambling.

“Kining atong ilegal nga sugal sagol-sagol ni siya dunay nadakpan ilegal nga swertres naa usab sa tong-its ug sabong,” Sucalit said.

(There are various types of illegal gambling; some are caught playing swertres, some playing tong-its, and others doing illegal cockfighting).

The police visited the homes of people whose gun permits had not been renewed as part of their campaign against illicit firearms, of whom two turned in their firearms, and three others had theirs confiscated.

The majority of the drivers who received 335 citation fines from the Carcar City police were not wearing helmets. (BBT, TPT)

AFTER 10 months since the swimming prohibition was put in place due to a high level of fecal coliform, the municipality of Cordova on Mactan Island will now allow visitors to swim in Bantayan Bay in Barangay Poblacion starting Sunday, July 16, 2023.

This was announced by Cordova Mayor Cesar "Didoy" Suan during a flag-raising ceremony last Monday, July 3.

Suan hoped that Bantayan Bay will now be ready for bathing and swimming activities not only for the Cordovahanons but also for other visitors from other places.

After the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB 7) discovered a high level of fecal coliform in the waters off Cordova, Suan announced on August 15, last year that swimming in the area was no longer safe.

In contrast to the allowed threshold of only 100 mpn per 100 ml, the Cordova local government previously reported that the faecal coliform level in the area had reached 2,400 most probable numbers (mpn) per 100 milliliters (ml).

But Suan said that the level of fecal coliform in Bantayan Bay has now dropped to 0.8 mpn per 100 ml.

“So, we will open it to the public by July 16," Suan remarked.

To make sure that the cleanliness of the area is maintained, Suan also tasked the municipal tourism officer and other concerned officials to hold seminars for all stakeholders who are currently operating in Bantayan Bay, including boat operators and other individuals who offer swimming-related activities.

However, the local government clarified that no cottages are allowed to operate in Bantayan Bay.

To avoid polluting the seawater, the local government will also install public comfort rooms at the Marine Watch Office.

"Kabaw ko, modagsa na ang bisita coming from different munisipyo or cities, kay nindot gyud baya ni atong lugar. So para magpabilin siya nga nindot ug limpyo, mag-seminar sa ta og two weeks para gikan sa basura, gikan sa pagpangihi, gikan sa unsa pa, nga atoang mapadayon nga limpyo atong lugar," according to the mayor.

(I’m confident that more visitors from other municipalities or cities will come because our place is really beautiful. So in order to maintain its beauty and cleanliness, we will hold a seminar for two weeks to help us keep our place free of garbage, pee, and other messes).

Apart from mangroves, the municipality has sandbar and beautiful beaches which they can offer to visitors. (ANV, TPT)

WHAT WENT BEFORE. Last June 27, 2023, members of the MCWD Employees Union (MEU) -- under a new set officers elected January this year -- withdrew a petition filed September 21, 2022 with the Visayas ombudsman, asking for the removal of board chairman Jose Daluz III and its directors.

Earlier, on June 16, City Legal Office (CLO) head Jerone Castillo announced that the CLO has recommended the termination of Joey Daluz and two directors as a result of its investigation on a clutch of alleged irregularities committed by them. The charges were contained in the MEU petition that the ombudsman endorsed "for appropriate action" to Mayor Michael Rama, for which Rama, several months later, ordered a CLO inquiry.

WHAT JUST HAPPENED. The MEU, through its president, Samuel P. Suson, earlier in a public statement said the members weren't consulted by the previous officers about the petition and the complaint was "based on unfounded allegations."

Monday, July 3, Suson went beyond that. Suson told me they are "correcting a wrong" committed by the past officers and the new officers are "protecting the union as a whole." Suson in a letter to me said the said officers "intentionally neglected to present their factual basis" to support their allegations. (Did the previous officers have factual basis but deliberately omitted it from the petition?) And they forgot, Sison said, to mention that pandemic Covid-19 and the super-typhoon Odette severely affected MCWD operations.

Suson -- supervising warehouse officer of MCWD's property materials department -- expanded his previous statement to include "malicious imputation and disinformation" by the previous union officers.

UNION'S VIEW ON DALUZ PERFORMANCE. To the slew of charges in the September 2022 petition, which the incumbent officers and members withdrew in June 2023, the MEU has a justification: Covid and Odette. Yet despite the two major disasters, Suson said, MCWD "did not stop to do its best to provide for their consumers."

Patting the back of "our general membership," Suson, an MCWD employee for 34 years, told me the members "did not fret but continued to serve, braving all difficulties brought by the pandemic and the calamity." Earlier, the MEU resolution said the board under Daluz has "demonstrated independence, integrity and exceptional leadership" -- lavish praise that didn't come from the previous officers who wanted "off with your heads" for Daluz and his colleagues. Suson, leading the new set of officers, said "the conditions of running the MCWD have ultimately improved."

LIMITS ON LIABILITY OF MCWD BOARD, DIRECTORS. The Local Water Utilities Act of 1973 limits functions of the water districts such as MCWD to "establishing policy." "It shall not engage in the detailed management of the district." The chairman and the directors may be blamed for irregular contracts but how much of MCWD's work cannot be laid at Daluz's and other directors' door? Could consumers blame the directors for slow trickle from MCWD faucets and steep price of water they don't get or have to wait for at dawn? The law says "no director may be held personally liable for any action of the district."

Ah yes, they may be removed -- but only for just cause, after review and approval by LWUA.

2 FINDINGS ON SAME CASE. One, by the mayor's legal office, which found Daluz and his colleagues guilty of the irregularities and failures the previous MEU complained about.

Two, by the MCWD workers union, which found the petition baseless, having "no factual support."

Neither report of the CLO and the MEU disclosed how the inquiry was made by each and the facts they found. At least, the CLO report -- which was circulated, to, among others, the mayor, ombudsman and Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) -- must have contained the nature, extent and result of the department's inquiry.

But like the MEU's findings, no details were publicized.

LWUA has to look at the evidence to decide for or against Daluz and company. Expectedly, it will examine the documents in its hands. If LWUA investigators have done more than that, the public won't know until it reads its decision.

LWUA WILL ASSESS, DECIDE. LWUA, which oversees the local water districts, is also the authority that decides whether Joey Daluz and the two other MCWD board members should be removed or retained.

The Cebu City mayor has the right to appoint MCWD directors but, clearly, cannot cut their fixed terms short "without just cause" and without "review and approval by LWUA."

We suppose LWUA has mechanism for investigating complaints against directors and officials of a water district. But that's not familiar, or even known, to the public.

CAN UNION REPUDIATE PAST OFFICERS' ACTION? Suson made a distinction between (a) withdrawal of the petition by the general membership and (b) the new MEU officers' "approval and concurrence" to the withdrawal of the 2022 petition. The union wanted "to correct the wrong committed by the previous officers," he said.

That's what has made the withdrawal legal, Suson said. "It is within the power of the incumbent MEU officers to adopt a new resolution that will effectively revoke a previous resolution."

Mayor Rama on June 29 said the withdrawal didn't change the fact that MCWD employees had petitioned against their chairman and their two board members. Along that line but unsaid are these: the ombudsman already acted by passing it to the mayor, the mayor acted by ordering the City Legal Office to investigate, and the CLO made its recommendation to LWUA, the ombudsman and other agencies with some authority over MCWD, and of course must have gotten the side of Daluz and his two co-respondents.

It's now with LWUA and out of the hands of the city mayor and the MCWD Employees Union, I told Suson. He agreed but said, "That does not preclude members and officers of the union from making their stand known." MEU wanted, Suson said, to "dispel all misinformation and malicious imputation" of the previous MEU officers.

PUTTING ONE OVER RAMA. Aside from Mayor Rama's brief reaction (above) to the withdrawal of the petition, the mayor's camp has been quiet over the Daluz camp's move. While the case was deemed submitted when the CLO sent its recommendation and, probably, Daluz and company gave their side, the MEU move must have prompted LWUA to review the situation or look at it more closely. And the Daluz group scored some points on public opinion, chiefly because of the mayor's reticence; his city administrator, Atty. Collin Rosell, probably not getting a certified pass yet, didn't say a single word.

"Ultimately" though -- as Suson would say, not "bottom line," not "at the end of the day" -- it's how LWUA would resolve the case. And LWUA still has to tell the public its procedure on investigating a local water district. The losing party presumably could go to court -- but that would be another phase of the Daluz-Rama tug-of-war.

A 19-year-old man was arrested in a buy-bust operation by the members of the Mabolo Police Station and the City Intelligence Unit of the Cebu City Police Office at 10:30 p.m. on Monday, July 3, 2023 in Sitio Persimon. Lahing-lahing, Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City.

The suspect was identified as Reymart Badju Sayson alias Mamart, a resident of the said place.

Seized from him were packs of suspected shabu worth P37,060 and a .38 revolver.

According to Police Major Eraño Regidor, the head of Mabolo Police Station, Mamart has a reputation for being so tough that even his neighbors are terrified of him.

Before the buy-bust operation, the members of Special Weapons and Tactics and Mabolo Police Station received reports in the afternoon that Sayson shot another drug personality in the area only known as Askal but the latter managed to run.

Responding policemen recovered an empty shell of .45 pistol from the crime scene.

They, however, did not recover the .45 pistol used in the shooting.

“Usa pd ning bataa sa problema sa tanod sa Mabolo kay mahadlok sila kay armado, naa daw ni 38 ug caliber .45, ang 38 ra amo nakuha, Amo follow up karon ang cal. 45 ky naa daw gibilin ni certain Fredo usa ka gwardiya.,” according to Regidor.

(The tanods in Mabolo were having a difficult time dealing with this youngster because they are terrified of him because he is armed; he is said to have a .38 and a .45 caliber, but we only got the .38. We are now searching for the cal. 45 that was allegedly entrusted to a guard named Fredo).

Police said the suspect was also involved in car burglary incidents in Mabolo.

Regidor said that on March 29, 2023, the suspect exchanged gunfire with one Roy-Roy Mojado, an alleged hitman of a drug personality.

Regidor added that Mamart is also a leader of a gang.

He said that last January, Mamart also stabbed a man who was attending a New Year Mass at the Mabolo church, but the victim did not complain for fear that the suspect would come back.

Regidor revealed that Sayson's neighbors were pleased with the news of his detention. (AYB, TPT)

CEBU medical experts refute that vaping is much safer than smoking regular tobacco, as opposed to popular belief that vape pods (e-cigarettes) contain less harmful substances than their counterparts.

Experts from the Department of Health (DOH) 7, Cebu City Health Office and various medical groups gathered to fight against the use of both tobacco and vape smoke at Fort San Pedro in Cebu City last Friday, June 30, 2023.

The Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP-CV) 7 reiterated the danger of both practices to the lung health of the public.

The physicians cited as an example the first confirmed case of Evali (vape-associated lung injury) in Visayas in 2019, wherein a 16-year-old girl from Consolacion, Cebu reportedly smoked electronic and traditional cigarettes for over six months and experienced severe shortness of breath and required oxygen supplementation.

She was later admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a private hospital, as disclosed by the DOH.

DOH Non-Communicable Disease officer-in-charge Eugenia Mercedes Cañal said that this case was one of the reasons the campaign against smoking should intensify.

“The fact that the victim was a minor is very alarming, and it is all the more reason why vaping should be put to a halt here in Cebu City. With the programs we have already planned and soon to be executed, patients suffering from smoking-related diseases will be lessened,” she said.

According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey of 2021 released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), tobacco use decreased from 29.7 percent in 2009 to 23.8 percent in 2015 to 19.5 percent in 2021.

Nonetheless, one in every five Filipinos aged 15 years old and older, or 15.1 million, are current smokers.

Males use tobacco at a rate eight times higher (34.7 percent) than females (4.2 percent), according to Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD).

Hospital cost

It’s necessary to address the negative effects of vaping and tobacco since the medication and treatment for smoking-related diseases and illnesses cost more than a million pesos annually, according to PCCP-CV president Dr. Ma. Bernadita Sarcauga-Chua.

She said that a patient diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease pays at least P6,000 for the inhalers monthly, excluding treatments for other complications that might develop.

Medicines for those diagnosed with lung cancer cost around P5,000 for oral chemotherapy daily, or around P1.82 million per year.

She said these do not include payments for medical tests, facilities and the professional fees of attending doctors.

Misconception

Cañal said that many people believe that e-cigarettes are safer than regular tobacco smoking. However, e-cigarettes are just as harmful due to the foreign chemicals added to the liquid used inside the pods. “One of the misconceptions about smoking is that it only hits the lungs, when in fact, it also affects the entire body,” she said.

Sarcauga-Chua emphasized the importance of having the will to quit smoking and how seeking medical assistance can help. / Miguel Angelu Lumen and Kimberly Goc-ong, CNU Interns

AS THE implementation of the Paleng-QR PH Plus draws nearer in Mandaue City, vendors and riders, who are expected to adopt the program, have not fully embraced the digital payment system yet.

Out of the 700 vendors and 250 riders in the city, only around 137 vendors and eight riders have adopted the mandatory GCash app for the program.

The City Government plans to launch the Paleng-QR PH Plus in the Mandaue City Public Market (MCPM) on its 54th Charter Day celebration on Aug. 30, 2023.

MCPM head Cesar Mercadal said on Monday, July 3, 2023, that they are currently at around 20 percent completion in preparing for the full implementation of the digitalization of the transactions of tricycle drivers and vendors in the market.

Mercadal said they are waiting for other stakeholders eager to participate in the innovation to be ready.

There are still market vendors who are not yet convinced about the planned digitalization.

He said it is a challenge for the City to change the mindset of people and to teach drivers and vendors how to use gadgets like smartphones.

“The advantage of the program is they (vendors and riders) can avoid falling victim to fake money...because the transactions are cashless,” Mercadal said in Cebuano.

Some vendors have expressed fear of venturing into digitalization, especially the elderly who are having difficulty in using smartphones.

Mercadal said to address this, they aim for their Graphical User Interface (GUI) to be more user-friendly.

Businesses should be able to rely on the app so that when threats of catastrophes occur, businesses can easily shift to online selling and diversify their marketing strategies through the Paleng-QR.

Digital payment

The Paleng-QR PH Plus was launched by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Department of the Interior and Local Government in November last year.

It promotes cashless payments as an alternative to cash in purchasing goods at public markets and in paying fares for public utility vehicles, with transactions typically being done through the QR codes of digital wallet apps such as GCash.

In Cebu, Lapu-Lapu City was the first to fully implement the program last Feb. 17.

In March 2023, City Ordinance 165-2022 was passed. It enjoined all business establishments and local transportation in Mandaue City to adopt QR PH digital payments.

The ordinance was in line with the Central Bank’s aim to minimize the printing of money. (HIC)

A YEAR since assuming office as mayor, Michael Rama has outlined the policy direction his administration aims to pursue, including the completion of the construction of the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) before his term ends in 2025.

Earlier this year, Rama had said that he wanted the CCMC fully operational by the last quarter of 2023. The construction of the 10-story CCMC started on July 4, 2014. The old hospital building was demolished after it was damaged by the 2013 Central Visayas earthquake.

The mayor delivered a speech during a Thanksgiving Dinner at Marco Polo Plaza Hotel on Monday night, July 3, 2023.

In the speech, Rama wants to establish five mini hospitals in the city; create a boulevard and constructing boardwalks along the recovered three-meter easement; and complete socialized housing projects in both the south and north districts.

Earlier in the day, Rama delivered his State of the City Address (Soca) at Plaza Sugbu through an audiovisual presentation (AVP).

The presentation highlighted his achievements and outlined future plans, including the construction of a second dam, which was pledged by Filipino billionaire Enrique Razon. However, during a press conference after his Soca, Rama mentioned that he is still waiting for the feasibility study to be conducted. Currently, Cebu City’s only dam is located in Barangay Buhisan.

Rama’s AVP also mentioned the plan to install cable cars in the city’s hinterlands, among other projects.

Those in attendance included Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Cebu City Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Terrence Calatrava, and most of the city councilors. Diplomats from other countries also listened to Rama’s Soca—Japanese Consul General Hideki Yamaji, Korean Consul General Song Sewon and Chinese Consul General Zhang Zhen.

Committed

At the Thanksgiving Dinner, Rama said he is committed to finishing the construction of CCMC before his term ends.

In addition to the Guba Community Hospital, he plans to build more satellite hospitals across the city, with an initial focus on serving the north, south, east, west, and central parts of the city. He also intends to convert health centers into mini hospitals.

Addressing the issue of encroachment along the city’s riverbanks, Rama is determined to recover and clear the three-meter easement.

More than 6,000 families have been identified as residing within this zone. Once the recovery is complete, Rama said he envisions building boardwalks and a boulevard as part of the river rehabilitation efforts, aligning with the Gubat sa Baha initiative aimed at mitigating flooding.

Ensuring the completion of socialized housing projects, such as the South Coastal Urban Development and North Coastal Urban Development, within his term is another priority for Rama.

Rama has set several other goals to be achieved during the next two years of his term:

Creating a rubbish-free city by encouraging innovative solutions from the City’s contractors for the rubbish-free campaign.

Prompt payment of all payables to suppliers and service providers.

Ensuring no delay in salary payments for employees and job orders.

Efficiently managing payables under the City Hospitalization Assistance and Medicines Program (CHAMP).

Utilizing intelligence funds to maintain peace and order in the city.

Engaging the shipping industry to revolutionize while ensuring efficient and cost-effective delivery of goods and materials to the city.

Exploring the possibility of relocating the container yard outside the city.

Establishing mass transit options such as cable cars, trains, monorails, and water buses. (JJL WITH RJM)

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) has terminated its contract with the advertising agency responsible for its new tourism campaign, “Love the Philippines,” due to the use of stock footage falsely depicting scenes in the Philippines in its tourism video.

The DOT has expressed “outrage and extreme disappointment” over the issue, which has attracted coverage from international news organizations such as the Guardian and BBC in the United Kingdom, as well as CNN in the U.S.

In a statement on Monday, July 3, 2023, the DOT said DDB Philippines failed to fulfill its obligations under the contract and directly contradicted the agency’s objectives for the enhanced tourism branding.

“Under the terms governing the DOT’s tourism branding campaign contract with DDB Philippines, ‘material/s produced by the winning bidder should be original and aligned with the DOT’s advocacies.’ Further, ‘the DOT reserves the right to change, suspend, or discontinue temporarily or permanently the contract at any time should the DOT deem the agency incapable of the project,’” the agency said.

“No payments have been made by DOT to DDB under the tourism branding campaign contract. The DOT shall exercise its right to forfeit performance security as a result of default in obligations under the contract, as well to review standards of performance or lack thereof vis-a-vis any claims for payment and/or any other engagement. Further, the DOT reserves the right to take all other action against acts deemed inimical to the interest of Philippine tourism,” it added.

Ad firm’s apology

DDB Philippines has apologized to the DOT and the public, acknowledging the use of non-original footage for the audiovisual presentation (AVP), which was a focal point of the DOT’s new tourism campaign launch last week.

Instead of showcasing tourist destinations in the country, footage from other countries was mistakenly used in the AVP.

The video has already been taken down from YouTube as well as from DOT’s official Facebook page.

Defending daughter

Blogger Sass Rogando Sasot exposed the use of stock footage on Facebook, revealing that it contained stock video clips from Storyblocks, a subscription-based stock footage service, which were not shot in the Philippines.

This revelation sparked further criticisms against the DOT, which had already faced criticism for replacing the previous campaign, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.”

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia has come to the defense of her daughter, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.

The governor also expressed her dissatisfaction with the ensuing “brouhaha” caused by Sasot, considering it to be excessive.

“Dearest Sass, I love my daughter very much and will always stand up and speak out for her, if and when I believe she has been treated quite unfairly. I guess that’s what all mothers will do for their own children,” said Garcia on her Facebook post Monday.

Garcia thanked Sasot for highlighting the errors, which prompted an investigation by the DOT.

The governor assured that she would not interfere in her daughter’s work.

Switzerland poster

On July 2, Garcia posted a photo on her Facebook page showing an old tourism campaign poster of Switzerland, with the text “It’s more fun in Switzerland.”

The governor captioned her post: “Oh wow. All this BROUHAHA about alleged mistaken VIDEO SHOTS, for which ‘NO PUBLIC FUNDS HAVE BEEN SPENT...’ And THIS?

SOUNDS FAMILIAR? Any VIOLENT REACTIONS?”

Garcia was referring to the tourism campaign, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines,” which was used from 2012 to 2023.

Sasot’s reply

On the same day, Sasot tagged Garcia in a Facebook post and asked the governor to explain why she was “fixing something that is not broken,” and inquired if the same approach was being applied in Cebu Province.

“Bilang government official po, pwede po bang pakiliwanagan kami kung anong morality and efficiency na you are fixing something that is not broken? Kayo po ba dyaan sa Cebu Province eh mahilig magkumpuni ng mga bagay na hindi naman sira?” read Sasot’s post.

(As a government official, can you please enlighten us on the morality and efficiency of fixing something that is not broken? Are you fond of fixing things that are not broken in Cebu Province.)

‘Love Cyprus’

Sasot also mentioned the similarity between the tourism slogans of Cyprus and the Philippines.

Sasot asked the governor if she was aware that Cyprus’s current tourism slogan is “Love Cyprus,” which has no difference from the Philippines’ “Love the Philippines.”

“Aware po ba kayo Governor na ang pangkasalukuyang tourism slogan ng CYPRUS eh “Love Cyprus,” tapos tayo eh “Love Philippines.” Parang awkward no?” Sasot wrote.

(Are you aware, Governor, that the current tourism slogan of Cyprus is ‘Love Cyprus,’ while ours is ‘Love the Philippines’? It seems a bit awkward, doesn’t it?)

In her Facebook post Monday, Garcia reacted to Sasot’s question: “Kayo po ba dyaan sa Cebu Province eh mahilig magkumpuni ng mga bagay na hindi naman sira?”

Garcia’s invitation

The governor invited Sasot to visit Cebu again, since it had been years since they last saw each other in Cebu City.

“That was when I had the privilege to meet you in person, someone I had always had the greatest respect and admiration for. You had always impressed me as one who would rather engage in erudite discussion rather than resort to crass name calling,” Garcia said.

“I would like to invite you to come and visit Cebu again, this time, sa CEBU PROVINCE talaga, and not Cebu City,” she added.

At 2:32 p.m. Monday, Sasot posted a reply on her Facebook page with a heart emoji.

“Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, thank you for your post. Don’t worry, I love Cebu a lot. Kalami!” Sasot said. (TPM, CNU INTERN GK MARIE DEJACTO, KAL)

AYALA Healthcare Holdings Inc. (AC Health) officially unveiled QualiMed Manila’s new brand name, Healthway QualiMed Manila. This comes after the rebranding launches of the Healthway QualiMed Hospital Santa Rosa, Healthway QualiMed Hospital San Jose del Monte, and Healthway QualiMed Hospital Iloilo.

The series of signage unveilings marks the integration of all of AC Health’s hospitals and clinics under the Healthway Medical Network (HMN) brand.

The rebranding comes with a promise to deliver “Care Beyond Cure” anchored on “Connected Care Circles,” HMN’s innovative model of integrated care within the network. “Care Beyond Cure’s” promise is to provide human-centric care, not just addressing the patient’s medical wellness but his overall well-being.

The “Connected Care Circles” offers high-quality and coordinated care throughout the entire patient journey. The integration focuses on healthcare providers working together to deliver the holistic needs of patients, from primary, multi-specialty, to specialized care. It also recognizes the importance of a strong and cohesive network of outpatient clinics and hospitals to respond to the needs of patients across the entire health continuum.

“Our outpatient clinics and our ambulatory surgery center here in Healthway QualiMed Manila are critical to meeting the diverse healthcare needs of our patients,” said Jaime Ysmael, CEO of Healthway Medical Network. “To further strengthen our integration, we are launching a unified health information system so that patients can go to our different clinics and hospitals, and our medical teams can easily collaborate to care for them, wherever they may be in our network.”

Healthway QualiMed Manila also continues to extend its patient reach through its long-term partnership with the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) and the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). Under this partnership, doctors from UPM and PGH conduct their outpatient consultations, diagnostic procedures, and surgeries at Healthway QualiMed Manila. Furthermore, it powers the round-the-clock medicine delivery service of KonsultaMD within Metro Manila.

Aside from the integration of the business units under the Healthway Medical Network brand, patients will also benefit from the AC Health ecosystem, which encompasses various healthcare touchpoints such as pharma and digital health. The other subsidiaries of AC Health include Generika Drugstore, IE Medica, MedEthix, and KonsultaMD in partnership with Globe’s 917 Ventures.

“At AC Health, our vision is to create an integrated ecosystem spanning the entire continuum of healthcare. Over the past few years, we have made investments in different sectors of health, and today, our network consists of 3 pillars - pharma, digital health, and clinics and hospitals. But we know our work is far from complete. We want to further expand our services and touch the lives of 1 in every 5 Filipinos by 2030,” said Paolo Borromeo, president, and chief executive officer of AC Health.

Healthway Medical Network is a central component of the AC Health ecosystem as it is the primary avenue for delivery of outpatient and inpatient healthcare services.

“Covid showed that as a country, we need to devote more resources to healthcare if we are to ensure people’s welfare and our country’s continued growth. That’s why we are investing in AC Health’s expansion so that it becomes even more relevant and more inclusive,” said Ayala Corp. president and chief operating officer Cezar Consing.

Healthway Medical Network plans to open three more multispecialty centers in Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao, expanding the Healthway Medical Network to a total of 15 outpatient centers by the end of 2023. (SPONSORED CONTENT)

ARTHALAND, a prominent sustainable real estate developer in the Philippines, has made a significant milestone with its groundbreaking initiative, Healthy Hauls.

Collaborating with the esteemed social enterprise Rural Rising, the program aims to address two critical community issues: improving access to fresh and nutritious food and supporting local farmers.

With a commitment to sustainability, wellness, and high-quality design, Arthaland is setting new standards in the industry while making a positive impact on communities and the environment.

Promoting Sustainability and Supporting Local Farmers

Arthaland's focus on sustainability has earned it the distinction of being the only real estate developer in the Philippines with a 100 percent certified sustainable portfolio.

By partnering with Rural Rising, a champion of fair trade and community support, Arthaland is making significant strides in fostering positive change.

Rural Rising's dedication to empowering farmers, closing the loop of debt for farmer families, and promoting native crops has inspired this collaboration, uniting like-minded entities with a shared vision.

The Healthy Hauls in Action

The Healthy Hauls initiative is all about making a tangible difference in communities.

Through this program, Arthaland and Rural Rising are distributing healthy food packages directly to those in need.

The recent Healthy Hauls drive at the Cebu Exchange in Lahug, Cebu City, last June 26, 2023, witnessed the distribution of a staggering 6.6 tons of fresh fruits and vegetables sourced from local farmers in Cebu.

Eight institutions including Gasa sa Gugma, St. Josephine Vannini Home of the Aged, Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, Children's Shelter of Cebu, SOS Children's Village Cebu, Guadalupe Elementary School, Don Vicente Rama Memorial National High School, and Abellana National High School were the fortunate beneficiaries of this generosity.

The gratitude and joy seen on the faces of the recipients underscored the impact made by the initiative.

Unity, Kindness, and Gratitude

The Healthy Hauls drive provided an opportunity to witness the power of unity, kindness, and gratitude.

The children of SOS Children's Village Cebu showcased their talents with a captivating dance performance, reminding everyone present of the significance of coming together to create positive change.

Such moments reaffirm Arthaland's commitment to fostering a healthier future for all, where unity and gratitude are the driving forces behind the meaningful impact.

The Healthy Hauls attracted immense participation and support from the local community with individuals, organizations, and volunteers rallying together to contribute their time, talent, and resources to ensure the success of the initiative.

This collective engagement demonstrated the community's dedication to promoting sustainability and supporting local farmers, illustrating the power of united action.

Looking Ahead

Arthaland and Rural Rising express their heartfelt gratitude to all those who played a role in making the Healthy Hauls initiative a success.

The collaboration between these two entities serves as a shining example of how businesses and social enterprises can work together to create a lasting and positive impact.

This successful endeavor inspires further efforts to support sustainable practices, empower local farmers, and build stronger, more resilient communities.

Arthaland's Healthy Hauls initiative is a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to sustainability, wellness, and community welfare.

By partnering with Rural Rising, Arthaland can make a substantial impact on improving food accessibility and supporting local farmers.

This collaborative effort has garnered immense support and engagement from the community, highlighting the power of collective action in creating meaningful change. Arthaland's Healthy Hauls initiative sets the stage for future endeavors, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for all. (SPONSORED CONTENT)

DREAMING of the picture-perfect wedding by the beach? Club Serena Resort in Moalboal, Cebu is the perfect place to say, “I do.”

With its stunning location, all-inclusive wedding packages, and dedicated team of experts, Club Serena Resort promises to make your special day an unforgettable experience.

Club Serena recently participated in the Kasalan sa Kotilyon 2023 wedding showcase at Ayala Center Cebu last June 30 to July 2, 2023.

The prestigious event served as a platform for Club Serena to showcase its commitment to providing couples with the ultimate destination wedding experience.



Club Serena General Manager Rafael John Bautista delivers the closing remarks at the Kasalan Kotilyon 2023.

General Manager Rafael John Bautista said in an interview that Club Serena seeks to be the premier resort for intimate destination weddings.

"We want to provide the best service in the best destination for couples to hold their weddings," said Bautista.

What sets Club Serena apart is its exquisite wedding packages. The resort offers a range of options to suit every couple's desires and preferences.

From indoor to beach weddings, Club Serena can accommodate up to 100 guests, ensuring an intimate and memorable celebration.

The all-inclusive packages cover every aspect of your wedding, including venue styling, delectable canapés, refreshing cocktails, and two hours of free-flowing juice.

As an added touch of luxury, the packages also include a two-night stay in the resort's opulent ocean suite, allowing the newlyweds to relax and unwind in style.



Club Serena Resort booth at the Kasalan Kotilyon 2023.

The Team

Behind the scenes, a team of dedicated professionals brings the wedding vision to life.

Club Serena Resort is proud to have the expertise of Jaymar Enriquez from Enriquez Embellishments as the Location Stylist.

Jaymar Enriquez - Location stylist

Jaymar Enriquez, the mastermind behind Enriquez Embellishments, discovered his flair for decorating at an early age. With a background in Hotel and Restaurant Management, his journey as a stylist began during his college years.

After gaining experience through various hotel projects and collaborations with establishments like Cebu Grand Hotel, Hotel Elizabeth, and Cebu Parklane International Hotel, he has become a trusted name in the events styling industry.

Jaymar's expertise extends to seasonal events decoration, including Sinulog, Valentines, Summer, and Christmas.

His creative touch has adorned several notable venues, such as PDI Condominium, South Town Center, Pig and Palm, and esteemed families in Cebu society.

With his eye for detail and a passion for bringing visions to life, Jaymar ensures that every wedding at Club Serena Resort is adorned with captivating decor.

Gianne Paolo Anciano - Photographer and Videographer

Gianne Paolo Anciano, the skilled photographer and videographer of GPA Art & Photography, has been capturing moments of beauty and significance from a young age.

Representing Visayan pride in Photo Journalism and Editorial Cartooning at the age of twelve, Gianne's passion for photography blossomed. With a Bachelor's degree in Architecture and a Master's Degree in General Business Management, his diverse educational background adds depth and creativity to his work.

Gianne's photography expertise ranges from fashion editorials and local pageants to showcasing hotels and restaurants.

As an official photographer for prestigious events like Man of the Philippines, Queen of Cebu, and Miss Universe Cebu Candidates, he has a keen eye for capturing the essence of every occasion. Gianne's sumptuous photos can be seen in various establishments, immersing viewers in the beauty of each moment.

John Espinoza - Hair and Makeup Artist

John Espinoza, a freelance Makeup Artist based in Cebu, Philippines, believes in the transformative power of makeup.

With a passion for bridal and fashion makeup, his team specialized in enhancing the beauty of individuals for special occasions such as weddings, prenup photoshoots, films, and commercials.

John's journey as a makeup artist began after working for a movie production firm, where he discovered his love for cosmetics and beauty.

With experience in working on international and local movies, commercial shoots, print ad campaigns, and fashion shows, John has honed his skills and expanded his expertise to cover various domains of makeup artistry.

His ultimate satisfaction lies in making clients feel good about themselves, allowing their inner beauty to shine through. With a commitment to excellence, John and his team ensure that every bride at Club Serena Resort feels truly radiant on her special day.

Unparalleled experience

Club Serena Resort aims to provide couples with an unparalleled wedding experience. From the moment you choose Club Serena as your wedding destination, you embark on a journey of personalized service and attention to detail.

The resort's goal is to create a seamless and stress-free experience, allowing you to focus on creating cherished memories with your loved ones.



Jaymar Enriquez (leftmost, seated) leads the location styling for weddings in Club Serena.

Whether you envision an intimate beach wedding or a romantic garden ceremony, Club Serena Resort has everything you need to bring your dream wedding to life.

With its breathtaking venues, customizable packages, and a team of talented professionals, Club Serena Resort ensures that your special day will be truly unforgettable.

Say "I do" in paradise and let Club Serena Resort be the backdrop to your love story.

Experience the epitome of destination weddings and create memories that will last a lifetime.

REGIE Suganob failed in his bid to become a world champion after losing to International Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight champion Sivenathi Nontshinga by unanimous decision last Monday dawn, July 3, 2023 (PH time), at the International Convention Centre in East London, South Africa.

The 25-year-old Suganob stepped in the ring ready to fight and dethrone the defending champion. But Nontshinga, a savvy tactician, didn’t want to do anything with Suganob and backpedaled most of the fight and was content in scoring points with his counter attacks.

Suganob’s aggressiveness backfired in the opening round after he was caught by Nontshinga with a counter right hook that dropped him to the canvas near the end of the stanza. Suganob quickly got back up to his feet and survived the round.

Suganob was the aggressor all night, while Nontshinga was content with just throwing the occasional counter punches and backing up out of harm’s way. He also constantly clinched Suganob when he found himself in trouble.

Despite Suganob’s aggressiveness, the judges felt that Nontshinga was the winner by a wide margin.

Filipino judge Gil Co and French judge Jerome Lades had identical scores of 116-111, while French judge Ammar Sakraoui saw it 117-110 all in favor of the 24-year-old Nontshinga.

Nontshinga and his team were so confident that even before the scorecards were read, they were already celebrating their victory.

“We are sad, but we are motivated to be better. I know they will meet again because both fighters are young. Our team is shocked with the scoring. As we predicted, Nontshinga will always run,” said Suganob’s handler, PMI Boxing head honcho Floriezyl Echavez Podot.

Suganob will be back to the drawing board and will try to work his way back to the top for another world title shot in the near future.

“We’ll wait where Regie will land in the rankings. Then we will decide who to challenge next for a regional title. Hopefully next year we will get another shot at a world title,” Podot told SunStar Cebu. “He’s very upset with the scorecards but he’s in high spirits.”

Suganob suffered his first career defeat and dropped to 13-1 with four knockouts, while Nontshinga had a successful first title defense and remained undefeated at 12-0 with nine knockouts. / EKA

MILAN Melindo hit another snag in his career after losing his Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) Silver featherweight belt to South Korean prospect Jong Seon Kang by unanimous decision in Gwangju City, South Korea.

Melindo controlled the first few rounds and continuously landed his left and body shots. Kang, the taller and longer fighter, tried to capitalize with his reach advantage but Melindo kept the distance close.

Kang was already bleeding through his nose from an uppercut by Melindo in the second round.

In the third round Melindo landed a right straight that wobbled Kang. He tried to finish him off with a barrage of combinations but Kang was saved by the bell.

The 35-year-old Melindo continued where he left off in the previous round and dominated Kang again with his accurate punches in the fourth. He landed a timed right overhand that backed Kang.

Melindo suffered a gash on his left eye, which was caused apparently by a punch.

Melindo still kept his composure and continued to land with his left.

The referee had Melindo’s cut checked near the end of the seventh round but the physician allowed him to continue.

Kang started to come alive in the eighth round and was very aggressive, throwing punches in bunches. He landed a solid left hook to the body of Melindo, who was bleeding profusely from the cut. The referee stopped the fight momentarily to have the gash checked but the ring physician still allowed Melindo to continue.

In the ninth, Kang continued to be aggressive and targeted Melindo’s cut. The referee had to stop the fight again to have the cut checked out but he was again allowed to continue.

In the 10th round, the referee had Melindo’s cut checked again for the fourth time but he was still cleared to continue. If the physician decided to stop the fight Melindo would have lost by technical knockout because the cut was caused by a punch. Melindo slowed down in the final round and Kang continued to throw jabs and straights to Melindo’s head.

Two judges had identical scores of 96-94, while the other judge scored 98-93 for Kang.

Melindo was appalled by the decision of the judges and the performance of the referee.

“The decision is so bad. I am the titleholder. I rallied from rounds one to six and the cut was caused by an illegal blow. I know I wouldn’t get cut by a clear punch because I could clearly see the punches when there was still no blood in my eye. At the same time, even though I was boodied he never landed a solid punch on my face. All his punches landed on my arm. I don’t blame Kang but the judges and the referee weren’t good enough. They should have been fair with their decision and be neutral to preserve the quality fighters that can show more in the world. Even though you watch that fight again and again, there’s no way that the opponent will beat me. I never went down and he never dominated. My face was clean except for the cut,” Melindo told SunStar Cebu.

“This type of judging can cause us to lose our trust with the officials. I’ve been in boxing for a long time, so I know how the fight is going, if I’m winning or not.”

Melindo dropped to 39-6 with 14 knockouts. He suffered his first loss since returning to the ring last year after coming off from a long layoff in 2019.

Kang improved to 17-1-2 with nine knockouts. / EKA